BBC's New Comedy 'Small Prophets' Receives Rave Reviews as an 'Absolute Masterpiece'
BBC enthusiasts have been effusively praising a fresh comedy series, lauded as an 'absolute masterpiece' and a prime example of 'British telly at its best'. Titled Small Prophets, this six-part show debuted on BBC2 on February 9, captivating television aficionados to such an extent that some devoted viewers pulled all-nighters to binge the entire series in one sitting.
Plot and Creative Team Behind the Manchester-Set Sitcom
The sitcom, set in Manchester, is the brainchild of Mackenzie Crook, the 54-year-old actor and writer renowned for his roles in The Office and Pirates of the Caribbean. Starring Pearce Quigley, celebrated for his work in Detectorists, the narrative revolves around a character named Michael Sleep. His life is upended when his girlfriend mysteriously vanishes, leaving him desperate for answers seven years later.
In a quirky twist, Michael decides to craft small prophetic beings in his garden shed—inspiring the show's title—to unravel the mystery. However, his efforts are complicated by nosy neighbours and various interferences, making his quest far from straightforward. The official synopsis describes it: 'Since his girlfriend went missing seven years ago, Michael Sleep's life has been on hold. But a mystical recipe in an old journal promises to give the answers he’s been longing for.'
Fan Reactions and Social Media Buzz
Following its release, fans flocked to Twitter/X to express their admiration for the series' unique and original storyline. Enthusiastic comments included:
- 'Really do NOT miss #SmallProphets currently on iPlayer. The most unusual, original, sweet, moving and wonderful thing.'
- 'So, one episode in... and #SmallProphets is British telly at its gentle, whimsical, beautiful best.'
- 'Just watched the first episode of #SmallProphets and it's pure gentle magic. Quiet, heartfelt weirdness in a Manchester shed, with tiny prophesying homunculi and the most tender longing. If you loved Detectorists, this feels like its enchanted cousin.'
- 'Small Prophets is absolutely beautiful TV! Mackenzie Crook is a little gem! I honestly LOVED IT! What a writer he is! No cynicism, no meanness, just lovely story telling with FANTASTIC actors!'
- 'I've binged watched the whole series of Small Prophets tonight, it's excellent! Such a gentle, heart warming comedy. I loved everything about it, it's an absolute gem.'
- 'Just watched all episodes of #SmallProphets absolutely brilliant, funny and heart warming. An absolute must watch!'
Supporting Cast and Production Insights
The series boasts an impressive supporting cast, including Paul Kaye, familiar to audiences from Game of Thrones and The Office. Reflecting on the project, Mackenzie Crook shared at its announcement last year: 'Like all my best ideas, this one has been percolating for nearly a decade and is finally ready to see the light of day. It's wonderful to be working again with my friends Gill Isles and Pearce Quigley and to realise a long-term ambition of collaborating with animators Ainslie Henderson and Will Anderson.'
Jon Petrie, BBC Director of Comedy, added: 'BBC viewers are in for a treat with BAFTA winner Mackenzie Crook's Small Prophets. This magical comedy series brims with wit and wonder—from Mackenzie himself and Sir Michael Palin to Sophie Willan, Pearce Quigley, Lauren Patel and Jon Pointing—and is backed by a top-tier creative team and stunning animation. It's British comedy at its finest.'
Availability and Final Thoughts
Small Prophets is currently available for streaming on BBC iPlayer, offering audiences a chance to experience this critically acclaimed series. With its blend of humour, heart, and originality, it stands as a testament to the enduring quality of British television comedy, captivating fans and critics alike with its enchanting narrative and stellar performances.
