The BBC has released new on-set photos from ‘Small Prophets’, the upcoming six-part comedy from BAFTA-winner Mackenzie Crook (Detectorists), who both writes and directs the series. Arriving on BBC Two and iPlayer in early 2026, the show blends suburban mundanity with magical strangeness in Crook’s typically off-kilter style.
‘Small Prophets’ boasts an impressive cast of comedy talent including Mackenzie Crook, Sir Michael Palin (Monty Python), Pearce Quigley (Detectorists), Lauren Patel (Everybody’s Talking About Jamie), Sophie Willan (Alma’s Not Normal), Jon Pointing (Big Boys) and Paul Kaye (After Life). The newly released images offer a first glimpse at the eccentric characters and oddball world Crook has created.
At the centre of the story is Michael Sleep, played by Pearce Quigley, an unassuming man whose partner Clea mysteriously vanished seven years earlier. Since then, he has plodded along in an ordinary routine of Shreddies, DIY store shifts, and visits to his dad Brian, played by none other than Sir Michael Palin. His life takes a bizarre turn when Brian passes him a recipe involving rainwater, horse manure and a dash of alchemy, leading Michael to attempt the creation of homunculi – tiny, magical spirits that can predict the future.
Michael soon finds support from his younger co-worker Kacey (Lauren Patel), their unlikely friendship partly fuelled by a shared dislike of the officious store manager Gordon, played by Mackenzie Crook himself. Their growing bond draws the attention of nosy neighbours (Sophie Willan and Jon Pointing), who are determined to discover what strange goings-on are happening in Michael’s shed. Adding to the chaos, Roy (Paul Kaye), Clea’s down-on-his-luck brother, returns to reclaim the family home, certain she will never come back.
Produced by BAFTA-winner Gill Isles (Car Share, Alma’s Not Normal), the series was filmed in and around Manchester and will feature animated elements alongside its live-action storytelling. Executive producers include Mackenzie Crook and Lisa Thomas for Treasure Trove Productions, and Christine Gernon and Emma Strain for Blue House Productions, with Emma Lawson serving as commissioning editor for the BBC. Distribution is being handled by Sphere Abacus.
‘Small Prophets’ does not yet have a premiere date but will air on BBC Two and iPlayer in the UK. If you want to keep track of this or any other shows, you can add them via our Never Miss system, and you’ll be notified when it gets a UK premiere date. Visit Never Miss.
Login to Geektown