Small Prophets, the new British fantasy comedy from Mackenzie Crook, will debut on Apple TV+ on October 7, 2026. The series brings together Pearce Quigley, Michael Palin, Lauren Patel, Sophie Willan, and Jon Pointing for a singularly quirky alchemical experiment.
Michael Sleep has been living a life stuck in limbo since his partner Clea vanished without a trace seven years ago. He now divides his time between his job at a hardware store, visits to his father Brian, and the stubborn hope that Clea will return one day.
His routine is upended when Brian entrusts him with an ancient recipe that mixes rainwater, horse manure, and alchemy. Despite his skepticism, Michael sets out to conjure homunculi, magical spirits believed to foretell the future. He hopes this will answer the question that haunts him: will he see Clea again?
The experience quickly draws the attention of Kacey, a young colleague portrayed by Lauren Patel. Their friendship grows in part from their shared distaste for Gordon, the store manager played by Mackenzie Crook. The activities conducted in the garden shed likewise pique the curiosity of some particularly nosy neighbors.
The first season comprises six roughly 30-minute episodes. Mackenzie Crook, known for The Office and Detectorists, is the creator, writer and director of the series. Pearce Quigley stars as Michael, while Michael Palin plays his father, Brian. Sophie Willan and Jon Pointing round out the cast as the neighbors Bev and Clive.
With its blend of grief, mystery, British wit and wonder, Small Prophets is less concerned with the powers of its creatures than with what drives Michael to want to know his future. The series thus positions itself as an intimate fantasy, centered on waiting, friendship and the hard task of picking up the pieces and moving on with life.
To go further, also check out our selection of Apple TV+ October releases, our guide to new streaming titles across all platforms, and today’s streaming pick: what to watch today.
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