The BBC has ordered a second series of ‘Small Prophets‘, with Mackenzie Crook (Detectorists, Worzel Gummidge) returning to write and direct the magical comedy, which will also make the jump from BBC Two to BBC One.
The six-part first series proved to be the BBC’s biggest new comedy of 2026 so far, averaging 6.3 million viewers over 28 days. Some 82% of that viewing came via BBC iPlayer, accounting for 5.2 million viewers, while episode one has continued to grow beyond the 28-day window and now stands at 9.2 million.
Created, written and directed by Crook, the series follows eccentric Michael Sleep, played by Pearce Quigley (Detectorists), whose partner Clea disappeared seven years ago. Michael lives a fairly ordinary life working in a DIY store, visiting his dad Brian, played by Sir Michael Palin (Monty Python), and hoping Clea will one day return.
Things take a much stranger turn when Brian gives Michael an old recipe for creating Homunculi, magical, prophesying spirits able to predict the future. Michael recruits his colleague Kacey, played by Lauren Patel (Waterloo Road), to help with the experiment, sparking an unlikely friendship partly fuelled by their mutual dislike of store manager Gordon, played by Crook.
Meanwhile, nosy neighbours Bev and Clive, played by Sophie Willan (Alma’s Not Normal) and Jon Pointing (Big Boys), become increasingly determined to discover exactly what is going on in Michael’s garden shed.
Crook said: “I’m thrilled to have the opportunity to tell the second half of this strange story and as intrigued as anyone else to find out what happens to Michael Sleep in his mystical quest. The prophets have foretold that series two will be happening next year and, as we know, they are compelled to speak the truth.”
That “second half” comment is particularly interesting, as it suggests Crook has had a wider two-series story in mind for Michael’s rather unusual mystical adventure.
Producer Gill Isles said: “It’s a real privilege to be producing the second series of Small Prophets. Mackenzie has created such a distinctive, magical world, and I can’t wait to return to Marvin Gardens and help bring this new chapter to life.”
Emma Lawson, BBC Interim Director of Comedy, added: “We’re beyond delighted to be bringing Small Prophets back for a second series. Mackenzie has created a world packed with wonder, magic and unforgettable characters which feels completely unlike anything else on television and we can’t wait to see where the story takes us next. To be continued…”
For viewers outside the UK, the first series of ‘Small Prophets’ is also heading to Apple TV in October. The streaming service has acquired the six episodes for territories outside the UK, with UK Apple TV subscribers getting access in 2027. The series previously won Best Series in the International Panorama section at Series Mania in March 2026 and currently holds a 100% critics’ score on Rotten Tomatoes.
Series two will once again run for six 30-minute episodes, produced by Treasure Trove Productions and Channel X North. Crook and Lisa Thomas executive produce for Treasure Trove Productions, with Alan Marke and Jim Reid for Channel X North. Sphere Abacus handles international distribution.
The second series of ‘Small Prophets’ will air on BBC One in 2027.
‘Small Prophets‘ Season 1 premieres Wednesday, 7th October 2026 on Apple TV outside the UK. For the UK, Season 1 is on BBC iPlayer, and it will be available to UK Apple TV subscribers in 2027.
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