The Netflix limited series “Zero Day” debuted on February 20, 2025. Featuring Robert De Niro in his first television role as a former U.S. president tasked with investigating a massive cyberattack that cripples the country. The show blends political thriller elements with a conspiracy-driven narrative, exploring themes like technology being weaponized against society, the manipulation of truth, and even phenomena like “brain hacking” (referenced in connection to real-world issues like Havana Syndrome). It boasts an all-star cast, including Joan Allen, Jesse Plemons, Lizzy Caplan, Connie Britton, and Angela Bassett, and has been heavily covered in entertainment news.
So far the series has had only six episodes and there are mix reviews of critics and fans about the Netflix series. Robert De Niro, who has been one of the finest actors in Hollywood, again shines with his portrayal of the U.S. President. Besides, there are various other actors who have delivered powerful performances including Angela Bassett, Jesse Plemons, and Lizzy Caplan. Social media posts on X also highlight its release, with some users suggesting it’s “predictive programming” for real-world cyber events, though this remains speculative sentiment rather than news.
What is Zero Day?
In cybersecurity world, the “zero-day” vulnerability is an undiscovered flaw in software that hackers exploit before developers can patch it. These vulnerabilities are opportuntiies for cybercriminals and; even other coutnries who seek to wreak havoc on digital infrastructure of the rivals. Beyond the series, there’s no specific breaking news about a real-world “zero day” event (like a software vulnerability exploit) explicitly tied to today in the provided context. The show’s premise has sparked discussion about such possibilities.
Zero Day Final Episode
In the final episode of “Zero Day,” aired February 20, 2025, former President George Mullen (Robert De Niro) uncovers a conspiracy behind a deadly cyberattack. The culprits—Speaker Richard Dreyer (Matthew Modine), his daughter Alexandra (Lizzy Caplan), tech mogul Monica Kidder (Gaby Hoffmann), and billionaire Robert Lyndon (Clark Gregg)—aimed to unite America by sacrificing freedoms. Facing hallucinations and a hidden device, Mullen rejects President Evelyn Mitchell’s (Angela Bassett) cover-up, exposing the truth publicly.
The episode ends ambiguously as Mullen burns his memoir, hiding an affair and child with Valerie Whitesell (Connie Britton), choosing honesty over secrets. With Kidder’s death and the neuroweapon Proteus unresolved, critics find it rushed yet thought-provoking. Producer Eric Newman calls it a debate on truth’s cost, leaving viewers split on whether it’s triumph or turmoil.
Zero Day Cast
| Actor | Character | Role Description |
|---|---|---|
| Robert De Niro | George Mullen | Former U.S. President |
| Angela Bassett | Evelyn Mitchell | U.S. President |
| Matthew Modine | Richard Dreyer | Speaker of the House |
| Lizzy Caplan | Alexandra Mullen | Mullen’s daughter, congresswoman |
| Jesse Plemons | Roger Carlson | Mullen’s right-hand man, former political aide |
| Clark Gregg | Robert Lyndon | Billionaire, finance mogul |
| Gaby Hoffmann | Monica Kidder | Tech mogul |
| Joan Allen | Sheila Mullen | Former First Lady, Alexandra’s mother, federal bench nominee |
| Connie Britton | Valerie Whitesell | Mullen’s former chief of staff |
| Bill Camp | Jeremy Lasch | CIA Chief |
| Dan Stevens | Evan Green | Talk show host |
It is implied by the reports and online communities that the ending left many things unanswered. However, due to it being a miniseries, it is expected that Season 2 may not be released. IGN criticised this series and even called it “boring” while the Forbes says it is “terrifying”.
