'One of the funniest and most electrifying shows of the year' is streaming now
Critics are calling it 'absolutely unmissable' as it was handed a perfect score
Bait Prime Video first look clip with Riz Ahmed
An 'absolutely unmissable' series which has just launched on Prime Video has landed with a flawless 100% rating.
All episodes of Bait are now available to watch on the platform and even ahead of its launch, it promised a 'wild' binge-watching experience for audiences.
It is created, co-written and stars award-winning actor Riz Ahmed, with some suggesting it represents a wonderful example of the star returning to his roots.
Ahmed is recognised for his Oscar-nominated performance in Sound of Metal. He is also known for other roles in Venom, Star Wars prequel spin-off Rogue One and comedy Four Lions.
He also featured in HBO miniseries The Night Of, for which he secured an Emmy as well as episodes of The OA and Girls.
Read more: Prime Video series Bait's first episode tribute explained
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He portrays Shah Latif, a struggling actor facing his final opportunity to make it big, which arrives in the shape of an audition of a lifetime. We track him across four chaotic days as his life descends into turmoil and his family, former lover and the entire world pass judgement on whether he is the right person for the role.
There are numerous other standout performances to appreciate throughout the series. They feature several notable guest stars including comedian Guz Khan, Himesh Patel, Rafe Spall and Maxine Peake to name just a few, reports the Mirror.
At the time of writing, Bait has accumulated only 8 reviews listed on website Rotten Tomatoes but they are overwhelmingly positive and account for its current 100% score.
However, that could shift over the coming days. However, reviewers are predominantly applauding the series, particularly Ahmed's performance.
As one critique highlighted: "For all its cleverness and formal dexterity, Bait hinges on the powerful central performance. Ahmed can do bruised and soulful, and he can do James Bond too, but here he reminds us...that he is a terrifically funny actor."
Another concurred and noted: "It's a treat to see Ahmed, who has recently leaned into strong drama, return to his comedy roots with a project that's considerably more serious than Four Lions but still knows how to embed humour into its story."
While one assessment proclaimed: "A fascinating look at the psychological cost of performing, both on- and off-camera, it is undeniably one of the funniest and most electrifying shows of the year."
And the critic for the AV Club emphasised just how thought-provoking the new series may prove for viewers. They concluded: "By the end of his illuminating journey, Bait emerges as a vital TV series that also thankfully knows how to have fun."
Audiences are only just beginning to watch it themselves, but the handful who have already managed to stream the series appear to hold comparable views. One individual shared online: "It's funny, it's tense, it's deeply relevant – and it's absolutely unmissable."
Bait is streaming on Prime Video.
