Prime Video’s ‘Bait’ debuts with perfect Rotten Tomatoes score, reimagines Bond in meta thriller

Prime Video’s new six-part series Bait is already making waves ahead of its release, debuting with a perfect 100% score on Rotten Tomatoes from early reviews.

Starring Riz Ahmed, the series takes a bold, meta approach to the world of James Bond. The story follows an actor thrown into a psychological spiral after being named a potential contender for the iconic role, blending espionage themes with identity and fame.

Critics have praised Bait as an unexpected, genre-bending thriller that dives into existential crisis, cultural identity, and diaspora experiences. The show’s largely South Asian cast has also been highlighted as a refreshing shift, bringing new perspectives to a traditionally Western-dominated genre.

Despite its darker themes, reviewers note the series balances tension with humor, with Ahmed’s performance anchoring the narrative. Supporting performances, including Guz Khan, have also been singled out for adding depth and levity.

The early score, though based on a limited number of reviews, currently surpasses every film in the James Bond franchise, including classics like Goldfinger and From Russia with Love.

The series arrives amid ongoing speculation about the next Bond following Daniel Craig’s final outing in No Time to Die. Names like Aaron Taylor-Johnson, Callum Turner, Idris Elba, Regé-Jean Page, and Henry Golding have all been floated as potential successors.

Behind the scenes, Bait is led by Ahmed, who also serves as writer and executive producer, alongside a creative team that includes Dipika Guha and Fatima Farheen Mirza.

All six episodes of Bait are set to premiere on Prime Video on March 25, 2026, offering audiences a fresh and self-aware take on the spy genre while the wait for the next official Bond continues.