New on-set photography is released today, giving viewers a behind-the-scenes look at the much-anticipated BBC comedy Small Prophets created, written and directed by BAFTA-winning Mackenzie Crook (Detectorists). The series will launch on iPlayer and BBC Two in early 2026.

The six-part series will feature a host of comedy stars including Mackenzie Crook, Sir Michael Palin, Pearce Quigley, Lauren Patel, Sophie Willan, Jon Pointing and Paul Kaye, and these new images reveal the weird and wonderful new world Crook has conjured up.

Produced by BAFTA-winning Gill Isles (Car Share, Alma’s Not Normal), Small Prophets was filmed and set in and around Manchester and incorporates visually stunning animation elements throughout as a story of the magical and the mundane unfolds in a suburban cul-de-sac. 

We meet eccentric Michael Sleep (Pearce Quigley) whose darling partner Clea disappeared seven years ago. Since then, Sleep has lived a very ordinary life. He eats Shreddies, works in a DIY store, visits his dad Brian (Michael Palin), and hopes for Clea to return. One day Brian shares an old recipe involving rainwater, horse manure and more than a little alchemy. With recipe in hand, Sleep sets out (albeit with some scepticism) to create Homunculi - magical prophesying spirits that can predict the future.

Sleep gets help from young work mate Kacey (Lauren Patel), an unlikely friendship that blossoms partly, but not wholly, through their mutual dislike of store manager Gordon (Mackenzie Crook). Their friendship adds to the frustration and intrigue of his nosy neighbours (Sophie Willan and Jon Pointing) who are obsessed with trying to find out what the hell is going on in the garden shed. Meanwhile, Roy (Paul Kaye), Clea’s brother has fallen on hard times. In desperation he has come back into Michael’s life to claim back the family home, convinced that his sister will never return.

Small Prophets is a Treasure Trove and Blue House production for the BBC. It has been commissioned for iPlayer and BBC Two by BBC Director of Comedy Jon Petrie. It is written and directed by Mackenzie Crook. The executive producers are Mackenzie Crook and Lisa Thomas for Treasure Trove Productions, and Christine Gernon and Emma Strain for Blue House Productions. The commissioning editor for the BBC is Emma Lawson. Sphere Abacus is the International Distributor. 

Mackenzie Crook pictures by Vishal Sharma. Michael Palin picture by Matt Squire.