Prime Video's New Show With 95% on RT Is a Perfect Pick for Fans of 'The Studio' & James Bond

In fall 2021, No Time to Die was released – it was Daniel Craig's final movie as James Bond, and since then, the world has been wondering who will be the next 007.

While the studios drag their feet, Riz Ahmed, a British actor of Pakistani descent, has released a show that fits perfectly into this pause. Bait is a satirical drama about an actor who auditions for the role of Bond and instantly becomes embroiled in a scandal.

What Is 'Bait' About?

Shah Latif is a British actor of Pakistani descent whom you probably don't know. He auditioned for the role of Bond, but the screen test didn't go well. However, the paparazzi took photos of him outside the studio office, and the photos sparked a heated debate.

Shah's agent arranges another audition for him in a week, and his family and friends rush to congratulate him on his potential success.

Meanwhile, Shah himself is going through an existential crisis. Someone throws a pig's head through the window of his parents' house, his ex-girlfriend writes an exposé, and a confrontation with a fan at a party becomes public knowledge.

'Bait' Is a Satire on the Industry, but Also a Personal Story About an Identity Crisis

Riz Ahmed created Bait as largely autobiographical – the actor, known for The Night Of and Sound of Metal, had a similar experience. In Bait, he delves into a topic only hinted at in The Studio: how a man who doesn't fit the stereotype strives to find his place in the industry.

The handheld, shaky camera shifts sharply from one character to another, conveying the main character's confusion and each episode has its own distinct style.

The search for his ex-girlfriend's missing documents turns into a neon-lit journey through London at night. At times, Shah imagines himself as Bond, wearing a brand-new suit and accompanied by beautiful women.

'Bait' Is One of the Most Daring Series of This Spring

Although Bait can be accused of being sloppy, it is precisely this disjointed narrative that best conveys the central character's personality and experiences.

The series confidently stands alongside Curb Your Enthusiasm and Ramy – other projects about personal experiences in the world of show business with a distinct authorial voice.

However, Bait is also about what happens to a person when their life suddenly ceases to be their own and how publicity alters relationships with family, friends, and oneself.

What Did Critics & Viewers Think of 'Bait'?

• Bait has 95% from critics and 89% from viewers on Rotten Tomatoes.

• On IMDb, the series has a score of 6.6/10.