AceShowbiz - Bait is Prime Video’s latest six-part series that arrives amid ongoing speculation about the next James Bond. The show centers on Riz Ahmed’s character, who faces an existential crisis after rumors emerge that he might be the next actor to portray Bond. Early reviews praise the series for its inventive meta approach and psychological depth, earning it a flawless 100% score on Rotten Tomatoes from the six critics who have reviewed it so far.

Although the score is based on a limited number of reviews and may fluctuate, critics uniformly commend Bait as a fresh and unexpected thriller. The series explores the pressures of fame and identity, particularly within the context of its South Asian cast, delving into themes such as diaspora experiences and cultural assimilation. This thematic focus has resonated strongly with reviewers, who highlight the show’s meaningful cultural reflections alongside its suspenseful narrative.

Riz Ahmed delivers a grounded performance, effectively capturing the turmoil of his character as he navigates the intense spotlight. Reviewers also praise the supporting cast for adding emotional warmth and humor, notably Guz Khan, whose comedic timing enriches the overall viewing experience. Despite its darker elements, the series balances tension with moments of levity that enhance its appeal.

In terms of critical acclaim, Bait currently surpasses the scores of all 27 James Bond films on Rotten Tomatoes. The highest-rated Bond movie to date is Sean Connery’s 1964 classic, 007: Goldfinger, which holds a near-perfect 99%, followed by From Russia With Love at 97%. This new series arrives after a five-year gap in James Bond-related releases, since Daniel Craig concluded his tenure with 2021’s No Time to Die.

Meanwhile, the search for the next James Bond continues to engage fans and industry insiders alike. The ideal candidate is reportedly a British actor in his late 20s or early 30s, willing to commit to a multi-film contract. Speculation has included actors like Aaron Taylor-Johnson and Callum Turner, as well as fan favorites from diverse backgrounds such as Idris Elba, Regé-Jean Page, and Henry Golding.

Since early 2025, Amazon has gained full creative control over the Bond franchise after the Broccoli Estate accepted $20 million to relinquish those rights, although they retain partial ownership of the intellectual property. This shift marks a significant turning point for the iconic series, with new creative leadership in place.

Last year, acclaimed director Denis Villeneuve and writer Steven Knight were announced as the director and writer for the upcoming Bond 26 film. However, both are currently occupied with projects like Dune: Part Three and The Immortal Man, delaying the next Bond installment’s production.

In the meantime, Bait fills the void for fans eager for fresh Bond-related content. The series cleverly plays on real-world conversations around casting the next 007, blending thriller elements with a meta narrative about the entertainment industry’s pressures. It is not the only recent project to adopt this approach; for example, the new Anaconda movie also features a story about friends attempting to remake a cult classic ’90s film.

The cast of Bait includes Sheeba Chaddha, Aasiya Shah, Sajid Hasan, Ritu Arya, Weruche Opia, Rafe Spall, and Nabhaan Rizwan alongside Riz Ahmed and Guz Khan. Ahmed, who also wrote and executive-produced the series, worked with producers Tony Hernandez, Brooke Posch, and Molly Seymour. Writing credits further include Dipika Guha, Prashanth Venkataramanujam, Karen Joseph Adcock, Azam Mahmood, and Ahmed’s wife, Fatima Farheen Mirza.

All six episodes of Bait are scheduled for release on Prime Video on March 25, 2026, giving audiences a new thriller that is as much about identity and culture as it is about espionage and fame. The showrunner team includes Riz Ahmed and Ben Karlin, with direction by Tom George and Bassam Tariq.

This fresh entry into the spy thriller genre marks an intriguing new chapter for both Prime Video and the broader James Bond legacy, offering viewers a nuanced and compelling story at a time when the franchise itself is in transition.