Riz Ahmed’s Bait will hook you from its first scene, with the pop culture lure of all lures. You’ve probably had the conversation: Who’ll play the next James Bond? And how many times has that conversation leaned toward white actors?
It’s this recognisable jumping-off point that Riz Ahmed, with co-writers Prashanth Venkataramanujam (Patriot Act with Hasan Minhaj), Azam Mahmood (Ramy), and Karen Joseph Adcock (The Bear), and directors Bassam Tariq (Mogul Mowgli), and Tom George (This Country), use to explore representation in the entertainment industry, the press, and the court of public opinion, through one British Pakistani actor’s experience.
The 15 best British TV shows of 2025 and where to stream them
In six, 30-minute episodes, the Oscar winner’s new Prime Video series manages to craft a sharp, absurd, and moving satire that asks important questions about identity and ambition for actors of colour, with a sublime cast, impeccable soundtrack, and enough crash zooms for a lifetime.
Support authors and subscribe to content
This is premium stuff. Subscribe to read the entire article.
