Netflix’s ‘Zero Day’ Explores Fictional Politics in a Divided America

The political thriller stars Robert De Niro as a former president navigating a cyberattack, with themes reflecting contemporary political and cultural divides.

Robert De Niro stars as former President George Mullen in Netflix’s 'Zero Day,' his first major TV role, portraying a leader tasked with investigating a catastrophic cyberattack on the U.S.
The show examines themes of political division, truth, and leadership, drawing parallels to modern American politics and cultural shifts.
Angela Bassett plays the sitting fictional president, Evelyn Mitchell, while Lizzy Caplan portrays Alexandra Mullen, whose complex relationship with her father drives much of the narrative tension.
Critics highlight the series’ blend of political intrigue and interpersonal drama, with its depiction of a divided nation resonating with current cultural anxieties.
The show’s creators use heightened drama to question the evolving role of leadership in a fractured society, offering a mix of nostalgia and modern political commentary.