--- title: "Ludwig: the reviews" canonical: "https://film.one/tv/ludwig/reviews" title_page: "https://film.one/tv/ludwig" critics_score: 80 critics_reviews: 10 licence: "© Fi1m Ltd. Written by AI under a human editor; checked against sources before publication. Quote with attribution and a link to the canonical URL." --- # Ludwig (2024): what the critics said Critics' score 80 from 10 reviews: 9 positive, 1 mixed, 0 negative. The reviews are warm and closely aligned. Most critics say the series is built around David Mitchell and that the fit is exact: an anxious, puzzle-obsessed introvert who becomes a detective by accident, played squarely to type. The praise clusters on the script, which critics call sharp and funny rather than twee, and on the puzzle-framing of each case, which several say lifts the show above a standard procedural. The supporting cast is mentioned approvingly across the board, and Anna Maxwell Martin’s chemistry with Mitchell is singled out more than once. Where reservations appear, they cluster on mildness. Several critics find it gentle and low-stakes, and The Times suggests it is sometimes too mild for Mitchell’s talents. Radio Times notes it grows more generic once it settles into a case-of-the-week rhythm, and The i Paper thinks Maxwell Martin is underused. The spread is narrow: nine positive, one mixed, none negative. The one qualified verdict, from Den of Geek, still calls it satisfying. ## The Telegraph — Anita Singh Rating 5/5. 25 September 2024. David Mitchell plays brilliantly to type in this quirky, cosy crime series. It is escapist and witty without being twee, lifted by strong supporting performances and inventive plotting. [Read the review](https://www.telegraph.co.uk/tv/0/ludwig-bbc-one-review-david-mitchell-anna-maxwell-martin/) ## The Guardian Fi1m's normalised score 89/100 (inferred from the text). 21 September 2024. The series is a perfect showcase for David Mitchell playing to type as an awkward puzzle-setter turned detective. It stands out for its sharp script, cinematic style, and genuinely funny tone in a cosy crime format. [Read the review](https://www.theguardian.com/tv-and-radio/2024/sep/21/ludwig-this-hilarious-detective-drama-is-the-perfect-platform-for-david-mitchell) ## Radio Times — James Hibbs Rating 4/5. 23 September 2024. The critic praises David Mitchell's perfect fit for the role in this comedy-drama detective series, highlighting the fun absurd premise and strong cast, while noting it becomes more generic as it settles into the case-of-the-week format. [Read the review](https://www.radiotimes.com/tv/drama/ludwig-david-mitchell-review/) ## The AV Club — Tim Lowery Rating B. 20 March 2025. A funny and delightful case-of-the-week dramedy that makes Mitchell the perfect lead as an awkward, sweet nerd solving crimes with puzzle logic. [Read the review](https://www.avclub.com/ludwig-review-britbox-tv) ## The i Paper — Nick Duerden Fi1m's normalised score 70/100 (inferred from the text). 25 September 2024. The critic finds the series charming and well-suited to David Mitchell as an accidental detective in a cosy crime caper, praising the neat premise and guest stars but noting it is light and PG, with Anna Maxwell Martin underused. [Read the review](https://inews.co.uk/culture/television/ludwig-review-david-mitchell-cosy-crime-3292157) ## The Times — Carol Midgley Fi1m's normalised score 70/100 (inferred from the text). 25 September 2024. The show is an amiable, low-stakes crime mystery with David Mitchell perfectly cast as a nerdish introvert. It feels gentle and cosy, carried by strong chemistry with Anna Maxwell Martin but sometimes too mild for his talents. [Read the review](https://www.thetimes.com/culture/tv-radio/article/ludwig-bbc1-review-david-mitchell-detective-drama-comedy-bpb7s87pn) ## Collider — Maggie Boccella Rating 9/10. 19 March 2025. The critic praises the puzzle-framing format that sets the series apart from standard procedurals and highlights David Mitchell’s nuanced, charming performance as the reclusive puzzle-maker turned detective, along with the strong supporting cast. [Read the review](https://collider.com/ludwig-tv-show-review/) ## Digital Spy — Rebecca Cook Fi1m's normalised score 80/100 (inferred from the text). 25 September 2024. Tremendous fun as a cosy crime caper with a tremendous script and Mitchell's idiosyncratic delivery; the most fun you could have watching TV this autumn. [Read the review](https://www.digitalspy.com/tv/a62367301/ludwig-review/) ## Paste — Lacy Baugher Milas Rating 8.0. 17 March 2025. The critic finds the series offbeat and utterly charming, crediting its appeal to David Mitchell’s pitch-perfect lead performance and the talented ensemble that makes the silly premise warm-hearted and fun despite requiring suspension of disbelief. [Read the review](https://www.pastemagazine.com/tv/britbox/ludwig-review) ## Den of Geek — Louisa Mellor Rating 3/5. 24 September 2024. A mild, unchallenging but satisfying cosy crime series that is precision-engineered for David Mitchell's anxious, puzzle-obsessed lead performance. [Read the review](https://www.denofgeek.com/tv/ludwig-review-david-mitchell-detective-comedy-is-charming-fluff/) --- © Fi1m Ltd. Written by AI under a human editor; checked against sources before publication. Quote with attribution and a link to the canonical URL. Our review: https://film.one/tv/ludwig.md