Academy Award nominee Riz Ahmed has long been part of conversations around who could—or should—play the next James Bond. On paper, he ticks all the right boxes. He is British, effortlessly suave, physically agile, and carries a quiet intensity that fits the mold of a modern spy.
Yet, despite these credentials, it seems unlikely that he will inherit Ian Fleming’s iconic creation anytime soon, largely due to entrenched industry perceptions and expectations.
But rather than waiting on the sidelines, Ahmed takes matters into his own hands. With Bait, he crafts a clever, self-aware OTT miniseries that doubles as both satire and statement. In the show, he plays an out-of-luck actor Shah Latif (who is always mistaken for Dev Patel) who unexpectedly lands a chance to audition for the role of 007—essentially “baiting” the very system that may be overlooking him. It’s a bold, meta concept that works on multiple levels.
Beyond its central premise, Bait also serves as a cultural bridge. It not only promotes Pakistan on a global stage but also delves into the lived realities of expats—those who leave their homeland in pursuit of better opportunities but remain tethered to their roots. Ahmed, whose own family has connections to Lahore, brings authenticity to this narrative. The six-episode series has already found a place among the top titles on Amazon Prime Video, signaling that its themes resonate with a wide audience.
So, the big question remains: is Bait worth your time? The answer is a resounding yes—and here are five reasons why.
1. Riz Ahmed delivers a masterclass in performance
It’s often said that great actors elevate the material they’re given, and Riz Ahmed does exactly that. In fact, even Robert De Niro has acknowledged his talent. During a conversation with Pakistani author Mohsin Hamid in 2012 about the adaptation of The Reluctant Fundamentalist, De Niro reportedly praised Ahmed as the right choice for the lead role.
Ahmed proved his capabilities in that film alongside heavyweights such as Om Puri, Shabana Azmi, Adil Hussain, and Chandrachur Singh. He held his own against international stars like Kate Hudson, Kiefer Sutherland, Liev Schreiber, and Martin Donovan in the same project —a testament to his range and screen presence.
Over the years, Ahmed has built an impressive portfolio with films like Nightcrawler, Jason Bourne, and his Oscar-winning turn in Sound of Metal. In Bait, he goes a step further by not only acting but also contributing creatively behind the scenes. The result is a layered performance that blends humor, vulnerability, and quiet defiance.
If his work in The Night Of made you take notice, Bait will reaffirm why he is considered one of the finest actors of his generation.
2. Strong supporting performances add emotional depth
While Ahmed leads from the front, Bait benefits greatly from its supporting cast—particularly Sheeba Chaddha and Sajid Hasan, who play his parents. Their dynamic captures the essence of South Asian parenting with remarkable authenticity.
The mother is unwavering in her belief that her son is destined for greatness, while the father remains grounded, even skeptical. This contrast creates both humor and tension, reflecting the generational divide often seen in immigrant families.
Adding to the mix is Soni Razdan as an overbearing relative who brings chaos to an otherwise controlled family gathering. The Eid Milan scene, in particular, stands out for its relatability. Anyone who has experienced large South Asian family events—especially abroad—will recognize the subtle power struggles, unsolicited advice, and underlying warmth that define these interactions.
What makes these performances truly effective is their authenticity. The characters feel lived-in, not caricatured, allowing viewers to connect with them on a personal level.
3. A tightly written, binge-worthy format
In an era where many streaming shows suffer from bloated runtimes, Bait keeps things refreshingly concise. The series consists of six episodes, each under 25 minutes, making it an easy binge without sacrificing narrative depth.
Every scene serves a purpose, and the pacing ensures that viewers remain engaged throughout. There are no unnecessary subplots or filler moments—just focused storytelling that respects the audience’s time.
Even minor characters are given meaningful arcs. From the voice cameo by Patrick Stewart to the various industry figures and acquaintances Shah encounters, each role contributes to the overarching narrative.
The show also doesn’t shy away from uncomfortable themes. Moments like the discovery of a pig’s head serve as stark reminders of the racism and prejudice faced by many immigrants. These elements are handled with nuance, adding depth without overwhelming the story.
4. A smart, self-aware take on the Bond legacy
At its core, Bait is an unofficial audition tape for Riz Ahmed as James Bond—and a highly effective one at that. His character, Shah Latif, embodies many of the traits associated with the iconic spy: resourcefulness, charm, and a willingness to take risks.
From evading paparazzi in a chaotic, one-take sequence to navigating morally complex situations involving family and ambition, Shah’s journey mirrors the evolution of Bond as a character. The show cleverly blurs the line between fiction and reality, making viewers question where performance ends and authenticity begins.
One of the standout moments involves a high-stakes decision that forces Shah to choose between personal loyalty and professional success. It’s a scene that captures the emotional weight often missing from traditional spy narratives.
The much-talked-about restaurant escape sequence further highlights the show’s technical prowess. Shot in a single take, it immerses viewers in the chaos while allowing the characters to breathe and evolve in real time.
5. A rich and relatable portrayal of Pakistani culture
Perhaps the most endearing aspect of Bait is its portrayal of Pakistani culture. Rather than resorting to stereotypes, the show presents a nuanced, multifaceted view of South Asian life.
From casual references to Mahira Khan to the presence of extended family members with distinct personalities, the series captures the essence of community and belonging. There’s the successful cousin from Dubai who sets unrealistic benchmarks, the struggling brother who thinks the world revolves around him, and the younger sibling who often seems wiser than everyone else.
These characters are not just plot devices—they are reflections of real-life dynamics. The humor, conflicts, and emotional moments all stem from situations that feel authentic and recognizable.
Even small details, like family gatherings or cultural expectations, are handled with care, adding layers to the narrative. It’s this attention to detail that makes Bait resonate so strongly with audiences, particularly those from similar backgrounds.
Final Verdict
Bait is more than just a miniseries—it’s a statement. It challenges industry norms, celebrates cultural identity, and offers a fresh perspective on the expat experience. Riz Ahmed leads the charge with a performance that is both compelling and thought-provoking, supported by a strong ensemble cast and sharp writing.
For viewers, it’s an engaging, insightful watch that balances humor with introspection. For the industry, it’s a reminder that talent knows no boundaries—and that stories rooted in authenticity have universal appeal.
And who knows? Bait might just be the nudge needed for Bond producers to rethink their choices. Perhaps the next 007 could come from a background that has long been overlooked—one that brings a new dimension to a timeless character.
Until then, Bait stands as a bold, entertaining, and culturally rich addition to the world of streaming content.
