Apple TV will begin streaming Small Prophets, the acclaimed six-episode comedy written and directed by BAFTA winner Mackenzie Crook (Detectorists), on October 7 outside the U.K., where the series will reach Apple TV subscribers in 2027. The show premiered earlier this year on BBC iPlayer and BBC Two in the U.K. and brings together a cast of beloved comedy stars including Pearce Quigley, Lauren Patel, BAFTA winner Sir Michael Palin and BAFTA winner Sophie Willan.
About the Series
Small Prophets is a comedy that tells the story of the eccentric Michael Sleep (Quigley), who has led a very ordinary life ever since his beloved Clea disappeared seven years ago. He works at a hardware store, visits his father Brian (Palin) and hopes that Clea might come back. One day, Brian reveals an ancient recipe calling for rainwater, horse manure and a good dose of alchemy. Recipe in hand, Michael sets to work — albeit with a certain amount of skepticism — to create homunculi, magical spirits able to predict the future, in the hope that they can answer the question that torments him most:
“Will I ever see Clea again?”
The first season holds a rare perfect 100% critics’ score on Rotten Tomatoes, and in March 2026 it won the Best Series Award, International Panorama at Series Mania.
Shot and set in and around Manchester, the series weaves striking animated elements into a story about friendship and hope, magic and the everyday, in a suburban world where secrets and lies lurk in a quiet cul-de-sac.
Production and Distribution
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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