How to watch 'Small Prophets' online from anywhere — stream Mackenzie Crook’s new BBC comedy

(Image credit: BBC)

Jump to:

Unblock iPlayer
Watch in the U.K.
Watch in the U.S.
Watch in Canada
Watch in Australia
Cast
Episodes
Trailer
FAQ

Mackenzie Crook ("The Office") and Sir Michael Palin are back with "Small Prophets", a six-part British comedy that leans into everyday strangeness. You can watch 'Small Prophets' online from anywhere with a VPN (try risk-free) – and potentially for free.

'Small Prophets' release date and time

"Small Prophets" is a six-part series. It premieres on Monday, 9 February 2026, at 10 pm on BBC Two in England, Scotland, and Wales. Viewers in Northern Ireland can tune in at 11 pm on BBC Two NI.

• WATCH FREE — BBC iPlayer (U.K.)
• Watch anywhere — try NordVPN 100% risk free

"Small Prophets" follows Michael Sleep, a man stuck in a rut ever since his partner Clea vanished seven years ago. Desperate for answers, he turns to an ancient recipe involving rainwater and horse manure to create Homunculi – tiny “prophets” that can predict the future and, he hopes, point him towards the truth.

In the UK, watching is simple: "Small Prophets" airs on BBC Two and streams on BBC iPlayer, with iPlayer offering both live viewing and on-demand access immediately after each episode finishes.

If you’re traveling, geo-restrictions can prevent you from accessing your usual apps, where a VPN can help you keep watching as if you were still at home.

Below, you’ll find the release schedule, details on how to stream "Small Prophets" 2026 from anywhere with a VPN, and what’s confirmed – and still to be announced – for viewers outside the UK.

Watch 'Small Prophets' from anywhere

If you’re away from home and your usual streaming apps are blocked, a VPN (virtual private network) can make it look as though your device is back in your home country, so you can carry on using your existing subscriptions while you travel.

We’ve tested numerous services, and NordVPN stands out as a strong all-around option thanks to its fast speeds, reliable connections, and broad device support. You can also try it with a 30-day money-back guarantee.

Using a VPN is simple.

1. Install the VPN app on the device you’ll watch on. NordVPN is our pick.

2. Connect to a server in your home country. For example, choose a UK server to access BBC iPlayer while abroad.

3. Open your streaming app and play as normal.

Watch 'Small Prophets' in the U.K.

British flag — (Image credit: Shutterstock)

In the UK, "Small Prophets" premieres on BBC Two on Monday, 9 February 2026 at 10 pm, with viewers in Northern Ireland able to watch at 11 pm on BBC Two NI. If you prefer streaming, BBC iPlayer will show the episode live and make it available on demand straight after it airs.

If you’re temporarily outside the UK, you’ll likely need a VPN to access BBC iPlayer just as you would at home. For this setup, we recommend NordVPN.

Watch 'Small Prophets' in the U.S.

A U.S. platform hasn’t been confirmed yet, so any talk of North American availability should be treated as speculation for now. Looking at how similar UK series are usually handled, "Small Prophets" could land on PBS in early 2026, with BritBox or Acorn TV also strong contenders on the streaming side – but there’s no official word or release date just yet.

If you’re a Brit in the States for work or on holiday and would rather stick with your usual UK streaming setup, you can still watch via BBC iPlayer by using a VPN such as NordVPN. Just connect to a UK server, then open BBC iPlayer as you normally would.

Watch 'Small Prophets' in Canada

Canadian flag — (Image credit: Shutterstock)

Canada also doesn’t yet have a confirmed broadcaster or streaming home. The most likely candidates are BritBox Canada, CBC Gem, and Acorn TV, along with the option to buy episodes digitally once the UK run is further along.

If you’re keen to avoid spoilers, it’s worth keeping an eye on announcements around the UK premiere, as international services often confirm plans close to launch.

If you’re a Brit in the Great White North for work or on holiday and would prefer to stick with your usual UK streaming setup, you can watch via your normal services by using a VPN such as NordVPN.

Watch 'Small Prophets' in Australia

Australian flag — (Image credit: Shutterstock)

Australia does not yet have a confirmed release plan. BritBox Australia is the most likely streaming home, with BINGE or Foxtel also possible depending on the final distribution deal.

If you’re a Brit working or on holiday Down Under and want to keep using your usual UK streaming services, you can still catch the show by using a VPN such as NordVPN.

'Small Prophets' — Cast

Pearce Quigley as Michael Sleep
Sir Michael Palin as Brian
Lauren Patel as Kacey
Mackenzie Crook as Gordon

'Small Prophets' — Episode guide

The first series consists of six 30-minute episodes.

Episode 1: Michael’s routine is shaken up when Brian reveals a mystical recipe.

Episode 2: The neighbours grow increasingly suspicious about what’s going on in the shed.

Episode 3: Kacey drops by to meet the prophets for the first time.

Episode 4: Kacey returns to help deal with the strange aftermath.

Episode 5: Unusual events around town start drawing wider attention.

Episode 6: The prophets begin to look unwell, just as Michael finally starts to get some answers.

Watch 'Small Prophets' trailer

Small Prophets | Official Trailer - BBC - YouTube

Watch On

'Small Prophets' — FAQ

What is it about? "Small Prophets" was created, written, and directed by Mackenzie Crook. Pearce Quigley stars as Michael Sleep, a man whose life has stalled since his partner, Clea, disappeared. In his search for direction, he begins growing Homunculi in jars – tiny spirits that can help predict what comes next.

Is it a Detectorists sequel? No. While Mackenzie Crook describes it as a "spiritual successor" thanks to its gentle tone and returning cast members (including Pearce Quigley), it’s a completely new story with a supernatural twist.

How are the spirits animated? The show uses stop-motion animation created by BAFTA-winning animators Ainslie Henderson and Will Anderson, rather than traditional CGI.

Where was it filmed? The series was filmed on location in and around Urmston, Greater Manchester.

More from Tom's Guide

Disclaimer

We test and review VPN services in the context of legal recreational uses. For example: 1. Accessing a service from another country (subject to the terms and conditions of that service). 2. Protecting your online security and strengthening your online privacy when abroad. We do not support or condone the illegal or malicious use of VPN services. Consuming pirated content that is paid-for is neither endorsed nor approved by Future Publishing.

TOPICS

Caroline is a freelance writer and product tester, previously working in roles such as smart home editor across various titles at Future, including Livingetc, Homes & Gardens, and TechRadar. As a technology and lifestyle expert, Caroline specializes in smart home tech, appliances, and more. She currently operates out of her cozy Suffolk apartment and is more dedicated than ever to helping people find the best products for their own homes.

You must confirm your public display name before commenting

Please logout and then login again, you will then be prompted to enter your display name.