The divisive political landscape we find ourselves living through these days can feel stranger than fiction. Proving the idiom true is a new, eerily timely, six-episode limited series “Zero Day,” premiering Thursday, Feb. 20, on Netflix. Robert De Niro (“Killers of the Flower Moon,” 2023) stars as former President George Mullen, who is pulled out of retirement to head the precedent-setting Zero Day Commission. When a cyberattack is carried out against the United States, it causes several disasters and country-wide chaos, killing thousands of citizens on what becomes known as Zero Day. Following the tragic events, President Evelyn Mitchell (Angela Bassett, “Damsel,” 2024) calls on the former president to lead an investigation into who is responsible for the attacks. Whether outside forces or homegrown terrorists
were behind the fatal plot, the many voices willfully spreading disinformation make Mullen’s job incredibly complicated. To get to the bottom of it, the former president surrounds himself with as trustworthy a team as he can in the ambitious world of American politics. Jesse Plemons (“Kinds of Kindness,” 2024) stars as Mullen’s former aide Roger Carlson, brought back to work for the commission. Also joining the investigation are political strategist and Mullen’s former chief of staff Valerie Whitesell (Connie Britton, “Dear Edward”) and Department of Justice lawyer Carl Otieno (McKinley Belcher III, “Ozark”), who serves as lead investigator for the Zero Day Commission. Lizzy Caplan (“Fatal Attraction”) is progressive congressional representative Alexandra Mullen and daughter of the former president, while Joan Allen (Lisey’s Story”) is for-
Eerily timely, the six-episode limited series “Zero Day” premieres Thursday, Feb. 20, on Netflix. Robert De Niro (“Killers of the Flower Moon,” 2023) stars.
Robert De Niro stars in “Zero Day”
Cover Story
Misinformation overload: Political thriller ‘Zero Day’ questions the role of truth
mer first lady and nominee to the federal bench, Sheila Mullen.
Also starring in “Zero Day” are Matthew Modine (“Stranger Things”) as speaker of the house Richard Dreyer; Bill Camp (“Presumed Innocent”) as CIA Director Jeremy Lasch; Gaby Hoffmann (“Transparent”) as Silicon Valley billionaire Monica Kidder; Clark Gregg (“Snowpiercer”) as Robert Lyndon, another billionaire with a penchant for manipulating politics; and Mark Ivanir (“Mayor Of Kingstown”) as intelligence operative Natan. Dan Stevens (“Cuckoo,” 2024) portrays Mullen’s most vocal critic, political talk show host Evan Green, complete with the faux-blue collar look of real right-wing propagandists. Though the series was developed before the most recent U.S. presidential election came to pass, some of the events of the series bear a striking resemblance to
real circumstances that arose during the campaign — notably, Mullen questioning his own competency as he begins noticing signs of cognitive decline.
Series co-creator Eric Newman (“Griselda”) spoke to Vanity Fair in November about the upcoming series, revealing that he and fellow co-creator Noah Oppenheim (“Jackie,” 2016), former president of NBC News, sought to confront the country’s relationship with the truth in “Zero Day,” tuning into Americans’ imaginings of the future.
“It feels like it could happen. Based on how you feel about the election, this is either going to be an aspirational story about people who can find their way to the truth, even when it’s really hard, or a cautionary tale of the perils of the deep state and absolute power corrupting absolutely,” Newman said. “For me, it’s a little bit of both.”
“The Americas” (Peacock — Feb. 24, Limited Series Premiere)
This nature series showcases the wonders, secrets and fragilities of the world’s greatest supercontinent. Using cutting-edge technology, it uncovers never-before-seen behavior and highlights the extraordinary, untold wildlife stories that will deeply connect with millions around the world. The series brings new species, intimate courtships, dramatic deep sea hunting and some of nature’s strangest stories to the screen — even a frog that seems to defy death every day. Crews travel to the Atlantic coast, Mexico, the Wild West, the Amazon, the frozen North, the Gulf coast, the Andes, the Caribbean, the West coast and Patagonia.
“Magic of Disney Lookout Cay at Lighthouse Point” (Feb. 17)
A new story is unfolding on the Bahamian island of Eleuthera, where locals and Disney Imagineers collaborate on an ambitious mission: create a sun-soaked cruise destination that is also a sustainable celebration of Bahamian culture, prioritizing the local people and wildlife.
“Win or Lose” (Feb. 19)
Pixar’s first original series follows the intertwined stories of eight different characters as they each prepare for their big championship softball game. The series reveals what it actually feels like to be in the shoes of each character — the insecure kids, their helicopter parents and even a lovesick umpire — with incredibly funny, very emotional and uniquely animated perspectives.
What’s Available NOW On
“A Thousand Blows”Season 1 (Feb. 21)
This series, set in the perilous world of illegal boxing in 1880s Victorian London, comes from the mind of Steven Knight, acclaimed creator of the global hit series, “Peaky Blinders.”
When Hezekiah Moscow (Malachi Kirby) finds himself thrust into the vibrant and violent melting pot of post-industrial revolution London’s East End from Jamaica, he finds himself drawn into the criminal underbelly of the thriving boxing scene.
“Reacher” - Season 3 (Feb. 20)
Returning for more action-packed adventure, this new season is based on the 7th book in Lee Child’s global best-selling series, “Persuader.” This time, Reacher (Alan Ritchson) must go undercover to rescue an informant held by a haunting foe from his past. Anthony Michael Hall, Sonya Cassidy, Brian Tee, Johnny Berchtold, Robert Montesinos, Daniel David Stewart and Olivier Richters join the cast.
“Adam Eats the 80s” - Season 1 (Feb. 17) Adam Richman hits the road across the USA to relive his favourite food from the 1980s and learn more about these nostalgic dishes.
“Mickey Mouse Funhouse”Season 3, New Episodes (Feb. 19)
This whimsical animated series introduces preschoolers’ first pal, Mickey Mouse (voiced by Bret Iwan), and his friends to Funny (Harvey Guillén), an enchanted talking playhouse, who takes the Sensational Six on adventures of all types to unique worlds that inspire the imagination.
“Chris Distefano: It’s Just Unfortunate” (Feb. 21)
Chris Distefano is trying to be the best father he can be. Although he’s acting with the right intentions, he doesn’t always make the right moves. In this new comedy special, he touches on all of this and more.
“50,000 First Dates: A True Love Story” (Available Now)
When Nesh Pillay wakes up with sudden and inexplicable memory loss trapped in the year 1996, she’s shocked to find out her “Uber driver” is actually her fiancé, JJ. Their rom-com-like story goes viral, making international headlines as “The Real Life 50 First Dates Couple.” Now, as real life sets in, their relationship is put to the test as they navigate a new set of challenges around subjective realities.
“Things Will Be Different” (Feb. 21)
When estranged siblings Joseph (Adam David Thompson) and Sidney (Riley Dandy) rendezvous at a local diner after a close-call robbery, they hightail it to an abandoned farmhouse that transports them to a different time in order to escape the local cops. But when they try to return to their present after the coast is clear, an unknown metaphysical force cuts them off and maroons them on the land unless they do exactly what they’re told.
“The Killer’s Game” (Available Now) Diagnosed with a terminal illness, top hit man Joe Flood (Dave Bautista) decides to take matters into his own hands and take a hit out on himself. However, when the very men he hires also target his ex-girlfriend, he must fend off an army of assassins and win back the love of his life before it’s too late.
“Ted 2” (Feb. 16) Life has changed drastically for thunder buddies John (Mark Wahlberg), now a bachelor, and best pal Ted (Seth MacFarlane), now married to the woman (Jessica Barth) of his dreams. Problems arise when the couple decide to adopt a child, but the law declares Ted to be property and not a person. Angry and dejected, the lovably foulmouthed teddy bear must now seek legal help from a young lawyer.
“American Murder: Gabby Petito” (Feb. 17)
In August 2021, 22-year-old Gabby Petito was killed by her fiancé, Brian Laundrie, while the young couple was on a four month road trip across the United States documenting their “van life” journey on social media. Two months later, Laundrie was found to have died from a self-inflicted gunshot wound and his parents were suspected of helping to cover up the murder.
“Rogue Heroes”Season 2 (Available Now) As the SAS advance through Italy with some assistance from partisans, a Commando Order issued by Hitler threatens the fate of one of them. From creator Steven Knight, the series stars Connor Swindells, Jack O’Connell, Jacob Ifan, Sofia Boutella, Matthew Thomas-Robinson, Theo Barklem-Biggs and Bobby Schofield.
“Gabby’s
Care Ear — the friends do lots of nurturing for lots of new friends.
“1923” — Season 2 (Paramount+ — Feb. 23, Season Premiere)
A cruel winter brings new challenges and unfinished business to Jacob (Harrison Ford) and Cara (Helen Mirren) back at Dutton ranch. With harsh conditions and adversaries threatening to end the Dutton legacy, Spencer (Brandon Sklenar) embarks on an arduous journey home, racing against time to save his family in Montana. Meanwhile, Alexandra (Julia Schlaepfer) sets off on her own harrowing trans-Atlantic journey to find Spencer and reclaim their love.
Doll House” - Season 11 (Feb. 17) Gabby and her friends are ready for more cat-tactic adventures this season. With a brand new room to explore — the Kitty
“Court of Gold” (Feb. 18) For the first time ever, top medal contenders in men’s basketball granted behind-thescenes access at the Olympic Games Paris 2024. This docuseries gives an unfiltered, insider look at Team USA, France, Serbia and Canada as they gear up and battle for gold in Paris.
“Nigel Ng: The Haiyaa Special” (Feb. 21) Uncle Roger and his nephew Nigel Ng present The HAIYAA Special, filmed on their sold out world tour. In this two-part special, Uncle Roger roasts the crowd, while Nigel delivers side-splitting commentary on life and culture. Allergic to MSG and inappropriate jokes? You’ve been warned.
Sports Zone
7 p.m. TNT NBA Basketball Boston Celtics at Philadelphia 76ers. Professional basketball action from the NBA. (Live) 8 p.m. ESPN 2025 4 Nations FaceOff Championship: Teams TBA. From TD Garden in Boston. (Live) TBS SheBelieves Cup United States vs. Colombia. Group stage. (Live)
8:30 p.m. FS1 College Basketball USC at Maryland. Men’s college basketball action. (Live)
9 p.m. ESPN2 College Basketball Wichita State at Florida Atlantic. From FAU Arena in Boca Raton, Fla. (Live)
9:30 p.m. TNT TRUTV NBA Basketball Phoenix Suns at San Antonio Spurs. From Moody Center in Austin, Texas. (Live)
10 p.m. GOLF LPGA Tour Golf Honda LPGA Thailand, Second Round. From Siam Country Club in Pattaya, Chon Buri, Thailand. (Live)
11 p.m. ESPN2 College Basketball Loyola Marymount at Santa Clara. From Leavey Center in Santa Clara, Calif. (Live)
5 a.m. GOLF DP World Tour Golf Magical Kenya Open, Second Round. From Muthaiga Golf Club in Nairobi City, Kenya. (Live) Friday
(Live)
7 p.m. ESPN TGL Golf Jupiter Links Golf Club vs. New York Golf Club. From SoFi Center in Palm Beach Gardens, Fla. (Live) ESPN2 College Basketball Oklahoma at Florida. From Exactech Arena in Gainesville, Fla. (Live)
8:30 p.m. FS1 College Basketball Illinois at Wisconsin. From Kohl Center in Madison, Wis. (Live)
10:30 p.m. FS1 College Basketball Minnesota at UCLA. From Pauley Pavilion in Los Angeles. (Live) WedneSday
7 p.m. ESPN2 College Basketball Cincinnati at West Virginia. From WVU Coliseum in Morgantown, W.Va. (Live) FS1 College Basketball Providence at Georgetown. Men’s college basketball action. (Live)
9 p.m. ESPN2 College Basketball Gonzaga at Washington State. Men’s college basketball action. (Live) FS1 College Basketball St. John’s at DePaul. From Wintrust Arena in Chicago. (Live)
10 p.m. GOLF LPGA Tour Golf Honda LPGA Thailand, First Round. From Siam Country Club in Pattaya, Chon Buri, Thailand. (Live)
5 a.m. GOLF DP World Tour Golf Magical Kenya Open, First Round. From Muthaiga Golf Club in Nairobi City, Kenya. (Live) thurSday
4 p.m. GOLF PGA Tour Golf Mexico Open, First Round. From VidantaWorld in Puerto Vallarta, Jalisco, Mexico. (Live)
6:30 p.m. FS1 College Basketball Northwestern at Ohio State. From Value City Arena in Columbus, Ohio. (Live)
3 p.m. FS1 NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series Fr8 208, Qualifying. From Atlanta Motor Speedway in Hampton, Ga. (Live) USA Premier League Soccer Leicester City vs. Brentford. From King Power Stadium in Leicester, East Midlands, England. (Live)
4 p.m. GOLF PGA Tour Golf Mexico Open, Second Round. From VidantaWorld in Puerto Vallarta, Jalisco, Mexico. (Live)
5 p.m. ESPN2 UFC Fight Night: Cejudo vs. Song Henry Cejudo vs. Song Yadong, bantamweight. From Climate Pledge Arena in Seattle. (Live)
7 p.m. ESPN NBA Basketball New York Knicks at Cleveland Cavaliers. From Rocket Mortgage FieldHouse in Cleveland. (Live) ESPN2 College Basketball Dayton at Loyola-Chicago. From Joseph J. Gentile Center in Chicago. (Live) FS1 College Basketball Marquette at Villanova. From Finneran Pavilion in Villanova, Pa. (Live)
7:15 p.m. TNT Unrivaled Basketball Rose Basketball Club vs. Lunar Owls Basketball Club. Coverage of the women’s professional 3-on-3 basketball league. (Live) TRUTV Unrivaled Basketball Rose Basketball Club vs. Lunar Owls Basketball Club. Coverage of the women’s professional 3-on-3 basketball league. (Live)
8 p.m. WNYW-5 WUTV-29 College Basketball Michigan State at Michigan. Men’s college basketball action. (Live)
9:35 p.m. ESPN NBA Basketball New Orleans Pelicans at Dallas Mavericks. Professional basketball action from the NBA. (Live)
4:30 a.m. GOLF DP World Tour Golf Magical Kenya Open, Third Round. From Muthaiga Golf Club in Nairobi City, Kenya. (Live) Saturday
7:30 a.m. USA Premier League Soccer Everton vs. Manchester United.
From Goodison Park in Liverpool, Merseyside, England. (Live)
10 a.m. USA Premier League Soccer Ipswich Town vs. Tottenham Hotspur. From Portman Road Stadium in Ipswich, Suffolk, England. (Live)
12 p.m. WNYW-5 WUTV-29 College Basketball Oregon at Wisconsin. From Kohl Center in Madison, Wis. (Live) WPIX-11 College Basketball Florida State at Louisville. From the KFC Yum! Center in Louisville, Ky. (Live)
12:30 p.m. USA College Basketball Richmond at Saint Joseph’s. From Michael J. Hagan ‘85 Arena in Philadelphia. (Live)
WGRZ-2 WICU-12 Premier League Soccer Aston Villa vs. Chelsea. Action from English Premier League Soccer matches. (Live)
WKBW-7 NHL Hockey Minnesota Wild at Detroit Red Wings. From Little Caesars Arena in Detroit, Mich. (Live)
1 p.m. GOLF PGA Tour Golf Mexico Open, Third Round. From VidantaWorld in Puerto Vallarta, Jalisco, Mexico. (Live)
SNY MLB Baseball Houston Astros at New York Mets. All the latest action from Major League Baseball. (Live)
1:30 p.m. WIVB-4 WSEE-35 Pro Volleyball Federation All-Star Match. From Fishers Event Center in Fishers, Ind. (Live)
2 p.m. CNBC U.S. Olympic Trials Curling: Mixed Doubles. From Rock Creek Curing in Lafayette, Colo. (Live)
ESPN2 College Basketball Wake Forest at NC State. From Lenovo Center in Raleigh, N.C. (Live)
FS1 NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series Fr8 208. From Atlanta Motor Speedway in Hampton, Ga. (Live)
WPIX-11 College Basketball Pittsburgh at Notre Dame. From Purcell Pavilion in Notre Dame, Ind. (Live)
2:30 p.m. USA College Basketball Rhode Island at Saint Louis. From Chaifetz Arena in St. Louis. (Live)
3 p.m. WGRZ-2 WICU-12 PGA Tour Golf Mexico Open, Third Round. From VidantaWorld in Puerto Vallarta, Jalisco, Mexico. (Live) WKBW-7 NHL Hockey Washington Capitals at Pittsburgh Penguins. From PPG Paints Arena in Pittsburgh. (Live)
4 p.m. ESPN College Basketball Virginia at North Carolina. From the Dean E. Smith Center in Chapel Hill, N.C. (Live)
FS1 College Basketball Washington at Iowa. From Carver-Hawkeye Arena in Iowa City, Iowa. (Live) WIVB-4 WSEE-35 College Basketball Oklahoma State at Kansas. Men’s college basketball action. (Live)
4:30 p.m. WNYW-5 WUTV-29 MLS Soccer Minnesota United FC at Los Angeles FC. From BMO Stadium in Los Angeles. (Live)
5 p.m. WPIX-11 NASCAR Xfinity Racing Series Bennett Transportation & Logistics 250. From Atlanta Motor Speedway in Hampton, Ga. (Live)
In Focus
“Running Point” - Season 1 (Netflix — Feb. 27, Series Premiere) When a scandal forces her brother to resign, Isla Gordon (Kate Hudson) is appointed president of the Los Angeles Waves, one of the most storied professional basketball franchises — and her family business. Ambitious and often overlooked, Isla will have to prove to her skeptical brothers, the board, and the larger sports community that she was the right choice for the job. From the hitmaking team of Mindy Kaling, Ike Barinholtz and David Stassen, the series also stars Brenda Song, Drew Tarver, Scott MacArthur, Fabrizio Guido, Toby Sandeman, Chet Hanks, Jay Ellis and Max Greenfield.
Time - Week of February 16 - 22, 2025
Last season, we found the stranded Yellowjackets turning to cannibalism in order to survive a cold and desolate winter in the wild. As their modern-day counterparts deal with emotional repercussions, trouble stirred, leading to the group sacrificing Natalie’s (Juliette Lewis) life to the wilderness. Seeing the return of Shauna (Melanie Lynskey), Misty (Christina Ricci), Taissa (Tawny Cypress), Van (Lauren Ambrose) and more, Season 3 of “Yellowjackets” begins this Sunday, Feb. 16, on Paramount+ with Showtime. Catch a glimpse of what’s to come in a trailer available at youtube.com/ watch?v=x8FUUxj6yOA
After a “soft swinging” scandal dismantles their #MomTok dreams, a community of Mormon wives attempts to navigate the fallout of secrets spreading across social media. As their story makes headlines around the world, Taylor, Mikayla, Whitney, Jen and their friends (or so they thought) attempt to set the story straight, sharing the ins and outs of their dramatic lives during “The Secret Lives of Mormon Wives,” premiering Monday, Feb. 17, on ABC. To stream episodes online, visit abc.com/show/ acf7926e-cc68-40e2-891f-78f4db5dfcc3
classiccorner
BY JAY BOBBIN
AMC gives “The Fugitive” another run
If “The Fugitive” isn’t the best movie based on a television series, it certainly is close. Not only does director Andrew Davis’ 1993 version of the drama — which AMC shows Wednesday, Feb. 19, and Thursday, Feb. 20 — hold true to the basics of the original show, it expands on them sensationally, adding significant depth to wrongly accused Dr. Richard Kimble’s (Harrison Ford) perilous pursuit of the onearmed man (Andreas Katsulas) who killed his wife (Sela Ward). David Janssen’s demeanor was halting and brooding as TV’s Kimble in the 1960s, and possibly in tribute to that, so is Ford’s variation on the character ... but the longtime movie superstar has those qualities anyway, and they serve him well as Kimble remains determined to clear himself while desperately trying to evade federal marshals led by Sam Gerard (Tommy Lee Jones, who rightfully won an Oscar for his quirky combination of dry humor and law-and-order sturdiness). The principal Chicago setting is used extremely well; also in the cast are Julianne Moore, Joe Pantoliano and (briefly) Jane Lynch.
“Bewitched” (Antenna TV, Mondays through Fridays): In the 1964-72 sitcom that made Elizabeth Montgomery a top TV star, the actress plays Samantha Stephens, a lively housewife who also happens to be a witch ... frequently perplexing her mortal husband Darrin (initially portrayed by Dick York, then by Dick Sargent in the last three seasons), who tries to hide her magical powers from his ad-agency associates. Her mother Endora (Agnes Moorehead), who doesn’t approve of Darrin, only adds to the complications. David White plays Darrin’s boss, and Paul Lynde, Maurice Evans, Marion Lorne, Bernard Fox and Alice Ghostley make frequent appearances in recurring roles.
