BBC’s Hit Detective Comedy Ludwig Returns for a Second Series

Image: BBC Press

By Jon Donnis

The BBC's smash hit Ludwig is officially coming back for a second series after a sensational first run. Starring David Mitchell and Anna Maxwell Martin, the series quickly became the BBC's most-watched scripted show of the year, reaching over 9.5 million viewers. It's also the BBC's biggest comedy launch since 2018, making a massive splash with both audiences and critics.

Created by Mark Brotherhood, Ludwig follows the story of John "Ludwig" Taylor, an introverted puzzle designer who steps into his missing twin brother James' shoes. His brother James, a high-ranking DCI, suddenly vanishes, leaving John to take on his role within a high-stakes Cambridge crime unit. What follows is a mix of dark humour, crime-solving, and a character woefully out of his depth yet somehow managing to scrape by. The first series wrapped up recently, leaving fans eager to see more of Ludwig's accidental detective work.

David Mitchell, who plays John "Ludwig" Taylor, shared his excitement about the show's return, joking that John would continue solving Cambridge's bizarre cases even as he tries to evade the demands of his new crime-fighting lifestyle. Anna Maxwell Martin will also reprise her role as Lucy Betts-Taylor, James' wife, whose dynamic with John/Ludwig added a fascinating twist to the plot.

Kenton Allen, Executive Producer and CEO of Big Talk Studios, believes the show's success speaks to how audiences connect with both the comedy and the intrigue in Ludwig. He credits Mark Brotherhood's brilliant storytelling and the remarkable cast for the show's popularity, especially during a time when a clever escape feels particularly refreshing.

Jon Petrie, BBC's Director of Comedy Commissioning, said that the blend of top British comic talent with an engaging crime storyline really struck a chord with viewers. He expressed excitement for the next series, though he joked that he'll have to spoil the surprises for himself by reading the scripts first. Mark Brotherhood, the creator, mentioned he was thrilled by the public's reaction to the first series and can't wait to bring Ludwig back to untangle even more puzzles in his own unique style.

Produced by Big Talk Studios in association with That Mitchell and Webb Company, Ludwig will once again be written by Mark Brotherhood. The executive producers for the new series include Kenton Allen, Brotherhood himself, David Mitchell, Kathryn O'Connor, and Chris Sussman. Commissioned by Jon Petrie, with Tanya Qureshi serving as the BBC's Commissioning Editor, Ludwig is also a BritBox co-production for audiences in the United States and Canada. ITV Studios, which has been involved from the start, will handle international distribution, ensuring that fans across the globe can follow Ludwig's quirky adventures.

With its mix of laugh-out-loud moments, intriguing mysteries, and quirky, well-drawn characters, Ludwig has quickly become a standout British series. Fans can expect plenty more twists, puzzles, and awkwardly funny encounters when the second series hits BBC iPlayer and BBC One.