Apple TV Acquires Mackenzie Crook’s Comedy Hit ‘Small Prophets’

Apple TV has locked down the global rights to Small Prophets, a six-part British comedy series created, written, and directed by BAFTA Award winner Mackenzie Crook, according to Deadline.

The show made waves across the Atlantic earlier this year when it debuted on BBC Two and BBC iPlayer, delivering the channel’s strongest 28-day comedy launch ratings since 2022. Now, Apple is bringing the series to its streaming platform worldwide on October 7, 2026.

The acquisition gives Apple another major UK hit for its international lineup. However, viewers in the show’s home country will have to wait a little longer to watch it on the service. Because the series recently aired on the BBC, UK subscribers will not see Small Prophets on Apple TV until 2027.

The show centers around Michael Sleep, played by Pearce Quigley, an ordinary man working at a local DIY store. Michael’s life has been stuck on pause ever since his partner, Clea, vanished without a trace seven years ago. While spending time with his elderly father Brian, played by comedy legend Michael Palin, Michael receives an unusual family recipe.

Mackenzie Crook is best known to global audiences for his roles as Gareth Keenan in the original UK version of The Office and Ragetti in the Pirates of the Caribbean franchise. However, he has carved out a distinct niche as a writer and director focused on understated, character-driven stories.

Reports indicate that Crook is already hard at work writing an eight-part second season to wrap up the storyline, though the BBC has not officially announced a renewal yet. For Apple, acquiring the global rights ensures that international audiences can dive into season one before any potential follow-up arrives.