Riz Ahmed’s maverick Prime series oscillates from boldness to hilarity — sometimes in the same instance — throughout all six of its under-25-minute episodes. It’s that potent balance that makes it one of the smartest and best streaming shows you’ll watch this year.
As a brown actor auditioning to be the next James Bond, Riz Ahmed makes this so-called sitcom bait for viewers to consider the deeper implications of racial and cultural identity. It’s the freshest and funniest series of the new year.
At just six episodes, things move at such a heady pace that you can't help but be impressed at all the charisma, charm and plot development that is crammed into each 25-minute instalment. While many may think this is just a comedy about the churn of the media mill that pokes fun at Bond, Bait is so much more than you may think – and it's a wonderful surprise to watch it all unfold.
Delivered in brisk, 25-minute episodes, “Bait” emerges as a portrait of a nervous breakdown brought to you by the entertainment-industrial complex, rendered with bustling London street energy and a touch of absurdist wit. The series is bursting with ideas, sometimes more than it knows what to do with. .... But “Bait” never feels derivative; it has a pulsating urban energy and ribald family dynamic all its own.
Marvelous. .... The series is at once satirical and celebratory; “Bait” feels abundant, both in its presentation of a culture, which has the ring of documentary truth, and as a beautifully realized work of art.
It begins with a simple premise, but flies quickly off the rails in service of some of the most volatile, self-reflexive comedy-drama you’re likely to stream this year.
It’s not a sitcom then, but it is frequently very funny. Much of the humour comes from the dialogue: a dazzling display of second-gen immigrant linguistic dexterity.
By the end of his illuminating journey, Bait emerges as a vital TV series that also thankfully knows how to have fun.
Riz Ahmed’s Bait is extraordinary and daring.
A fascinating look at the psychological cost of performing, both on- and off-camera, “Bait” is undeniably one of the funniest and most electrifying shows of the year.
Riz Ahmed faz um trabalho digno, mas que ainda se encontra perdido naquilo onde quer chegar. E sem um texto substancialmente robusto, como o visto em "Wonder man", da Marvel, este acaba sendo a série de 2026 a melhor retratar a derrocada artística; assim como tivemos ano passado a série "The studio", temos o esforço metalinguístico e irônico em retratar esse lado do show bussiness, e aqui tudo fica meio experimental. Era preferível um longa, dado o número de episódios e a curta duração.
Riz Ahmed is excellent in this clever and funny show. Good job by everyone involved. Bring on another installment.
I think the bait here are these stellar reviews. I expected a smart comedy, I got an overacted copy of better shows with a fake sounding Patrick Stewart and tropes bringing to mind family comedies from the 90s, but with swearwords and tackier sets. The "deep" questions about cultural identity are on par with Adam Sandler's Zohan and frankly insulting. The industry is trying to make anything into a hit show. Camera work is nice tho.
I get it. They are trying to make a British version of the excellent Mo. However the premise that a virtual nobody could audition to be the next Bond? That, and the self-hating main character, the cringy/unfunny scenes with family, and over the top racism don’t add up to a show that the viewer is likely to invest much emotional energy.
Bait is wildly creative, clever, and genuinely smart—one of those rare shows you want everyone to watch. It balances real emotional heart with moments of absurdity and surrealism, and the performances keep everything grounded so nothing feels out of place. The editing and cinematography move with Riz Ahmed’s character, giving it a rhythm that feels fluid, intimate, and fully unhinged as he spirals. Also, there is a surprise character (maybe shocking is the right word) that I won't give away that you have to see to believe.
As always with Riz Ahmed you get to go on a journey. This didn't disappoint. Can't wait for season 2.
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