Could this be even better than Detectorists? Michael Palin is going to be in it. I’m excited.
4 Likes
Nothing could ever be better than the Detectorists. 
3 Likes
Lets hope it is as good. Won’t be easy.
1 Like
I had not read about this, thanks! The Detectorists is magical.
Although it doesn’t involve Mackenzie Crook, anyone who enjoyed The Detectorists might like Toby Jones’ - ‘Don’t Forget the Driver’ from a few years back - slightly more serious but lovely nonetheless. Sadly, only one series of six episodes were produced.
Is this the comedy about someone trying to move heavy machinery from Canada to France?
3 Likes
Kudos 
1 Like
Small Prophets.
It is written and directed by Mackenzie Crook (of The Office and Detectorists) and is scheduled to premiere on BBC Two and BBC iPlayer on Monday, February 9, 2026.
The Story
The series is a six-part “magical comedy” set in a Manchester suburb. It follows Michael Sleep (played by Pearce Quigley), a man still grieving his girlfriend who vanished seven years ago.
Michael Palin stars as his father, Brian, an eccentric character who gives his son an alchemical recipe involving rainwater and horse manure to grow Homunculi—tiny, magical spirits that can predict the future. Michael hopes these spirits will finally tell him if he’ll ever see his girlfriend again.
The Cast
- Pearce Quigley: Michael Sleep
- Michael Palin: Brian (Michael’s father)
- Mackenzie Crook: Gordon (the unpopular DIY store manager)
- Lauren Patel: Kacey (Michael’s colleague)
- Sophie Willan & Jon Pointing: The nosy neighbors
The show is described as having a “gentle comedy” feel similar to Detectorists, but with a surreal, magic-realism twist that includes animated sequences.
1 Like
1 Like