The first series of the BBC comedy-drama Ludwig was an instant hit with viewers and critics alike – but the second series isn’t set to arrive until next year.
Ludwig: Official BBC trailer
The BBC’s smash hit comedy drama Ludwig has left its 10 million viewers hanging for a return. Despite becoming the most talked-about show since its debut – with stars David Mitchell and Anna Maxwell Martin at the helm – devotees of the Cambridge detective series will have to curb their enthusiasm.
The much-acclaimed programme, which lit up screens in the autumn of 2024, is taking a production pause with the second series filming set for September.
This means the eagerly-awaited sequel will regrettably not grace televisions this year, with a prospective air date pencilled in for early 2026.
Complications stem from scriptwriter Mark Brotherhood’s necessary devotion to perfecting six new episodes and aligning the timetable with the cast’s availability.
A source told The Mirror: “Fans will have to sit tight because Ludwig won’t be back until next year. This level of sharp storytelling doesn’t happen overnight, and then everyone needed to be locked in for filming. But the good news is that the scripts are coming along nicely and it will film from September.” Express.co.uk has contacted the BBC for comment.
Ludwig was a huge hit with BBC viewers (Image: BBC / Big Talk Productions)
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David is set to reprise his role as brainiac John ‘Ludwig’ Taylor, who transforms from quiz connoisseur to an undercover detective. Having swapped lives with his twin brother James – a genuine DCI who goes eerily missing – John discovers he has a knack for crime-solving in addition to his puzzle prowess.
The show’s launch last autumn captured audiences immediately, with an impressive 9.5 million viewers tuning in during the first month. Quickly becoming praised by fans and critics, it surpassed established shows like Silent Witness, Call The Midwife and Death in Paradise.
It emerged as the BBC’s most successful scripted broadcast since 2022 and marked the most popular new comedy since at least 2018. Critics lavished the show with accolades, labelling it “a comedy triumph” and “the funniest show on TV this year” following its September and October run.
The comedy-drama first landed on the BBC in late 2024 (Image: BBC)
One critic even said: “David Mitchell saves comedy. In Britain we’ve been lost for laughs for too long.”
Anna, aged 47, will reprise her role as John’s wife Lucy, who is eager to uncover what has happened to her partner.
The finale saw a breakthrough as John confessed his true identity, not James, with his police colleagues pleading for him to remain as a crime-solving consultant – a proposition he accepted.
In an October discussion, David expressed his elation over the positive reception and approved continuation, stating: “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.”
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David Mitchell and Anna Maxwell Martin in Ludwig (Image: BBC / Big Talk)
BBC chief Jon Petrie expressed his anticipation for the second series, stating: “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.”
Executive producer Kenton Allen wasn’t taken aback by the show’s success, explaining: “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.”
Earlier this week, Ludwig bagged the best comedy award at the Broadcast Awards.
