“British comedy at its finest”: Don’t miss out on BBC’s eccentric Manchester-set sitcom Small Prophets

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The BBC is launching a new sitcom filmed in Manchester that sounds really interesting. Small Prophets was revealed earlier in the year and centers around a somewhat unusual man. A few years ago, his partner went missing, and now he’s trying to concoct spirits – using a recipe – that can supposedly predict the future.

This six-episode series on BBC Two was made by Mackenzie Crook, who also wrote, directed, and appears in a supporting role. Crook is known for creating Detectorists and The Office.

I’m really excited about Small Prophets! It’s not only filmed with real actors around Manchester, but it also “incorporates visually stunning animation elements throughout.” The story sounds amazing – it’s about friendships and hope, blending the magical and the everyday, and all the secrets and lies that can hide in a typical suburban neighborhood. I can’t wait to see how it all comes together!

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Crook shared that the show’s concept had been developing for almost ten years and was now ready to launch. He also expressed his excitement about working with lead actor Pearce Quigley and producer Gill Isles, and fulfilling his long-held goal of teaming up with animators Ainslie Henderson and Will Anderson. He described the collaboration as wonderful.

Isles and Crook have collaborated before on Detectorists and Worzel Gummidge. Crook is also an executive producer on this new project, alongside Lisa Thomas, who previously worked with them. Christine Gernon (Gavin & Stacey) and Emma Strain (Miranda) join as additional executive producers. The show is being produced by Treasure Trove, Crook’s production company, and Blue House.

I’m really excited to collaborate with Mackenzie once more on this show – it’s hilarious, heartwarming, and truly one-of-a-kind,” Isles shared about the project.

Jon Petrie, the BBC’s Director of Comedy, stated: “BBC audiences are set to enjoy Small Prophets, a new show from BAFTA-winning creator Mackenzie Crook.”

Okay, so this new comedy series is seriously magical – it’s packed with clever writing and genuinely amazing moments. The cast is incredible – I’m talking about Mackenzie, Sir Michael Palin, Sophie Willan, Pearce Quigley, Lauren Patel and Jon Pointing, just to name a few! And it’s not just the actors, the people *behind* the scenes are top-notch, and the animation is absolutely stunning. Honestly, it’s everything you want from British comedy – it’s really the best.

What is Small Prophets about?

Small Prophets centers around the story of Michael Sleep, described as eccentric, who is coping with the disappearance of his beloved partner, Clea, which happened seven years prior. He is currently living what appears to be a very ordinary life.

So, this guy, Sleep, he’s a pretty normal dude – loves his Shreddies, works at a DIY store, and makes time to visit his dad, Brian. I’m really hoping things work out for him and Clea, because the synopsis says he’s really wanting her to come back! Then things get *weird*. Brian shares this ancient recipe – seriously, it involves rainwater and even horse manure, plus some alchemy! Sleep’s a bit doubtful, but he decides to give it a shot and try to create Homunculi – basically, magical spirits that can see the future. I’m already hooked!

Sleep finds support at work through a friend named Kacey, and an unlikely friendship develops partly, but not entirely because they both dislike their manager, Gordon.

The close bond between them only fuels the frustration and curiosity of their nosy neighbours, who are determined to uncover what’s happening in the garden shed. At the same time, Clea’s brother, Roy, is facing difficult circumstances. He’s returned to Michael’s life, hoping to reclaim their childhood home, believing his sister won’t be coming back.

Who is in Small Prophets?

Alongside Quigley as Michael and Crook as Gordon, Small Prophets will also star:

Okay, so the cast is pretty awesome! We’ve got Sir Michael Palin – yeah, Monty Python’s Michael Palin – playing Brian. Then there’s Lauren Patel, who I remember from Waterloo Road, she’s Kacey. And get this, Sophie Willan (Alma’s Not Normalal) is playing a nosy neighbour, which is perfect casting! Jon Pointing (Big Boys) is *also* a nosy neighbour – double the nosiness! Finally, Paul Kaye (The Hack) is Roy. Seriously, a great lineup!

When will Small Prophets be released?

Small Prophets doesn’t have a confirmed release date yet, but it’s expected to debut on BBC Two and BBC iPlayer in early 2026.

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2025-10-01 13:20