*Warning - contains full spoilers for all six episodes of Ludwig, now available on BBC iPlayer*

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The BBC's new murder mystery series, Ludwig, is now available to stream in full, and with millions of fans quickly bingeing their way through the six episodes, thoughts naturally turn to the future.

The first season introduced viewers to David Mitchell's John, a puzzle setter who, in impersonating his missing police detective brother James, found he had a talent for crime solving.

But will John get to solve more cases in future seasons, and enter into the annuls of other, long-running TV detectives?

Read on for everything you need to know about Ludwig season 2.

Will there be a Ludwig season 2?

Yes, Ludwig season 2 has been confirmed to have received a green light.

The news was revealed on 31st October 2024 after the show had been hailed as the BBC’s biggest scripted launch for two years.

David Mitchell commented: "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."

Meanwhile, Kenton Allen, Executive Producer and CEO Big Talk Studios, said: "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’s no surprise to me that the show has been such a resounding hit 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."

David Mitchell as John 'Ludwig' Taylor looking at a see-through glass wall.
David Mitchell as John 'Ludwig' Taylor. BBC / Big Talk Studios

Additionally, Jon Petrie, BBC Director of Comedy Commissioning, stated: "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. 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 series two, though it’s a bit of a shame we’ll have to spoil the surprises for ourselves by actually reading the scripts first!"

Mark Brotherhood, Creator and Writer, says: “We’ve all been blown away by the reaction to Ludwig and I’m thrilled we get to come back with a whole new set of puzzles for him to solve in his unique way”.

Mitchell was previously asked about the potential for a second season when speaking during a Q&A for the show, and he said that it's "certainly our hope that it will carry on, so fingers crossed".

David Mitchell as John 'Ludwig' Taylor in Ludwig, looking at the camera with a police board behind him
David Mitchell as John 'Ludwig' Taylor in Ludwig. BBC / Big Talk Studios

Not only has John now joined the force as an official consultant, meaning he no longer has to hide his identity, but James is still missing, and there are still fundamental questions surrounding why he made the decisions he did.

Following a screening of the first episode, when asked whether he himself knew the answer to the cipher left by James which John has up on his wall, Mitchell revealed that he didn't, and said: "Even over the whole first series, that's not all solved, which is why we hope for more."

Looks like Mitchell and his fans have gotten their wish!

When would a Ludwig season 2 be released?

Izuka Hoyle as Alice Finch and Gerran Howell as Simon Evans in Ludwig standing together looking tense
Izuka Hoyle as Alice Finch and Gerran Howell as Simon Evans in Ludwig. BBC / Big Talk Studios

Now that Ludwig season 2 has been confirmed, thought turns to when exactly we can expect it back.

We would imagine a second season could arrive around a similar time next year, in autumn 2025.

We will keep this page updated with any more concrete information regarding the release date of a Ludwig season 2 as we get it.

Who would return to star in a Ludwig season 2?

Izuka Hoyle as DS Alice Finch, Dipo Ola as DI Russell Carter, David Mitchell as John ‘Ludwig’ Taylor / James Taylor, Dorothy Atkinson as DCS Carol Shaw and Gerran Howell as DC Simon Evans in Ludwig standing together in an office looking into camera
Ludwig. BBC/Big Talk/Colin Hutton

We can't imagine Ludwig could ever return without its star, David Mitchell, so we would certainly expect him to be back.

As for the rest of the cast, we would also anticipate the returns of all the central figures, including Anna Maxwell Martin and Dipo Ola.

The only member the central cast we wouldn't expect back is Sophie Willan as Holly Pinder, after her character was found dead in the season 1 finale.

Here's a full list of the cast members we would expect to return for Ludwig season 2:

  • David Mitchell as John 'Ludwig' Taylor and James Taylor
  • Anna Maxwell Martin as Lucy Betts-Taylor
  • Dipo Ola as DI Russell Carter
  • Gerran Howell as DC Simon Evans
  • Izuka Hoyle as DS Alice Finch
  • Dylan Hughes as Henry Betts-Taylor
  • Dorothy Atkinson as DCS Carol Shaw
  • Ralph Ineson as Chief Constable Ziegler

Is there a trailer for a Ludwig season 2?

There isn't a trailer for Ludwig season 2 available yet, but we'll keep this page updated if and when any new footage is released.

For now, you can rewatch the season 1 trailer right here.

Ludwig season 1 is available to stream in full now on BBC iPlayer.

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Authors

James HibbsDrama Writer

James Hibbs is a Drama Writer for Radio Times, covering programmes across both streaming platforms and linear channels. He previously worked in PR, first for a B2B agency and subsequently for international TV production company Fremantle. He possesses a BA in English and Theatre Studies and an NCTJ Level 5 Diploma in Journalism.

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