AceShowbiz - Bait is Prime Video’s latest thriller series that channels a James Bond vibe while continuing Riz Ahmed’s extraordinary 18-year streak of Fresh ratings on Rotten Tomatoes. Created by and starring the Emmy and Oscar-winning Riz Ahmed, the British series premiered on March 25, 2026, and initially debuted with a flawless 100% critic score based on six reviews. Though that perfect rating slightly dipped as more reviews came in, the show still holds an impressive 96% critic score and an 88% audience score on Rotten Tomatoes as of now.

With all six episodes available for streaming since its release date, Bait has garnered 24 critic reviews and fewer than 50 audience ratings. This means the scores could fluctuate as more viewers weigh in, but for the moment, the series solidifies Riz Ahmed’s remarkable record. Every TV project he has starred in since 2008 has received a Fresh rating from both critics and audiences, excluding late-night show appearances.

To put this streak in perspective, here is a comparison of critic and audience scores for his notable TV shows on Rotten Tomatoes:

• Bait (2026): 96% Critics, 88% Audience
• The OA (2016-2019): 84% Critics, 83% Audience
• The Night Of (2016): 94% Critics, 93% Audience
• Girls (2012-2017): 89% Critics, 76% Audience
• Dead Set (2008): 92% Critics, 78% Audience

Riz Ahmed earned an Emmy Award for his role in the HBO miniseries The Night Of and was nominated for his guest performance on Girls, both in 2016.

The plot of Bait centers on Riz Ahmed’s character, Shah Latif, a struggling British Pakistani actor who auditions for the role of James Bond. His journey plunges him into a profound existential crisis intertwined with a complex conspiracy. The show’s ensemble cast also includes Guz Khan, Aasiya Shah, Sheeba Chaddha, Sajid Hasan, Ritu Arya, Weruche Opia, Maxine Peake, Rafe Spall, Soni Razdan, Himesh Patel, Sian Clifford, Patrick Stewart, and Gassan Abdulrazek.

Audience reactions to Bait have been largely positive. Many praise its sharp writing and compelling performances, particularly highlighting the chemistry between Riz Ahmed and Guz Khan. Viewers appreciate the show’s blend of humor and heartfelt moments, along with its portrayal of chaotic family dynamics and witty dialogue. Several fans recommend it as an ideal binge-watch.

Some viewers note the series’ surreal tone and cultural commentary, alongside engaging editing choices. However, a few critiques mention that certain aspects feel underdeveloped or unevenly paced. Despite minor reservations, the consensus remains that Bait is a bold, entertaining addition to Prime Video’s lineup that stands out for its originality and strong performances.

The show was developed by Riz Ahmed and Ben Karlin, with direction by Tom George and Bassam Tariq. Writing credits include Riz Ahmed, Azam Mahmood, and Prashanth Venkataramanujam. Bait premiered on Prime Video on March 25, 2026, and offers a fresh take on espionage drama infused with personal and cultural complexity.