Apple TV has acquired worldwide rights to the BBC comedy 'Small Prophets,' a rare purchase of an existing UK series. The six-part show, written and directed by Mackenzie Crook, stars Pearce Quigley as a man turning to alchemy to find his missing partner. It premiered on BBC and was a major hit before the Apple TV deal.

Apple TV typically acquires individual titles like 'CODA' rather than full libraries, but this marks a direct purchase of a completed, successful series. The show blends comedy and drama, drawing comparisons to 'Ted Lasso' in tone. Mackenzie Crook, known from 'The Office' UK and 'The Detectorists,' is reportedly writing a second season.

The first season streams globally on Apple TV from October 7, 2026, except in the UK, where it remains on BBC iPlayer for five more months before moving to Apple TV. The deal was facilitated by distributor Scribe Abacus on behalf of production companies Blue House, Hot Olives, and Treasure Trove Productions.