The long wait for the next James Bond has been punctuated by a surprising and acclaimed new comedy-drama on Amazon Prime Video. Titled Bait, the series stars Riz Ahmed as a struggling actor unexpectedly thrust into the race to succeed Daniel Craig as 007, and it has quickly garnered praise as a brilliant and original watch.
A Fresh Take on the Bond Universe
Debuting this week, Bait offers a six-episode binge-worthy experience that blends humour, action, and surreal storytelling. The show follows Ahmed's character, Shah, an out-of-work actor who finds himself in the mix to become the next iconic spy. With episodes described as short, snappy, and visually exciting, the series has captured attention for its bold cinematic style and heartfelt cultural backdrop.
Star-Studded Cast and Critical Acclaim
Alongside Riz Ahmed, the series features comedian Guz Khan in a brilliantly funny role and the legendary Sir Patrick Stewart in a surreal part as a pig's head. The supporting cast includes Aasiya Shah, Ritu Arya, and Sheeba Chaddha, adding authentic energy that enhances the show's appeal.
On Rotten Tomatoes, Bait boasts an impressive 95% rating from critics and 86% from audiences. One fan praised it, saying, "Bait was brilliant. Loved the action, comedy, themes of identity and belonging. The chaotic, loud family was relatable and very real. Can’t wait for season two!"
Mixed Reactions and Comparisons
Not all feedback has been uniformly positive. Some viewers have noted that the series, at six episodes, feels somewhat lacking in purpose, with one comment suggesting it might have been better condensed into a movie. However, many have highlighted its multi-genre approach, describing it as funny, surreal, pacey, and constantly surprising.
TV enthusiast Chris, known as Big Fat Cult on TikTok with nearly 280,000 followers, hailed the show, stating, "Riz Ahmed's new stylish comedy drama series has just landed and you need to put it on your watch list right now." He emphasised its binge-worthy nature and original storytelling.
The Broader Bond Context
As Bond fans eagerly await the next official film in the franchise—the first since Daniel Craig's final appearance in 2021's No Time To Die—Bait provides a timely diversion. The next 007 movie is being helmed by Dune director Denis Villeneuve, but production will not commence until after the release of the third Dune instalment later this year.
In the meantime, speculation about who will take on the Bond role continues. Callum Turner is currently the favourite with odds of 5/4 at Ladbrokes, followed by Jacob Elordi at 2/1 and Aaron Taylor-Johnson at 5/1. Other contenders include Henry Cavill at 20/1, Cillian Murphy at 33/1, and Idris Elba at 66/1. Interestingly, Riz Ahmed is listed at 100/1, while longer shots like Jeremy Clarkson, David Mitchell, and Gemma Collins have even higher odds.
Bait is now available to stream on Amazon Prime Video, offering a unique and entertaining take on the Bond mythos that has resonated with many viewers seeking something fresh and engaging.
