Netflix just dropped first trailer for new thriller — and it’s one of my most anticipated shows of 2025

Robert De Niro as George in "Zero Day" coming to Netflix in February 2025 — (Image credit: Netflix)

Netflix is gearing up for an exciting slate of new shows in 2025, and one of the standout titles is “Zero Day,” a conspiracy thriller that marks Robert De Niro’s first proper TV role. This highly anticipated show is already on my must-watch list when it lands on the streaming service on February 20, 2025.

Created by Eric Newman and Noah Oppenheim, this limited series delves into the aftermath of a devastating nationwide cyberattack. De Niro takes center stage as a beloved former U.S. president tasked with leading the high-stakes investigation. “Zero Day is about the aftermath of a devastating cyberattack that kills thousands of people and threatens to push a nation already on the precipice over the edge,” Newman told Netflix.

Oppenheim also said: “The show also looks at the cost of power for those who are asked to take on these enormous challenges — what it means for them personally, and what it means for their families.”

De Niro takes the lead in uncovering the truth behind “Zero Day” in the gripping teaser, and he’s clearly not backing down. As Angela Bassett’s President Mitchell tells him in the trailer, “People will believe what they need to believe.”

The trailer also shows Jesse Plemons as Roger Carlson, the former aide to George Mullen. Now a savvy fixer and unapologetic hustler, Roger is determined to reclaim his place on the national stage alongside Mullen. Lizzy Caplan also appears as Alexandra Mullen, a rising congressional representative from New York who’s worked tirelessly to carve out her own path and break free from her father’s imposing political shadow.

If this has you intrigued, here’s everything you need to know about “Zero Day” ahead of its February 2025 premiere.

What is ‘Zero Day’ about?

Robert De Niro as George in "Zero Day" — (Image credit: Jojo Whilden / Netflix)

“Zero Day” follows George Mullen (De Niro), a respected former president now leading the Zero Day Commission. Tasked with uncovering the culprits behind a catastrophic cyberattack that plunged the nation into chaos and claimed thousands of lives, Mullen faces an uphill battle.

As misinformation spreads and the ambitions of powerful players in technology, Wall Street and government collide, his relentless pursuit of the truth forces him to confront buried personal secrets and risk everything he holds dear.

What else do we know about ‘Zero Day’?

Robert De Niro and Angela Bassett in "Zero Day" — (Image credit: Netflix)

“Zero Day” marks De Niro’s debut as both an actor and executive producer in a TV series. Newman told Netflix: “As a lifelong fan of American cinema, no actor looms larger for me than Robert De Niro. To have him as a producing partner and star in this show is beyond our wildest dreams. I’m grateful to Netflix for their continued faith and support and thrilled to be in business with the amazing creative team of Noah, Lesli and Jonathan on this timely (and terrifying) series.”

Newman also added: “[De Niro] very much became our partner in this process — very hands-on, very involved, read everything at every stage, and it’s been an incredible honor and privilege. You can count on one hand the actors and actresses in history who bring this level of gravitas, pedigree, and talent to their work.”

Emmy winners Newman and Oppenheim, who wrote and created the series, will also serve as executive producers. Joining them is Pulitzer Prize-winning writer Michael S. Schmidt, who contributes as both a writer and executive producer, alongside Jonathan Glickman. Academy Award nominee Lesli Linka Glatter, known for her work on “Homeland,” will direct all six episodes and serve as an executive producer as well.

“Zero Day” is set to feature six episodes and is currently planned as a limited series. The cast also includes Connie Britton as Valerie Whitesell, a sharp and strategic political operative; Dan Stevens as Evan Green, a charismatic yet polarizing host of a hugely popular political TV show; and Joan Allen as Sheila Mullen, a former first lady and nominee for a federal judgeship.

‘Zero Day’ already looks like a must-watch in 2025

Lizzy Caplan as Alexandra in "Zero Day" — (Image credit: Jojo Whilden / Netflix)

There are plenty of Netflix shows I’m excited about for next year, with “American Primeval” topping the list. However, after seeing the trailer for “Zero Day,” it instantly became one of my must-watches for 2025. This conspiracy thriller stands out because it feels like it’s been ripped straight from reality.

I’ve always been drawn to a good conspiracy thriller, especially one that stays on your mind. “Zero Day” dives into the fight to uncover the truth in a world on the brink, torn apart by forces that feel completely beyond our control. With conspiracy theories and deception everywhere these days, the show might even explore how much of this chaos is something we’ve created ourselves (or maybe just imagined).

Fortunately, we don’t have long to wait to see everything unfold, as “Zero Day” lands on Netflix on February 20, 2025. If you’re like me and don’t enjoy waiting, binge these Netflix shows to keep you entertained. You can also see what’s new on Netflix this week, including “Squid Game” season 2 and “Maestro in Blue” season 3.

Stream “Zero Day” on Netflix starting February 20, 2025.

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Alix is a Senior Streaming Writer at Tom’s Guide, which basically means watching the best movies and TV shows and then writing about them. It’s a dream job for someone who’s been obsessed with storytelling since she first figured out how to work a remote.

Before joining Tom’s Guide, Alix honed her skills as a staff writer with outlets like Screen Rant and Bough Digital, where she discovered her love for the entertainment industry.

She heads to the cinema every week as a tradition, no matter what’s showing. For her, movies aren’t just entertainment — they’re a ritual, a comfort, and a constant source of inspiration. When she’s not at her desk or at the cinema, you’ll probably find her deep into a horror video game on her PC.