Small Prophets: Critically Acclaimed BBC Series Set for Apple TV Debut

Posted in: Apple, TV | Tagged: Small Prophets

Small Prophets: Critically Acclaimed BBC Series Set for Apple TV Debut

Series creator Mackenzie Crook's (Detectorists) acclaimed six-episode BBC comedy-drama Small Prophets is heading to Apple TV on October 7th.

Published Fri, 28 Aug 2026 08:07:09 -0500
by Ray Flook
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Garnering praise from critics and viewers alike when it debuted on BBC iPlayer and BBC Two earlier this year, series creator, writer, and director Mackenzie Crook's (Detectorists) acclaimed six-episode comedy-drama Small Prophets is heading to Apple TV on October 7th (except in the UK, where it will hit the streamer in 2027). Joining Crook is a cast that includes Pearce Quigley (Detectorists), Lauren Patel (Waterloo Road), BAFTA Award winner Sir Michael Palin (Monty Python), BAFTA Award winner Sophie Willan (Alma's Not Normal), BAFTA Award nominee Jon Pointing (Big Boys), and SAG Award nominee Paul Kaye (Game of Thrones). Here's a look at the preview image that was released, followed by the official overview:

The critically acclaimed Small Prophets is a comic tale of the eccentric Michael Sleep (Quigley), who, since his darling Clea disappeared seven years ago, has lived a very ordinary life. He works at a DIY store, visits his dad, Brian (Palin), and hopes that Clea will return. One day, Brian shares an old recipe involving rainwater, horse manure, and more than a little alchemy. With recipe in hand, Michael sets out (albeit with some skepticism) to create homunculi – magical spirits that can predict the future – in the hope they have the answer to his burning question, "Will I ever see Clea again?"

Michael gets help from his young coworker, Kacey (Patel), in an unlikely friendship that blossoms partly (but not wholly) through their mutual dislike of the store manager, Gordon (Crook). Their friendship adds to the frustration and intrigue of his nosy neighbors (Willan, Pointing), who are obsessed with finding out what the hell is going on in the garden shed. Filmed and set in and around Manchester, the series incorporates visually stunning animation elements throughout a story of friendships and hope, the magical and the mundane, and where secrets and lies lurk in a suburban cul-de-sac.

The series is produced by Treasure Trove and Blue House Productions, and is created, written, and directed by Mackenzie Crook. Executive producers are Mackenzie Crook and Lisa Thomas for Treasure Trove Productions, and Christine Gernon and Emma Strain for Blue House Productions. Apple TV acquired Small Prophets from international distributor Sphere Abacus.

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