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8 clusters · 30 sources · 51 days · First seen · Last updated

Apple TV acquires Small Prophets; BBC renews series

Overview

Apple TV has acquired the global distribution rights to the British comedy series ‘Small Prophets’, a move signaling a shift in the streaming service’s strategy toward acquiring successful existing formats. The acquisition was facilitated through distribution partner Sphere Abacus.

Created, written, and directed by Mackenzie Crook, the six-episode series follows Michael Sleep, a DIY store worker in Manchester. Seven years after the disappearance of his partner, Clea, Sleep uses alchemy and rainwater—following an ancient recipe shared by his father, Brian (played by Sir Michael Palin)—to create homunculi. These tiny oracle beings in glass containers are intended to help predict the future and locate Clea. The series explores themes of loss, hope, and friendship as Michael receives help from his colleague Kacey (Lauren Patel) while navigating the suspicions of his neighbors. The production, a collaboration between Treasure Trove Productions and Channel X North, utilizes stop-motion animation to bring the magical creatures to life.

The series arrived on Apple TV on October 7, 2026, with the first two episodes released simultaneously. Upon its debut, the series achieved a “100% critic score on Rotten Tomatoes” and follows its previous recognition as the winner of Best Series in the International Panorama section at Series Mania in March 2026.

Following a successful first run with viewership reaching up to 9.2 million, the BBC has renewed ‘Small Prophets’ for a second season, scheduled for a 2027 premiere. While the global launch on Apple TV began in late 2026, the series is expected to remain unavailable to subscribers in the United Kingdom until 2027.

Entities

Mackenzie Crook · Pearce Quigley · Apple TV · BBC · Michael Palin

Claims

What the coverage asserts, and how many sources carry each claim.

Timeline

  1. [CULTURE] 2 sources
    Apple TV+ comedy series ‘Small Prophets’ receives critical acclaim

    The Apple TV+ comedy series ‘Small Prophets’, created by Mackenzie Crook, has earned a 100% Rotten Tomatoes score from critics.

  2. [TECHNOLOGY] 3 sources
    Apple TV expands content with new series acquisitions

    Apple TV expands its streaming catalog with the acquisition of the British comedy-drama ‘Small Prophets’ and the development of a new series based on May Cobb’s novel ‘All the Little Houses’.

  3. [CULTURE] 7 sources
    Small Prophets comedy series premieres on Apple TV

    Mackenzie Crook’s new comedy series ‘Small Prophets’ premiered on Apple TV on October 7, following a man using alchemy to seek answers about his missing partner.

  4. [CULTURE] 3 sources
    Apple TV releases trailer for Mackenzie Crook comedy ‘Small Prophets’

    Apple TV has released a trailer for ‘Small Prophets’, a six-episode comedy series by Mackenzie Crook starring Pearce Quigley and Michael Palin, set to debut on October 7.

  5. [CULTURE] 3 sources
    Apple TV releases trailer for Mackenzie Crook comedy ‘Small Prophets’

    Apple TV has unveiled the trailer for ‘Small Prophets’, a six-episode comedy series by Mackenzie Crook set in Manchester, premiering October 7, 2026.

  6. [CULTURE] 5 sources
    Small Prophets renewed for second season by BBC

    The BBC has renewed Mackenzie Crook’s hit comedy ‘Small Prophets’ for a second season after the series drew up to 9.2 million viewers.

  7. [BUSINESS] 3 sources
    Apple TV acquires global rights to BBC series ‘Small Prophets’

    Apple TV has broken its trend of relying solely on original productions by acquiring the global rights to the successful BBC series ‘Small Prophets’.

  8. [TECHNOLOGY] 3 sources
    Apple TV to premiere British comedy Small Prophets in October 2026

    Apple TV will premiere the critically acclaimed British comedy series Small Prophets on October 7, 2026. Created by Mackenzie Crook, the series follows a man using alchemy to find his missing partner.

Sources

almomento.mx · apfelpage.de · deadline.com · dziennik.pl · emmepress.com · emozionialcinema.it · fehmarn24.de · gigabeat.com · hobbyconsolas.com · independent.co.uk · jazz-jazz.com · join.com · jwave.com.br · leserigraphe.com · macerkopf.de · macitynet.it · mecambioamac.com · op-online.de · ouniversodatv.com · quotenmeter.de · seriesemcena.com.br · soydemac.com · swiatseriali.interia.pl · telestar.fr · thewalkoffame.it · tuaw.com · tvcentral.com.au · tvseriesfinale.com · tvzoneuk.com · wochentlich.de

This summary has been updated 6 times: see revision history