Top News

BBC drama Small Prophets has reached a significant landmark, becoming the broadcaster's most successful new scripted launch of the year.

The programme, which premiered in February on BBC Two, has been a massive hit with viewers who have hailed it as "incredible," due to its blend of magical realism and touching narrative.

The six-part series centres around Michael Sleep (Pearce Quigley), who, aided by his father (Michael Palin) and colleague-turned-friend Kacey (Lauren Patel), uncovers prophetic spirits that can provide him with answers about his vanished partner Clea.

It has now become the BBC's most viewed comedy episode of the past decade, with the first episode attracting an impressive 7.7 million viewers (28-day figure), surpassing The Detectorists 2022 Christmas Special, which drew 4.5 million viewers, reports the Mirror.

Commenting on the show's triumph, creator Mackenzie Crook stated, "I couldn't be happier with the response to Small Prophets. The feedback from the audience, the reviews, and figures have been better than I dared to hope."

"I gradually crafted this idea over about 10 years, and I think it has benefited from that slow percolation. The BBC comedy department has long given me the space, support, and trust to make my shows, and there is nowhere else I would rather go."

The writer also hinted at what could be next for Small Prophets as he added: "The BBC feels like home. I ended Small Prophets with 'to be continued,' and I hope that is a promise I can keep in the not-too-distant future."

Viewers have heaped praise upon the programme as one person posted on X describing it as "another incredible BBC production." Meanwhile, another commended it for "capturing imaginations and hearts."

A critic observed: "The friendship between lonely Michael and perceptive Casey was one of the most heartwarming parts of the series. Well observed by Mackenzie and beautifully played by the ensemble cast."

One declared: "It's the most uplifting, life-affirming show on TV at the moment. There has to be another series."

Meanwhile, another stated: "Beautiful, beautiful television, loved it so much, the writing, the characters, the relationships, everything about it was just perfect."

Discussing the programme, BBC Director of Comedy Jon Petrie remarked: "Small Prophets has been a brilliant success story. Loved by critics and viewers alike, it's exactly the sort of show the BBC does best. We knew it was a bit of a risk... but we felt there was something incredibly special in it."

He continued: "Alongside the beautifully drawn comedic characters, there is so much heart, and an almost fairytale quality that feels deeply embedded in our psyches from childhood.

"It's also arrived at a moment when a bit of hope and humanity probably isn't the worst thing in the world. Mackenzie Crook is a genius... it has surpassed all our expectations, and the ratings speak for themselves."