Top Quirky New Detective Show

Article by August Tales

With quirk detective shows now seemingly ten a penny, here’s one you might’ve missed if you’re not UK-based. Meet Ludwig – and no, it’s not like every other mystery driven series currently out there. Ludwig stands out behind a comedic curtain.

The core of Ludwig centers on a reclusive puzzle designer. Coincidentally, his twin brother, an officer, frequently goes AWOL. Acting on his sibling instincts and a sense of quirky comedy, our designer impersonates his missing brother. While playing pretend, he stumbles upon crime scenes, untangling the knots of murders as a counterfeit cop. Interested? You ought to be.

Ludwig: Meet this Reluctant Detective (and Fraudulent Officer!)

Played by David Mitchell, Ludwig is distinctively relatable, and glaringly unheroic. Known for his nervous dispositions, Ludwig’s success lies primarily in his extraordinary ability to solve puzzles – and now, murders.

Impersonating his cop twin wasn’t something planned. The idea was presented to him by his driven sister-in-law, Lucy. Pretending to be his brother was the only way they could piece together the cryptic messages left behind by his missing cop-twin. However, in demonstrating his puzzle-solving genius, Ludwig inadvertently complicates matters by solving homicides on his mission.

With his sharp wit and humorously awkward demeanor, Mitchell fashions Ludwig as a character you cannot ignore. Engaging and refreshingly unique, Ludwig is a breath of fresh comedy in an era of predictable police procedurals.

At this point, you’re probably wondering: “how does a recluse pivot to detective?” Transitioning seamlessly between panic attacks and crime-solving, Ludwig, in the most comical way, triumphs. Partnered with Lucy’s relentless energy, Ludwig’s near panic-induced demeanor adds an extra layer of humor to the show.

Humorous Homicides and Unlikely Sleuths

Equipped with empathy and a keenly analytical mind, Ludwig stumbles into the world of crime-solving. His murders are puzzles. And puzzles, by design, are meant to be solved. Overcoming initial jitters, Ludwig finds comfort in solving the complicated murders that come his way. The ironic hilarity is not lost when you consider that initially, stepping out of his home was an insurmountable task before his crime-solving stint.

America, Meet Your Next Star Show – Ludwig

Networks in both Britain and the US are familiar with eccentric detective series. Shows with a procedural format, like ‘Monk’ and ‘Elementary,’ have always enjoyed popularity. Ludwig, with its unique blend of crime and comedy, would fit perfectly in this echelon. Nonetheless, it wouldn’t be surprising to witness the series transform into a glossier and more glamorous US remake. In fact, I’d put my money on it.

For now, though, Ludwig is available exclusively on BBC iPlayer, only in the UK.