US EditionReview: Riz Ahmed's Marvelous Comedy 'Bait' Is Built Around a Man in Crisis, Much Like James Bond
The six-episode series uses a meta Bond audition to explore fame and media frenzy, with Shah Latif sparking nationwide debate on race and identity, fueled by online and press reactions.
- On Wednesday, March 25, 2026, Prime Video released the six-episode comedy Bait, starring Riz Ahmed as struggling actor Shah Latif navigating a meta-audition for James Bond that spirals into global media chaos.
- After failing his initial screen test, Latif stages a paparazzi encounter to secure a second audition, inadvertently triggering media pandemonium as commentators debate the prospect of a Pakistani Bond.
- The series features Himesh Patel as Latif's archrival and Nabhaan Rizwan as a successful family friend, unfolding over four days of Eid-al-Fitr. The narrative critiques the entertainment industry's limited roles for South Asian actors.
- Bait uses the spy character as a plot device to explore identity rather than simply parody the franchise. Critics praise Ahmed's comedic performance, noting he demonstrates unexpected range across the six 25-minute episodes.
- All six episodes are currently streaming on Amazon Prime Video for subscribers, with a 30-day free trial available at £8.99 monthly thereafter. The series positions Ahmed as a versatile lead balancing dark humor with contemporary entertainment industry realities.
25 Articles
25 Articles
Bait Season 1 Review: What if Riz Ahmed Was Bond?
All six episodes of Bait Season 1 are available now on Prime Video.On the silver screen, the actor playing 007 has been Scottish, English, Irish and Australian, with a few different hair and eye colors, but the character has always been a white man serving the British Crown. Every new Bond film brings with it conversations, both for and against, about this status quo; these have been happening so long that Idris Elba has even aged out of being r…
derwesten.de
UK actor Riz Ahmed as new James Bond? His series "Bait" shows the hard way to the 007 role.
Hastings Tribune
Los Angeles TimesReview: Riz Ahmed's marvelous comedy 'Bait' is built around a man in crisis, much like James Bond
Riz Ahmed has created and stars in a marvelous new series, "Bait," which premiered Wednesday on Prime Video. There are no worms in it, though viral video plays a part, and fame — the pursuit of which is a subject…
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