Apple TV has acquired worldwide rights to "Small Prophets," a six-part comedy-drama created, written and directed by Mackenzie Crook, marking a departure from the platform's usual approach of commissioning original series rather than acquiring shows that have already aired.
The series debuted on BBC iPlayer and BBC Two on 9 February 2026, delivering the strongest 28-day launch figures for a BBC Two comedy since 2022. It went on to record a 100% score on Rotten Tomatoes and won the International Panorama award at Series Mania in March 2026. Apart from the UK, the show has already aired on ABC iView in Australia, launching as a box-set release on 23 June 2026, according to 3Vision's Show Tracker.
Worldwide distribution rights were secured through Sphere Abacus. Apple TV will launch the series globally on 7 October 2026, with the UK excluded from this window; BBC iPlayer retains the title domestically, and it is not expected to reach Apple TV subscribers in that market until 2027.
The series stars Pearce Quigley as Michael Sleep, a man coming to terms with the disappearance of his partner seven years earlier, alongside Sir Michael Palin, Lauren Patel, Sophie Willan and Jon Pointing. Crook also appears in a supporting role. The show is produced by Treasure Trove Productions and Blue House Productions, with Crook and Lisa Thomas, and Christine Gernon and Emma Strain, serving as executive producers respectively.
A second season was confirmed by the BBC within roughly a week of the Apple deal being announced, citing UK viewing figures reported as high as 9.2 million. Season two will move from BBC One to BBC Two and is scheduled to premiere in 2027, with Crook again attached as writer and director.
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