Ludwig set for fourth series after breaking BBC ratings records

BBC comedy-drama Ludwig is heading for another successful chapter after its second series became the UK’s most-watched scripted launch of the year so far, with a third series already in the works.

• Ludwig series two has reached 9.1 million viewers
• The figure makes it the UK’s most-watched scripted launch of the year so far
• David Mitchell returns as puzzle-maker-turned-detective John Taylor
• A third series and Christmas special have already been commissioned
• David Suchet is set to star in the Christmas special

The BBC and BritBox hit has continued to build its audience following the conclusion of its second series last week, with the opening episode now having reached an audience of 9.1 million viewers, according to Barb data from overnights.tv.

The figure cements Ludwig as one of the biggest scripted successes of the year, with the comedy-drama attracting millions of viewers to the latest chapter of John Taylor’s increasingly complicated double life.

David Mitchell stars as John, a reclusive puzzle maker whose life takes an unexpected turn when his identical twin brother James disappears.

Pretending to be his missing brother, John infiltrates the local police station in an attempt to find out what happened to him. However, his unconventional approach to solving puzzles soon sees him drawn into a succession of police investigations.

The series was created by Mark Brotherhood and is produced by Big Talk. Anna Maxwell Martin and Izuka Hoyle also star alongside Mitchell.

Following the show’s success, Big Talk boss Kenton Allen praised the reaction from viewers.

Kenton Allen said: “Ludwig is a gloriously eccentric detective at the heart of a show that has never played by the usual rules, so to see more than nine million people embrace him is genuinely thrilling. Mark Brotherhood has created that rare thing: a clever, funny, warm-hearted show that audiences seem to have made part of their lives.”

Ludwig series three already commissioned

Fans will not have to say goodbye to John Taylor just yet, with the BBC and BritBox having already recommissioned Ludwig for a third series.

A Christmas special has also been commissioned, with David Suchet confirmed to star alongside Mitchell.

“I am delighted that Ludwig will be returning to solve more of Mark Brotherhood’s brilliant mysteries. I can’t wait to get started and have renewed the subscription on my denouement-learning app.”

The announcement means the show’s future is already secured following the conclusion of series two, although further details about the third series are expected to be revealed by the BBC soon.

The success of the second series comes after Ludwig established itself as a breakout hit, combining traditional detective mysteries with Mitchell’s distinctive brand of dry comedy.

As John continues attempting to uncover the truth about his missing brother while becoming increasingly involved in police cases, the forthcoming third series is expected to continue the story.

For now, viewers can catch up with the existing episodes of Ludwig via BBC iPlayer and BritBox, ahead of the show’s return and its upcoming Christmas special.

Share this post with someone you think would like it…