A SECOND series of new murder mystery drama Ludwig is set to be confirmed after it was dubbed “the best series from the BBC in years” by fans.
David Mitchell stars in Ludwig as the titular character – a man who lives a very solitary life until his brother suddenly disappears and he becomes embroiled in a shocking mystery.
The fate of hit BBC crime drama Ludwig has been revealed before series 1 has even finished airing[/caption]
The series stars David Mitchell as the titular character Ludwig[/caption]
He is tasked with solving a shocking mystery after his brother disappears[/caption]
According to a source close to the show, BBC bosses are thrilled with Ludwig’s initial ratings and reviews, so it won’t be long before series two is officially given the green light.
“There have been a lot of noises about a second series and I would be absolutely gobsmacked if it didn’t come back,” the source said to the Mirror.
They added: “Everyone involved at the BBC is delighted with how well the show has done. It’s given them the perfect detective drama, a fresh take on a classic genre.”
This has been reflected in the “through the roof” ratings, with the show being in BBC iPlayer’s Top 10 since it launched.
The insider added: “And it’s not just the ratings that everyone is thrilled with, it’s the rave reviews as well, in the press and on social media.
“You only have to read the comments, with fans demanding more episodes, to know that this will absolutely come back. Hopefully, the BBC will make the official announcement before the end of the first season.”
David, who executive produces Ludwig, also teased that a second run was on the cards.
He said: “Yes, that’s certainly our hope that it will carry on. Fingers crossed. Of course, you just hope that people enjoy the first series.”
Ludwig returned to screens on Wednesday night for its dramatic third instalment, but all six episodes of the series are already available to stream on iPlayer, so fans know that the show ends with a massive plot cliffhanger that primes for another run.
In the drama, Peep Show star David plays awkward puzzle setter John ‘Ludwig’ Taylor, whose solitary life is upended when his identical twin, a police detective, vanishes.
John quickly becomes embroiled in this ongoing mystery as his sister-in-law Lucy, played by Line Of Duty and Motherland star Anna Maxwell Martin, comes to him for help. She asks him to assume his brother’s identity in order to find out what happened.
In the series finale, a big plot twist about the whereabouts of John’s brother is revealed – just as John and Lucy uncover a massive clue.
Alongside David and Anna, the series stars Dipo Ola as DI Russell Carter, Izuka Hoyle as DS Alice Finch, Gerran Howell as DC Simon Evans, Dorothy Atkinson as DCS Carol Shaw, Dylan Hughes as Henry Betts-Taylor, Sophie Willan as Holly Pinder and Ralph Ineson as Chief Constable Ziegler.
BBC crime dramas
The BBC is reopening case files on an all-star line-up of crime dramas this summer.
Here’s a refresher on the popular programmes which span six decades.
- Campion: Aired from 1989 to 1990, this detective drama series was adapted from novels by Margery Allingham and stars Peter Davison.
- Dalziel And Pascoe: A gritty detective drama series about a mismatched pair of policemen, based on the award-winning books by Reginald Hill. Aired from 1996 to 2007.
- Death In Paradise: A misanthropic detective inspector is assigned to a Caribbean island against his will. Premiered in 2011 and is still on air to this day.
- Happy Valley: Created by Sally Wainwright, this northern noir follows Sarah Lancashire as Sgt Catherine Cawood – tough, defiant and facing her traumatic past.
- Hinterland: Welsh drama starring Richard Harrington. Brooding DCI Tom Mathias uncovers secrets – and links to his troubled past amid mountainous terrain and close-knit villages. Aired from 2013 to 2016.
- Inspector Lynley Mysteries: Based on the novels of Elizabeth George, this drama series is about upper-crust DI Thomas Lynley and working class DS Barbara Havers. Aired from 2001 to 2007.
- Jonathan Creek: Starring comedian Alan Davies, this comedy-drama series follows a inventor of magic tricks who is often called in to solve puzzling murders. Aired from 1997 to 2016.
- Law & Order: Originally broadcast in 1978, this four-part drama series is about the British judicial system. Stars include Peter Dean and Derek Martin.
- Life On Mars: Beguiling science-fiction police drama following a Manchester policeman who travels back to 1973 following a car accident. Stars John Simm and Philip Glenister. Aired from 2006 to 2007.
- Line Of Duty: Created by Jed Mercurio, this drama follows the investigations of AC-12, a controversial police anticorruption unit. Stars Martin Compston, Vicky McClure and Adrian Dunbar, aired from 2012 to 2021.
- Luther: Crime drama series starring Idris Elba as DCI John Luther. Aired from 2010 to 2019, with a follow-up film released in 2023.
- New Tricks: Warm-hearted drama following an eccentric group of old-fashioned detectives. Starring Dennis Waterman, Amanda Redman, Alun Armstrong and James Bolam. Aired from 2003 to 2015.
- Sherlock: Benedict Cumberbatch stars a modern day Sherlock Holmes, teaming up with Martin Freeman‘s war veteran Dr Watson to solve impossible crimes. Aired from 2010 to 2017.
- Shetland: Detective drama starring Douglas Henshall, Ashley Jensen and Alison O’Donnell, showcasing the dark side of one of the most beautiful places on earth. Premiered in 2013 and is still on air to this day.
- The Cops: Set in the fictional northern town of Stanton, this acclaimed, provocative police drama stars Katy Cavanagh, Rob Dixon and John Henshaw. Aired from 1998 to 2001.
- Waking The Dead: With a cast including Trevor Eve, Sue Johnston and Wil Johnson, this series follows a cold case team who unearths sleeping secrets, but sometimes the past is best left buried. Aired from 2000 to 2011.
- Wallander: Starring Sir Kenneth Branagh, Kurt Wallander is unable to unsee the dark crimes he’s tasked to investigate while Wallander’s job comes at a cost to his family and relationships. Aired from 2008 to 2016.
Ludwig has a stellar cast that includes Line of Duty’s Anna Maxwell Martin[/caption]
Ludwig airs on BBC One on Wednesdays at 9pm and is available to stream on iPlayer.
