BBC series hailed 'best of all time' is free to stream on iPlayer 'True masterpiece'

Comedy crime drama lovers need to head over to BBC iPlayer now as one of the "best series of all time" is available to stream. The BBC series premiered in 2024 and centres on John 'Ludwig' Taylor (played by David Mitchell), a reclusive puzzle-setter whose quiet existence is upended when his identical twin brother, James, mysteriously disappears. In a desperate bid to find him, Ludwig steps into James's shoes, taking on not only his identity but every aspect of his life.

This forces Ludwig to confront long-avoided personal issues, as he navigates a world starkly different from his own. Unlike the introverted Ludwig, James is a devoted family man and a respected Detective Chief Inspector in Cambridge's busy Major Investigations Team. Suddenly thrust into both domestic life and the heart of complex criminal cases, Ludwig finds family life as intimidating as crime scenes.

Anna Maxwell Martin stars as Lucy Betts-Taylor, James's wife and Ludwig's sister-in-law, who persuades Ludwig to take on the role in hopes of uncovering the truth behind her husband's disappearance.

Ludwig also 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 and Ralph Ineson as Chief Constable Ziegler

The series was awarded a 97% rating on Rotten Tomatoes following its release in 2024, with critics branding it "cleverly plotted". Filming is now underway for the second series, which is reportedly scheduled for release in 2026.

Ludwig has received widespread praise online, with fans branding it one of the greatest BBC series in recent years.

One wrote: "Ludwig has to be the best series the BBC has made in years. Fantastic cast and can't wait for series 2."

Another agreed: "Ludwig is one of the best series I've watched in a while and certainly the best thing that the BBC has produced in a long time. Love that it's coming back for a second season. Give the first one a watch, it's worth it.

Outstanding series. The best on the BBC for years. I'd forgotten how enjoyable a drama can be when the BBC decide not to preach about CRT, DEI and transgender ideology for a minute.

I rarely post but the Ludwig series on BBC is absolutely brilliant, one of if not the best comedy dramas of all time. A true masterpiece."

@BBC we have just finished watching the first series of Ludwig. It is a superb production, David Mitchell is brilliant, so entertaining, the best show for a long time , congratulations.