Small Prophets: Mackenzie Crook’s 2026 Comedy

Following the quiet brilliance of Detectorists, writer-director Mackenzie Crook returned to BBC Two in February 2026 with "Small Prophets." The six-part series has been hailed by critics as an "idiosyncratic treasure," blending the mundane reality of a DIY superstore with the surreal folklore of suburban alchemy.

The show reunites Crook with Detectorists alumnus Pearce Quigley and features a legendary turn by Sir Michael Palin, marking a new pinnacle for Crook's "folk-comedy" genre.

The Plot: Alchemy in the Suburbs

Set in a shaggy suburban cul-de-sac in Greater Manchester, the story follows Michael Sleep (Pearce Quigley), a man whose life has been on "pause" for seven years since his girlfriend, Clea, vanished without a trace.

• The Quest: Michael’s father, Brian (Michael Palin)—residing in a care home while battling dementia—claims to have found an ancient recipe to find Clea.

• The Homunculi: The "Small Prophets" of the title are six tiny, jar-dwelling humans (homunculi) that Michael must grow in his garden shed using rainwater and horse manure. These magical beings are said to possess the power of absolute truth and prophecy.

• The Ordinary vs. The Magical: Much of the comedy stems from the contrast between Michael's surreal shed experiments and his drab day job at a massive DIY store, where he torments customers and evades his pedantic manager, Gordon (played by Mackenzie Crook).

Critical Reception: "Pure, Pure Pleasure"

Critics have almost universally praised the series for its gentle pace and unique emotional depth:

• The Guardian (5 Stars): Labeled the show an "impossible marvel," praising it for finding "wonder in the urban ordinary."

• The Independent: Noted that while the show takes a "swerve into magical realism," it remains a deeply moving meditation on grief and middle-aged stagnation.

• The Times: Described it as "Detectorists reimagined by Terry Pratchett," highlighting the "masterful mood" that Crook creates.

The Cast of Characters

Why It’s Considered a "Treasure"

Small Prophets succeeds by refusing to be easily categorized. It functions simultaneously as a workplace "sadcom," a supernatural mystery, and a heartfelt study of a father-son relationship. The use of stop-motion animation (provided by BAFTA-winners Ainslie Henderson and Will Anderson) to bring the tiny homunculi to life adds a layer of handcrafted charm that has become a hallmark of Crook’s 2026 production style.

The series concluded its first run on February 9, 2026, with all episodes available on BBC iPlayer. Rumors from the production crew suggest a second series has already been greenlit.

Source - https://theweek.com/culture-life/tv-radio/small-prophets-mackenzie-crooks-idiosyncratic-comedy-is-a-treasure

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