Mackenzie Crook makes long-awaited TV return alongside screen legend in first look at new BBC series
A selection of first-look images has been released for Small Prophets, the new six-part BBC comedy written by, directed by and starring Mackenzie Crook.
The Detectorists favourite can be seen in the images as Gordon, the manager of a DIY store, while we've also got our first looks at Pearce Quigley as Michael Sleep, the show's eccentric lead who also works at the store, Lauren Patel as work colleague Kacey, and comedy legend Sir Michael Palin as Michael's dad Brian.
The images have been released alongside the news that the series will launch on BBC Two and BBC iPlayer in 2026, with Sophie Willan, Jon Pointing and Paul Kaye also set to star.
The series, which was filmed and is set in and around Manchester, also incorporates animation elements throughout, although we have yet to see what these will look like.
The synopsis for the series says: "We meet eccentric Michael Sleep (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 (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 (Patel), an unlikely friendship that blossoms partly, but not wholly, through their mutual dislike of store manager Gordon (Crook).
"Their friendship adds to the frustration and intrigue of his nosy neighbours (Willan and Pointing) who are obsessed with trying to find out what the hell is going on in the garden shed.
"Meanwhile, Roy (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."
Crook is known for his roles in series including The Office and Detectorists, the latter of which he also wrote and directed, while co-starring alongside Toby Jones.
Small Prophets will air on BBC Two and BBC iPlayer in early 2026.
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Authors
James Hibbs is a Drama Writer for Radio Times, covering programmes across both streaming platforms and linear channels. He previously worked in PR, first for a B2B agency and subsequently for international TV production company Fremantle. He possesses a BA in English and Theatre Studies and an NCTJ Level 5 Diploma in Journalism.
