Second series of Mackenzie Crook’s quirky comedy changes co-production hands to Channel X North

Mackenzie Crook’s breakout comedy Small Prophets will return for a second series, moving from BBC2 to BBC1. 

Crook’s indie Treasure Trove Productions will also have a new co-production partner for the 6 x 30-minute series, in the form of Channel X North. It made the first series with Blue House and Hot Olives Productions.  

Small Prophets is the BBC’s biggest new comedy series of the year so far, capturing a 28-day consolidated audience of 6.3m, with 82% (5.2m) of viewing coming from iPlayer. Beyond that window, the first episode has so far notched up 9.2m views.

Crook had previously indicated a second series was in the works, and the first run ended on a ‘To Be Continued’ cliffhanger, but the BBC confirmed the show’s return for the first time in a statement this morning.  

The Manchester-set comedy follows eccentric Michael Sleep (Pearce Quigley), whose partner Clea disappeared seven years ago. He lives a very ordinary life: working in a DIY store, visiting his dad Brian (Michael Palin) and hoping for Clea’s return. Until one day, Brian shares an old recipe with his son to create Homunculi, with Michael enlisting the help of his colleague Kacey (Lauren Patel) to conjure up the magical spirits that can predict the future. 

As an unlikely friendship blossoms between Michael and Kacey, they draw intrigue from his nosy neighbours Bev (Sophie Willan) and Clive (Jon Pointing), who are obsessed with finding out exactly what is going on in Michael’s garden shed.  

Small Prophets was recommissioned by BBC interim director of comedy Emma Lawson. Crook, who also appears as Michael and Kacey’s boss Gordon, will write and direct the second series, as well as exec produce alongside Lisa Thomas for Treasure Trove and Alan Marke and Jim Reid for Channel X North. Gill Isles serves as producer. Sphere Abacus is the international distributor.

Lawson said: “Mackenzie has created a world packed with wonder, magic and unforgettable characters which feels completely unlike anything else on television and we can’t wait to see where the story takes us next. To be continued…” 

Crook added: “I’m thrilled to have the opportunity to tell the second half of this strange story and as intrigued as anyone else to find out what happens to Michael Sleep in his mystical quest. The prophets have foretold that series two will be happening next year and, as we know, they are compelled to speak the truth.”