# Apple TV acquires Small Prophets; BBC renews series

> Live situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/apple-tv-acquisition-of-small-prophets-series
> Updated: 2026-09-08T08:41:15.000Z. Sources: 13. Developments: 3.

Apple TV has acquired the global distribution rights to the British comedy series ‘Small Prophets’, a move that signals a shift in the streaming service’s strategy from relying primarily on original productions to acquiring successful existing formats. The acquisition was facilitated through the distribution partner Sphere Abacus.

Created, written, and directed by Mackenzie Crook, the series follows Michael Sleep, a DIY store worker in and around Manchester. The plot involves the use of alchemy and magical spirits known as homunculi—tiny oracle beings in glass containers capable of predicting future events—to seek out a lost partner. The production, a collaboration between Treasure Trove Productions and Channel X North produced by Gill Isles, previously aired on BBC iPlayer and BBC Two.

Following the success of its first run, which saw viewership reach up to 9.2 million, the BBC has renewed ‘Small Prophets’ for a second season. While reports regarding the second season's specific channel placement vary, suggesting a potential move between BBC One and BBC Two, a premiere is scheduled for 2027. 

The series is set to premiere on Apple TV on October 7, 2026, though it will not be available to subscribers in the United Kingdom until 2027.

## Timeline

### 2026-09-08: 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.

5 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/small-prophets-renewed-for-second-season-by-bbc

### 2026-09-03: 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’.

3 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/apple-tv-acquires-global-rights-to-bbc-series-small-prophets

### 2026-08-29: 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.

3 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/apple-tv-to-premiere-british-comedy-small-prophets-in-october-2026

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Cite as: Apple TV acquires Small Prophets; BBC renews series. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/apple-tv-acquisition-of-small-prophets-series