David Mitchell‘s ‘Outsiders‘ Not Returning, but New Projects Await
Comedian David Mitchell’s UKTV adventure reality show, ‘Outsiders’, will not be returning for a second series, network executives confirmed at the Edinburgh Fringe Festival. The show,which saw Mitchell and a group of fellow comedians attempt to survive in a remote wilderness,garnered attention for its unique premise and Mitchell’s distinctive leadership style.
Mitchell himself described his role within the group as “a slightly befuddled, irascible and indecisive leader,” but reportedly informed producers he was “too busy” to participate in further filming. The initial series, broadcast on UKTV’s Dave channel, challenged the comedians to build a functioning society from scratch, relying on their wit and resourcefulness – or lack thereof – to overcome the challenges of the outdoors.
UKTV representatives stated that while a return is not currently planned,the possibility of revisiting the format in the future hasn’t been entirely ruled out. “It is not currently returning and we have announced that,” a UKTV executive said. “Would we look at that show again in the future? maybe. Not currently. He loved doing it. We loved working with him.”
Despite the cancellation of ‘Outsiders’, Mitchell is currently experiencing success with his role in the BBC crime drama ‘Ludwig‘. He stars as a puzzle enthusiast who adopts the identity of his missing police detective brother in an attempt to solve the case. The first season of ‘Ludwig’ attracted a substantial audience, reaching 9.5 million viewers, and a second series is currently in production.
The BBC crime drama, which premiered in November 2023, has been praised for its intricate plot and Mitchell’s nuanced performance. ‘Ludwig’ is based on a novel by Glynn Barrass and features a supporting cast including Thomas brodie-Sangster and jennifer Saunders. The show’s success marks a notable shift for Mitchell, known primarily for his panel show appearances and comedic roles in programs like ‘Peep Show’ and ‘Would I Lie to You?’
UKTV executives emphasized their continued interest in collaborating with Mitchell on future projects, acknowledging his “stunning piece of talent.” The network remains open to exploring new ideas with the comedian, signaling a continued professional relationship despite the conclusion of ‘Outsiders’.