Small Prophets has quickly become one of the most unusual and widely talked-about shows of 2026. Airing on BBC Two and available on BBC iPlayer, it blends dark humour, mystery, and a subtle hint of the supernatural in a way that feels both strange and grounded.
At the centre of the story is Michael Sleep, played by Pearce Quigley, a lonely man still struggling with the unexplained disappearance of his girlfriend. His search for answers slowly pulls him into a deeper, more unsettling world than he expected.
He becomes fascinated with alchemy and begins studying ancient ideas and experiments. This obsession eventually leads him to attempt creating mythical beings known as homunculi, believing they might somehow help unlock hidden truths about the future.
The series also features Mackenzie Crook, alongside Sophie Willan, Lauren Patel, Jon Pointing, and Michael Palin. Set in Manchester, it combines magical realism with suspense and offbeat humour, creating a distinctive tone that sets it apart from typical drama series.
