Ludwig, the hit detective series starring David Mitchell and Anna Maxwell Martin, is set to return to BBC iPlayer and BBC One after a stellar first run. The series captivated audiences and attracted over 9.5 million viewers (28-day figure), making it the BBC’s biggest scripted program of the year to date, the biggest since 2022. It is the biggest comedy release since at least 2018.

Created and written by Mark Brotherhood and produced by Big Talk Studios, part of ITV Studios, in collaboration with That Mitchell and Webb Company, the binge-worthy comedy-drama concluded its first series last night (Wednesday 30 October). Described as “the funniest TV show this year” (The Guardian) and “a triumph of comedy” (Daily Telegraph), Ludwig has been praised by critics and viewers alike.

The show follows John ‘Ludwig’ Taylor, whose twin brother James mysteriously disappears. John assumes his brother’s identity to discover the truth behind his disappearance. But there’s a twist: John has lived a quiet, uneventful life, devising puzzles and avoiding the outside world, while his brother is a high-flying DCI leading a major crime team in Cambridge. Replacing James comes with hilariously high stakes and 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.

David Mitchell says: “I am delighted that John ‘Ludwig’ Taylor has not managed to escape the clutches of Cambridge Police and will continue to face the city’s alarming wave of mystery-based crime.”

Kenton Allen, executive producer and CEO of Big Talk Studios, says: “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 doesn’t surprise me that the show has been such a resounding success in these uncertain times. “I believe audiences crave solutions to life’s problems and Ludwig’s detective skills bring us solace in this often bewildering world.”

Jon Petrie, BBC Director of Comedy, says: “The combination of world-class British comedy talent, a gripping mystery and brilliantly crafted crime stories had viewers hooked from day one. We had high hopes for Ludwig, and it’s safe to say that 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 the second season, although it’s a shame we have to spoil the surprises by reading the scripts first!

Mark Brotherhood, creator and writer, says: “We’ve all been blown away by the reaction to Ludwig and I’m delighted that we’re back with a whole new set of puzzles for him to solve in his own unique way.”

Ludwig is produced by Big Talk Studios in association with That Mitchell And Webb Company. The second series will once again be written by Mark Brotherhood. Executive producers are Kenton Allen, Mark Brotherhood, David Mitchell, Kathryn O’Connor and Chris Sussman. The new series was commissioned by Jon Petrie, BBC Director of Comedy. The BBC’s commissioning editor is Tanya Qureshi. Ludwig is produced in association with ITV Studios, which is also handling international distribution. The series is a BritBox co-production for the United States and Canada.

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