After becoming the BBC’s biggest new scripted launch of the year, Mackenzie Crook has addressed what could be next for Small Prophets.
Set in Manchester, the hit series was a fan favourite – and the numbers now prove it.
A whopping 7.7million people watched episode one of the show (28-day figure), making it the biggest comedy launch episode since Ludwig in 2024 – excluding specials.
The show’s creator, writer and director, Bafta-winning Mackenzie, says: ‘I ended Small Prophets with “to be continued” and I hope that is a promise I can keep in the not-too-distant future.’
It launched in February on BBC Two and quickly became widely talked about for its magical realism and heart-warming storyline.
For the channel, Small Prophets became its biggest comedy episode of the last 10 years – overtaking The Detectorists 2022 Christmas Special which saw 4.5million viewers.
Mackenzie, who was also behind the archaeological sitcom starring himself and Toby Jones, said of his recent show’s success: ‘I couldn’t be happier with the response to SmallProphets. The feedback from the audience, the reviews and figures have been better than I dared to hope.’
He revealed: ‘I gradually crafted this idea over the course of about 10 years and I think it has benefited from that slow percolation.’
It has been praised for it’s ‘gentle humour’ by users like Jo on X whose review read: ‘Great actors and storyline. Just the right length. Held interest throughout the series.’
Ribbitor123 on Reddit agreed, admitting they ‘loved it’: ‘Mackenzie Crook’s script perfectly balances the supernatural with the mundane and inspires you to take a closer look at your own surroundings.’
The series follows Michael Sleep (Pearce Quigley) who, with the help of his dad (Michael Palin) and colleague-turned-friend Kacey (Lauren Patel), discovers prophesying spirits that have the power to give him answers about his missing partner Clea.
Produced by Gill Isles, which also produced Alma’s Not Normal, the show stars Sophie Willan, that series’ lead and creator, alongside Jon Pointing of Big Boys.
Fans online, like Ryan Love have praised it for ‘capturing imaginations and hearts.’ He wrote on X: ‘The kind of show that just feels so uniquely British and the best of BBC.’
While @TAFKASB called it ‘another incredible BBC production’.
Small Prophets is available to watch on BBC iPlayer.
Got a story?
If you’ve got a celebrity story, video or pictures get in touch with the Metro.co.uk entertainment team by emailing us celebtips@metro.co.uk, calling 020 3615 2145 or by visiting our Submit Stuff page – we’d love to hear from you.
