Small Prophets to premiere on Apple TV this October – Apple TV has announced that season one of Small Prophets, the six-part comedy from BAFTA Award winner Mackenzie Crook, will premiere on Wednesday, 7 October.
The series was created, written and directed by Crook, best known for Detectorists. It debuted on BBC iPlayer and BBC Two in the UK earlier this year.
For Australian Apple TV viewers, the acquisition adds another British comedy with a strong creative pedigree to the platform’s local slate. It also brings Crook back to the gentle, character-led storytelling that made Detectorists a favourite with comedy audiences.
What is Small Prophets about?
Small Prophets follows Michael Sleep, played by Pearce Quigley. Since his beloved Clea disappeared seven years ago, Michael has lived a very ordinary life.
He works in a DIY store, visits his father Brian, played by Sir Michael Palin, and still hopes Clea will return.
Then Brian shares an old recipe involving rainwater, horse manure and alchemy. Michael sets out to create homunculi, magical spirits said to predict the future, in the hope they can answer one question: will he ever see Clea again?
Michael is helped by young co-worker Kacey, played by Lauren Patel. Their unlikely friendship grows through their shared dislike of store manager Gordon, played by Crook.
Meanwhile, Michael’s neighbours become increasingly determined to learn what is happening in the garden shed.
Cast and production
The cast includes Mackenzie Crook, Pearce Quigley, Lauren Patel, Sir Michael Palin, Sophie Willan, Jon Pointing and Paul Kaye.
The series was filmed and set in and around Manchester. It also uses animation elements across a story about friendship, hope, secrets and ordinary suburban life.
Small Prophets is produced by Treasure Trove and Blue House Productions. Executive producers are Crook and Lisa Thomas for Treasure Trove Productions, and Christine Gernon and Emma Strain for Blue House Productions.
Apple TV acquired the series from international distributor Sphere Abacus.
The first season won the Best Series Award, International Panorama at Series Mania in March 2026. It also holds a 100% critics’ score on Rotten Tomatoes.
Small Prophets premieres on Apple TV on Wednesday, 7 October.
For more Apple TV coverage, visit TV Central’s Apple TV section. Apple TV is available in Australia at tv.apple.com/au.