BBC viewers binge-watch ‘masterpiece’ new 6-part show Small Prophets

Viewers have hailed the show as “brilliant” and “genius” on social media, with many having binge-watched all six episodes on BBC iPlayer.

One person wrote: “#SmallProphets what a fantastic, beautiful TV show. I binge-watched it last night. TV at its best. Brilliant casting all characters totally believable especially Micheal Palin, congratulations @MackenzieCrook,” while another added: “Didn’t mean to, but once I started I had to binge watch #SmallProphets. Absolute genius. Will take several rewatches to fully digest it. Mackenzie Crook must be cherished, nurtured and protected at all costs.”

A third viewer penned: “Just binged #SmallProphets and what an absolute masterpiece. Beautiful, funny, touching and just incredibly crafted both behind and in front of the camera. Huge [applause emoji] to all cast, crew and production.”

Set in a suburban Manchester cul-de-sac, the series centres around the eccentric Michael Sleep (Pearce Quigley), whose partner Clea disappeared seven years ago. 

Since then, Michael has lived a very ordinary life, working in a DIY store and visiting his dad, Brian, all while hoping for Clea’s return. 

One day, Brian shares an ancient recipe involving rainwater, horse manure and more than a little alchemy with Michael, who “sets out to create Homunculi – magical prophesying spirits that can predict the future,” according to the synopsis. 

It continues: “Sleep gets help from young work mate Kacey (Lauren Patel), an unlikely friendship that blossoms partly,but not wholly, through their mutual dislike of store manager Gordon (Mackenzie Crook). Their friendship adds to the frustration and intrigue of his nosy neighbours (Sophie Willan and Jon Pointing) who are obsessed with trying to find out what the hell is going on in the garden shed.

“Meanwhile, Roy (Paul Kaye), Clea’s brother has fallen on hard times. In desperation he has come back into Michael’s life to claim back the family home, convinced that his sister will never return.”

The series has been met with rave reviews from TV critics, with The Telegraph highlighting Michael Palin’s “superb” performance in its four-star review, while The Guardian handed out five stars, hailing the sitcom as “an impossible marvel of TV making”.

Meanwhile, The Independent said the show “wrings emotion from the commonplace and everyday – only this time, the treasure Crook has buried is altogether more peculiar”. 

All six episodes of Small Prophets are available to stream on BBC iPlayer now.