Ludwig Is Coming To An End… But BBC One Already Has Its Next Big Obsession Ready. After six episodes of impossible crimes, clever puzzles and David Mitchell’s brilliantly unusual detective, Ludwig is reaching the end of Season 2 — with John Taylor facing one final case that hits dangerously close to home. But there’s no empty Thursday-night slot waiting for him. From October 1, Claudia Winkleman returns with The Celebrity Traitors, bringing James Blunt, Bella Ramsey, Joe Lycett, Maya Jama and Michael Sheen into a game of trust, deception and betrayal, with £100,000 for charity at stake. And Joe Lycett already has a very strong opinion about the show. One hit drama ends. Another major BBC show takes its place.

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Ludwig Season 2 Comes To An End As BBC Confirms Its Replacement

After six episodes of murder mysteries, impossible cases and puzzle-solving detective work, Ludwig is preparing to bow out of BBC One’s Thursday-night schedule. The second season of the hit drama reaches its conclusion on Thursday, September 24, with the BBC already confirming what will take over the slot the following week.

Starring David Mitchell and Anna Maxwell Martin, the Cambridge-set mystery has built a strong following since returning for its second season in August. Described by some viewers as the “ultimate comfort food” of crime dramas, the series combines traditional detective mysteries with a lighter, more unconventional tone.

Now, as John ‘Ludwig’ Taylor faces his latest case, viewers are also getting their first look at what comes next.

A group of individuals dressed in formal attire are gathered in an indoor setting, possibly a church, with one individual standing in the foreground wearing a long, dark dress.

Ludwig Faces One Final Mystery

The sixth and final episode of season two will air on BBC One at 9pm on Thursday, September 24.

The season has continued the story of John ‘Ludwig’ Taylor, played by David Mitchell, a master puzzle-setter whose ability to solve seemingly impossible problems has brought him into the world of police investigations.

John is now working as a Crime Scene Consultant, helping DCI Russell Carter, played by Dipo Ola, tackle difficult cases for the Cambridge Police Authority.

Alongside him throughout the series is his sister-in-law Lucy, played by Anna Maxwell Martin. Their relationship remains central to the drama as the investigation becomes increasingly personal.

The season has also welcomed a number of notable guest stars, including Stephen Merchant and Sian Clifford.

A Death Close To Home Changes Everything

Two men stand behind a snooker table

The finale puts John under even greater pressure when a shocking death close to home appears to implicate Joanne Kemper.

With the evidence pointing in her direction, John is left racing against time while he and Lucy attempt to make sense of how the different pieces of the case connect.

The official synopsis teases a tense conclusion as the Taylors are forced to rely on those around them while the investigation reaches its final stage.

The central questions are whether Kemper has finally made a serious mistake and whether Ludwig can uncover the truth before another life is put at risk.

The Celebrity Traitors Takes Over From Ludwig

Once Ludwig finishes, BBC One will move straight into another major title.

The Celebrity Traitors will launch its second season on Thursday, October 1, 2026, with Claudia Winkleman returning as host.

The new series will begin at 8pm on BBC One and BBC iPlayer with an extended opening episode. It will then air twice a week, on Thursday and Friday evenings at 8pm.

The main programme will be followed by The Celebrity Traitors: Uncloaked at 9:15pm.

The celebrity edition once again brings together a group of famous contestants for a game centred on detection, trust and betrayal. They will compete for the chance to win up to £100,000 for charity.

Comedian David Mitchell as master puzzle-setter John ‘Ludwig’ Taylor

James Blunt, Bella Ramsey And Michael Sheen Among The Cast

The second season features a high-profile line-up drawn from music, acting, comedy and television.

Among the celebrities taking part are singer James Blunt, actor Bella Ramsey, comedian Joe Lycett, presenter Maya Jama and Welsh actor Michael Sheen.

The cast is expected to bring a very different energy to the BBC One schedule after the mystery and comedy of Ludwig.

Joe Lycett has already made clear how highly he regards the format, explaining why he decided to join the celebrity version.

“I’m going to say it – it’s the best show on TV,” he said, describing the first series as “phenomenally good television.” Lycett added that he had not thought the show could be bettered before the celebrity version arrived, calling its final episode “beautiful.”

Ludwig star teases show's "uncharacteristic" new direction

When To Watch Ludwig And The Celebrity Traitors

For now, Ludwig fans have one final episode to look forward to.

The season two finale of Ludwig airs on BBC One at 9pm on Thursday, September 24.

A week later, The Celebrity Traitors takes over the Thursday-night slot, beginning at 8pm on October 1, 2026, with new celebrities entering a game where trust can be just as important — and dangerous — as detection.