Ludwig Series 2 confirmed
- BBC One's detective-based comedy drama format Ludwig is to return for a second series
- The show, which stars David Mitchell and Anna Maxwell Martin, has been watched by over 9.5 million viewers to date
- "The blend of top-tier British comic talent, a gripping mystery, and brilliantly crafted crime storylines had viewers hooked from day one"
Ludwig, the hit new comedy drama series starring David Mitchell and Anna Maxwell Martin, has been commissioned for second series.
The format, which launched September, became an instant hit with viewers. The BBC notes: "The series captivated audiences, attracting over 9.5 million viewers (28-day figure), making it the BBC's biggest scripted show of the year to date, the largest since 2022. It's the biggest launch for a comedy since at least 2018."
Created and written by Mark Brotherhood, the show follows John 'Ludwig' Taylor, whose identical twin brother James mysteriously vanishes. John takes on his brother's identity to uncover the truth behind his disappearance. But there's a twist: John has lived a quiet, uneventful life, designing puzzles and avoiding the outside world, while his brother is a high-flying DCI leading a major crimes team in Cambridge. Ludwig must enter the high stakes world of serious crime-solving.
For the second series, David Mitchell returns as Ludwig, alongside Anna Maxwell Martin as Lucy Betts-Taylor, the wife of John's missing brother James.
Viewers who have seen the final episode of the first series, which was broadcast on television last night, will be aware the episode sets up potential new storylines for the characters.
David Mitchell says: "I'm delighted that John 'Ludwig' Taylor has failed to escape the clutches of the Cambridge police and will have to continue to face up to the city's alarming conundrum-based crime wave."
Executive producer Kenton Allen comments: "The success of Ludwig is a testament to the power of Mark Brotherhood's sharp and intelligent storytelling combined with the phenomenal talents of David, Anna and the brilliant supporting cast. It's no surprise to me that the show has been such a resounding hit in these uncertain times. I think audiences crave solutions to life's problems and Ludwig's detective skills give us all comfort in this often puzzling world".
Jon Petrie, BBC Director of Comedy Commissioning, adds: "The blend of top-tier British comic talent, a gripping mystery, and brilliantly crafted crime storylines had viewers hooked from day one. We had high hopes for Ludwig, and it's safe to say this comedy-detective series with a twist has become a true standout. We can't thank Mark Brotherhood, David Mitchell, Anna Maxwell Martin, and the entire cast and crew enough for creating something so special. We're eagerly awaiting Series 2, though it's a bit of a shame we'll have to spoil the surprises for ourselves by actually reading the scripts first!"
Mark Brotherhood concludes: "We've all been blown away by the reaction to Ludwig and I'm thrilled we get to come back with a whole new set of puzzles for him to solve in his unique way."
It is expected that the second series of Ludwig will be filmed in Cambridge in 2025.
Meanwhile, reports in US film and television industry publications say that an adaptation for the American market is in the offing, with Big Talk already holding discussions with a number of potential lead writers.