What’s more fun than a political thriller? A political thriller with a drinking game. Netflix’s Zero Day delivers an intense story about cyberattacks, conspiracies, and a former U.S. president pulled back into action. Whether you’re watching it for the gripping storyline or just here to enjoy Robert De Niro’s dramatic speeches, this drinking game will make your viewing experience even better.
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What is Zero Day?
Zero Day is a Netflix Thriller Show that follows former U.S. President George Mullen as he investigates a devastating cyberattack. The show weaves together political intrigue, media influence, and the dark realities of digital warfare. Alongside Robert De Niro, the cast includes Angela Bassett, Lizzy Caplan, and Jesse Plemons.
The series poses an eerie question: could a cyberattack of this scale happen in real life? While Zero Day is a work of fiction, the themes it explores are deeply relevant to modern cybersecurity concerns. The show taps into fears of digital sabotage, misinformation, and the vulnerability of national infrastructure to online threats.
One of the most common questions viewers ask is whether Zero Day is based on a true story. While the specific events in the show are fictional, they are inspired by real-world cyberattacks and geopolitical tensions. Governments worldwide have been dealing with cyber threats that could cause chaos on a similar scale.
The Zero Day Drinking Game Rules
Basic Rules (For Casual Watchers)
If you’re looking for a simple way to add some fun to the series, these rules will keep the drinks flowing without making things too complicated.
- Take a sip whenever someone says “cyberattack” or “zero-day.”
- Take a sip when a news broadcast interrupts the scene.
- Take a sip when a character looks at a computer screen with a serious expression.
- Take a sip whenever there’s a dramatic silence before a big reveal.
Advanced Rules (For Hardcore Players)
For those who want a challenge, these rules will turn Zero Day into a full-blown drinking marathon.
- Take a shot when a major conspiracy is revealed.
- Take a shot when a government agent double-crosses someone.
- Take a shot every time Robert De Niro’s character delivers a speech that lasts over 30 seconds.
- Finish your drink if the true mastermind behind the cyberattack is revealed.
- Finish your drink if a character you thought was good turns out to be part of the conspiracy.
Best Quotes and Meme-Worthy Moments
Every great show has its share of iconic lines and meme-worthy moments. Some of the most talked-about Zero Day moments include:
- Robert De Niro’s dramatic monologues about power and corruption.
- Any time a hacker types furiously and somehow bypasses top-level security in seconds.
- A character dramatically removing their earpiece after a tense conversation.
- Over-the-top news anchors explaining complex cyberattacks in two sentences.
- “We have a problem. A BIG problem.”
These moments are prime material for reaction GIFs and Twitter threads.
The Ultimate Zero Day Watch Party Guide
If you’re planning a Zero Day marathon with friends, make it an event.
- Themed Cocktails: Serve drinks inspired by the show, like “The Cyber Breach” (a mix of vodka, blue curaçao, and energy drink) or “The Mullen Martini” (classic dirty martini with a twist).
- Snack Ideas: Offer popcorn with “classified” secret seasoning blends, or redacted-label chips where the flavors remain a mystery until guests open them.
- Atmosphere: Dim the lights, put on a tense soundtrack, and have brief news updates playing in the background for a fully immersive cyber-thriller experience.
Zero Day Bingo: An Alternative Game for Non-Drinkers
Not everyone wants to drink, but that doesn’t mean they should miss out on the fun. The Zero Day Bingo game is a great alternative.
- Create a bingo card with common Zero Day moments, like “A character mentions ‘national security'” or “Someone says ‘We have a breach!'”
- Mark off squares as the show progresses.
- Instead of drinking, penalties can include challenges like eating a spicy snack, doing push-ups, or posting a Zero Day-related meme online.
- First player to complete a row wins bragging rights—or control over the remote.
Other Shows & Movies Like Zero Day
Once you’ve finished Zero Day, what’s next? Here are some recommendations based on different interests:
- For conspiracy lovers: House of Cards, The Night Agent, Bodyguard.
- For tech enthusiasts: Mr. Robot, Black Mirror, The Social Dilemma.
- For political drama fans: Designated Survivor, The West Wing, Homeland.
Each of these picks offers suspense, drama, and a touch of paranoia—perfect for fans of Zero Day.
Real-Life Zero-Day Cyberattacks
The term zero-day refers to a vulnerability in software that hackers exploit before developers can fix it. These attacks can be incredibly dangerous, as they target flaws that even security experts may not know exist.
One of the most infamous zero-day attacks was Stuxnet, a malware that targeted Iran’s nuclear facilities. It was a sophisticated cyberweapon believed to have been developed by the U.S. and Israel. Other notable zero-day attacks have compromised government systems, private corporations, and even everyday smartphone users.
Cybersecurity experts constantly work to identify and patch these vulnerabilities before they can be used maliciously. For the average person, staying protected means keeping software updated, avoiding suspicious downloads, and using strong passwords.
Reviews & Audience Reactions
The reviews for Zero Day have been mixed. Some viewers appreciate its suspenseful storytelling and timely themes, while others find it predictable. On IMDb and Rotten Tomatoes, the series has received praise for its performances but criticism for its pacing and plot twists.
Reddit discussions reveal a similar divide. Some fans love the tension and real-world relevance, while others believe the show relies too heavily on common thriller tropes. Many agree that a drinking game makes the experience more enjoyable, especially during slower moments.
Watch, Sip & Survive the Cyber Thriller
Zero Day is an intense thriller, but adding a drinking game makes it even more entertaining. Whether you’re watching for the political drama, the hacking conspiracies, or just to see how many times Robert De Niro stares dramatically into the distance, these rules will keep the night fun.
A final word of caution: just like in cybersecurity, being reckless can have consequences. Drink responsibly and enjoy the game.