Mackenzie Crook’s hit BBC comedy, Small Prophets is to return for a second series following its successful first run.
Starring Mackenzie Crook, Sir Michael Palin, Pearce Quigley and Lauren Patel, series two will make the move from BBC Two to BBC One.
The six-part series will be written and directed by Mackenzie Crook (Detectorists, Worzel Gummidge) and produced by BAFTA-winning Gill Isles (Car Share, Alma’s Not Normal). It will be made by Treasure Trove Productions and Channel X North.
Filmed and set in and around Manchester, the show averaged 6.3m over 28-days, with 82% of viewing from iPlayer (5.2m). Episode one has continued to accrue viewing outside of 28-days and is now up to 9.2m. It’s the BBC’s biggest new comedy series of the year so far.
Apple TV recently picked up the rights to show the first series outside the UK.
Series one introduced eccentric Michael Sleep (Pearce Quigley) whose partner Clea disappeared seven years ago. Sleep lives a very ordinary life, working in a DIY store, visiting his dad Brian (Michael Palin), and hoping for Clea’s return. One day Brian shares an old recipe with Sleep to create Homunculi. Sleep enlists his colleague Kacey (Lauren Patel) to help conjure up the magical prophesying spirits that can predict the future.
An unlikely friendship blossoms, partly through their mutual dislike of their boss, store manager Gordon (Mackenzie Crook). It adds to the intrigue of Sleep’s nosy neighbours Bev (Sophie Willan) and Clive (Jon Pointing) who are obsessed with trying to find out what the hell is going on in his garden shed.
Mackenzie Crook says: “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.”
Gill Isles says: “It’s a real privilege to be producing the second series of Small Prophets. Mackenzie has created such a distinctive, magical world, and I can’t wait to return to Marvin Gardens and help bring this new chapter to life.”
Emma Lawson, BBC Interim Director of Comedy, adds: “We’re beyond delighted to be bringing Small Prophets back for a second series. 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…”
Small Prophets (6×30) is a Treasure Trove Productions and Channel X North. It has been commissioned by BBC Interim Director of Comedy Emma Lawson. Written, created and directed by Mackenzie Crook. The executive producers are Mackenzie Crook and Lisa Thomas for Treasure Trove Productions and Alan Marke and Jim Reid for Channel X North. Sphere Abacus is the international distributor.
Jon Creamer
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