Critics left unimpressed by Robert De Niro’s new show: “a caricature of American earnestness”

nme.com:

Robert De Niro’s new TV series has been met with disappointed reactions from critics, who have been left unimpressed by the script and thinly-veiled real-life parallels.Netflix’s Zero Day is a political thriller that sees De Niro play former US President George Mullen.The plot revolves around a cyberattack that paralyses the nation, killing thousands.

Mullen is brought out of retirement to lead the Zero Day Commission, tasked with uncovering the truth behind the attack and identifying the perpetrators.

As the investigation deepens, political and personal challenges unfold.The show marks De Niro’s first television series lead, having mostly appeared in cinema during his illustrious career.

The series is directed by Lesli Linka Glatter, who helmed the show Homeland, and features Angela Bassett as the current US President.The Independent’s review said “even Robert De Niro cant save” the show from “poor plotting and bad writing”. “Ultimately, Zero Day is a very limited endeavour,” it reads. “It has limited capacity to surprise, limited interest in provoking, limited ability to entertain.