A new BBC sitcom has captivated audiences with its weird, wacky and wonderful world.
The six-episode drama drops viewers into a place where ‘the magical and the mundane unfolds in a suburban shed as a lonely man stumbles into the supernatural’.
The bite-sized series comes from the mind of Mackenzie Crook, 54, the beloved British actor known for his memorable roles in Detectorists, Pirates of the Caribbean and The Office – to name a few.
Given its quirky and eccentric premise and the fact it features the Monty Python legend himself, Sir Michael Palin, it’s no surprise it has quickly intrigued and ensnared fans.
Alongside Mackenzie and Sir Michael, the star-studded ensemble as includes Dectectorists co-star Pearce Quigley as the lonely Michael, Sophie Willan (Alma’s Not Normal) and Jon Pointing (Big Boys).
The viewers verdict is in and it seems that this warm show imbued with magical realism and a nostalgic whimsy is exactly what the doctor ordered for this final February chill.
‘One of those rare TV series that has it all. Funny, touching, great story, great acting,’ Luc Dekens shared on X.
‘Just watched all episodes of Small Prophets. Absolutely brilliant, funny and heart warming. An absolute must watch!’ PrittyKitty wrote.
‘Absolutely loved Small Prophets , one of the best things I’ve watched in year,’ Chris Johnson praised.
‘Mackenzie Crook, you’ve done it again. Small Prophets is beautiful and magical with the perfect casting,’ Kathy Holt declared.
‘The animation of the prophets is buff as well. They feel both otherworldly and real. God I’m so in love with this series,’ Ada Jusic reflected.
‘Really do NOT miss Small Prophets, currently on iPlayer. The most unusual, original, sweet, moving and wonderful thing,’ Muriel Gray added.
Discussing what inspired the new show, Mackenzie told The Guardian: ‘I’ve always been fascinated by stories of lonely people. And I’ve also been fascinated by stories of ordinary people that something extraordinary happens to, and turns their life upside down.’
The show also offers a nuanced perspective to the rowdy protagonist and disgruntled next door neighbour sitcom trope (in this case played by Michael and Jon respectively).
Will you be catching up on Small Prophets?
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Yes, sounds right up my street!
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Not for me thanks
The showrunner reflected: ‘I wrote these quite two-dimensional, old-school sitcom characters – the boss, the next-door neighbour – and they didn’t come out that way.’
As for how Pearce landed the gig, Mackenzie added to Radio Times: ‘He is about the funniest person I know but I’d never seen him in a lead role, and it was when I realised this that the whole story started to crystallise in my mind.
‘Pearce plays Michael Sleep, the central character in Small Prophets, who I think audiences will fall instantly in love with.’
Small Prophets is streaming on BBC iPlayer now.
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