Fantasy comedy coming next month

The BBC has given a provisional broadcast date for Mackenzie Crook’s new comedy Small Prophets.

Due to air from February 9, the six-part series will feature a host of comedy stars including, Sir Michael Palin, Pearce Quigley, Lauren Patel, Sophie Willan, Jon Pointing and Paul Kaye as well as Crook himself.

It revolves around eccentric Michael Sleep (Pearce Quigley) who lives a quiet life since his partner Clea disappeared seven years ago. 

But one day his father Brian – as played by Michael Palin – shares an old spell that could create Homunculi, magical prophesying spirits that can predict the future. 

Crook said:'"Like all my best ideas, this one has been percolating for nearly a decade and is finally ready to see the light of day.’

It has been produced by Car Share’s Gill Isles, and incorporates animation elements  into = live-action comedy filmed in Manchester.

Published: 5 Jan 2026