- Small Prophets will return to screens in 2027 for Series 2, moving from BBC Two to BBC One
- Over 9 million viewers have now watched the first series of Mackenzie Crook‘s comedy
- He says: “I’m thrilled to have the opportunity to tell the second half of this strange story”
The BBC has confirmed a second series of Small Prophets.
The comedy, created by Mackenzie Crook, has been one of the big TV hits of 2026, with over 9 million viewers tuning in to the first series so far. The show was particularly a hit on streaming, with 5.2m of the 6.3m watching in the first 28 days viewing via BBC iPlayer.
The BBC describes the plot as follows: “In Series 1 we met eccentric Michael Sleep (Pearce Quigley) whose partner Clea disappeared seven years ago. Sleep lives a very ordinary life, working in a DIY store, visiting his dad Brian (Michael Palin), and hoping for Clea’s return. One day Brian shares an old recipe with Sleep to create Homunculi. Sleep enlists his colleague Kacey (Lauren Patel) to help conjure up the magical prophesying spirits that can predict the future.
“An unlikely friendship blossoms, partly through their mutual dislike of their boss, store manager Gordon (Mackenzie Crook). It adds to the intrigue of Sleep’s nosy neighbours Bev (Sophie Willan) and Clive (Jon Pointing) who are obsessed with trying to find out what the hell is going on in his garden shed.”
Series 2 will also be filmed in Manchester, with all the key cast due to return. The episodes are expected to air in 2027, with the show moving from BBC Two to BBC One.
Mackenzie Crook says: “I’m thrilled to have the opportunity to tell the second half of this strange story and as intrigued as anyone else to find out what happens to Michael Sleep in his mystical quest. The prophets have foretold that Series 2 will be happening next year and, as we know, they are compelled to speak the truth.”
Producer Gill Isles comments: “It’s a real privilege to be producing the second series of Small Prophets. Mackenzie has created such a distinctive, magical world, and I can’t wait to return to Marvin Gardens and help bring this new chapter to life.”
Emma Lawson, BBC Interim Director of Comedy, adds: “We’re beyond delighted to be bringing Small Prophets back for a second series. Mackenzie has created a world packed with wonder, magic and unforgettable characters which feels completely unlike anything else on television and we can’t wait to see where the story takes us next. To be continued…”
