Two-time Academy Award winner Robert De Niro anchors Netflix’s political thriller Zero Day, taking on his first major television series lead role. Created by Eric Newman, Noah Oppenheim, and Michael S. Schmidt, the six-episode limited series plunges viewers directly into the high-stakes corridors of American power during a catastrophic national emergency.

A Former President Recalled to Service

De Niro stars as George Mullen, a respected former President of the United States, prosecutor, and Vietnam War veteran living a quiet life after leaving public office. His retirement is shattered when a coordinated, highly sophisticated cyberattack strikes the country. The attack disables critical infrastructure—paralyzing power grids, telecommunications, and transit systems, resulting in widespread panic and thousands of casualties.

In response to the unprecedented disaster, current President Evelyn Mitchell (Angela Bassett) appoints Mullen to chair the newly formed “Zero Day Commission”. Granted extensive powers to investigate the perpetrators, Mullen is tasked with bringing stability and truth to a panicked nation.

A Web of Lies, Political Intrigue, and Paranoia

As Mullen dives into the investigation alongside a team of top officials, he quickly discovers that identifying the source of the cyberattack is far from straightforward. The line between national defense and political posturing blurs, exposing hidden agendas across intelligence agencies, foreign operatives, tech billionaires, and Capitol Hill politicians.

Adding to the tension is the personal toll on Mullen himself. Balancing his duty with complex family dynamics—including his estranged daughter, Congresswoman Alexandra Mullen (Lizzy Caplan), who leads an oversight committee monitoring her father’s commission—Mullen is forced to navigate shifting loyalties, deep-seated secrets, and rising doubts about who can truly be trusted in Washington.

A Powerhouse Ensemble Cast

Beyond De Niro, Zero Day boasts an impressive supporting ensemble that brings the high-pressure political world to life:

• Angela Bassett as President Evelyn Mitchell, the sitting leader who taps Mullen to head the special commission.

• Lizzy Caplan as Alexandra Mullen, George’s daughter and a fierce Congresswoman overseeing the investigation.

• Jesse Plemons as Roger Carlson, Mullen’s dedicated longtime body man and personal aide.

• Connie Britton as Valerie Whitesell, a savvy political strategist maneuvering behind the scenes.

• Joan Allen as Sheila Mullen, the former First Lady balancing her loyalty to her husband with her family’s protection.

• Matthew Modine and Dan Stevens round out the cast as influential figures within the government and media landscapes.

Where to Watch

All six episodes of Zero Day are available to stream globally on Netflix.