Zero Day is causing a stir on Netflix with its star-studded cast and political thriller premise. Not only does it mark a rare foray onto the small screen from Academy Award-winning actor Robert De Niro, but it’s a thought-provoking thriller that entwines politics with cybersecurity concepts.
The series feels particularly timely in today’s political climate as it delves into corruption and technological advancement. Viewers looking for more top-notch political/cyberattack thrillers can use our guide to find the 10 best TV shows like Zero Day and where to watch them on platforms like Netflix, Hulu, Apple TV+, and more!
Designated Survivor
Designated Survivor is a political thriller that follows Tom Kirkman (Kiefer Sutherland), who abruptly finds himself sworn in as President of the United States after a devastating attack wipes out the presidential line of succession. Like Zero Day, it explores a country thrust into chaos and features an underlying mystery. Intense, cynical, intriguing, and unique, it’s perfect for viewers who have always wondered what would happen if a designated survivor ever was needed to fill the president’s shoes.
Homeland
Homeland is an espionage thriller that follows CIA agent Carrie Mathison (Claire Danes), who begins to suspect Marine Sgt. Nicholas Brody (Damian Lewis) of terrorist ties after he returns from captivity. It’s a masterful, well-acted, and thought-provoking take on post-9/11. Like Zero Day, Homeland explores the chaos and aftermath of terrorist attacks, thrives because of its dazzling cast, and provides excellent and timely political commentary.
Madam Secretary
Madam Secretary is an excellent choice for viewers seeking the politics of Zero Day with a little more drama and feminism. The series centers on Elizabeth McCord (Téa Leoni), a CIA analyst who reluctantly agrees to become the Secretary of State. With her capability and impartiality, she handles international and domestic crises while rising through the ranks of the White House. Madam Secretary boasts Zero Day's fast-paced and political nature but delves deeper into the President's cabinet's day-to-day duties and personal lives.
Mr. Robot
Mr. Robot will especially appeal to viewers who loved the zero-day cyberattack aspect of Zero Day. Mr. Robot delves into cyber technology with Elliot Alderson (Rami Malek), a cybersecurity employee by day and a vigilante hacker by night. However, the precarious balance between his two lifestyles is lost when an underground group recruits him to take down corporate America, including the company that employs him. With four seasons, Mr. Robot gives viewers a more thorough and accurate deep dive into hacking than Zero Day while delivering the same thrills, suspense, and social commentary.
Paradise
Paradise gives viewers Zero Day's political thriller aspect while adding some sci-fi dystopian flair. The series follows Secret Service Agent Xavier Collins (Sterling K. Brown), who finds the President of the United States dead. Finding himself a suspect, he races against the clock to solve the murder, but nothing about this situation is usual, as a surprise twist reveals early in the season. Paradise offers one of the best TV twists in recent times, thrives from creativity, and delivers on its political thriller/conspiracy premise. It is perfect for viewers who enjoyed Zero Day but wanted something more than a standard thriller.
Prime Target
Viewers who want the thriller aspect of Zero Day without as much overt politics may enjoy Prime Target, a thriller series centered around mathematics. In the series, Edward Brooks (Leo Woodall), a brilliant math student, is on the cusp of identifying a pattern of numbers that could compromise computer passwords worldwide. Naturally, Brooks is thrown into a conspiracy as high-profile figures seek to get their hands on his work. Like Zero Day, Prime Target doesn’t boast the most plausible premise, but it makes up for any shortcomings with its fast-paced, thrilling premise, making it the perfect popcorn thriller.
The Diplomat
The Diplomat follows Kate Wyler (Keri Russell), a capable diplomat who reluctantly accepts the high-stakes role of the United States ambassador to the United Kingdom during a global crisis. In her new role, she races against the clock to mend international relations before it’s too late. The Diplomat is similar to Zero Day in that it capitalizes on the thriller aspect with conspiracies, corruption, action, and suspense while exploring the complicated and tense world of diplomacy.
The Night Agent
The Night Agent is an action thriller about Peter Sutherland (Gabriel Basso), an FBI agent working the night shift and monitoring an emergency line. One night, the phone rings, and he’s warned about a mole in the White House, which launches him into an international conspiracy. Similar to Zero Day, it’s a clever thriller that delves deep into politics, corruption, and power. The Night Agent also offers top-notch action sequences and a powerful romance element due to the chemistry between Basso and Luciane Buchanan.
The Old Man
Viewers looking for another thriller series led by an award-winning actor may be interested in The Old Man. In the series, Jeff Bridges stars as Dan Chase, a former CIA agent who suddenly finds he’s being hunted by the CIA, FBI, and a hired hit-man due to his long-held secrets during the Soviet-Afghan War. Like Zero Day, it’s a thriller that works mainly because of the acting prowess of its lead star, who offers a mesmerizing performance. Additionally, The Old Man boasts a unique, refreshing premise and probes thoughtful themes of morality and regret.
Years and Years
Years and Years is an excellent choice for fans of Zero Day who like the concept of a nation divided and thrust into chaos. The dystopian sci-fi series follows the lives of the Lyons family over 15 years as they struggle to survive the rise of a controversial, powerful new politician, Vivienne Rook (Emma Thompson), while military, diplomatic, and political chaos breaks out worldwide. Like Zero Day, Years and Years is a timely, relevant thriller critically examining the current political climate and making its own predictions on the future.
Where to watch TV shows like Zero Day streaming online
Check out our list below to find out where to watch the best shows like Zero Day online in the U.S.!
