This 100%-Rated Dramedy Is the Most Heartwarming Show of 2026 You Probably Missed

In March, the final episodes of Small Prophets, a funny and charming series created by Mackenzie Crook – known for his work on Pirates of the Caribbean and The Office – were released.

Crook served as director, writer, and actor. He wove together a sitcom about simpletons and misfits with an alchemical mystique, captivatingly telling the story of a little man who believes in magic.

What Is 'Small Prophets' About?

Seven years after his wife's disappearance, Michael still awaits answers. His every day is similar: in the morning, he goes to work, in the late afternoon, he visits his father, Brian, in a nursing home. Brian's memory has long been riddled with holes.

Sometimes the old man forgets that his daughter-in-law Clea has been missing for seven years. During one of his enlightenments, Brian recalls an old alchemical practice: he once learned to cultivate homunculi capable of answering any question.

In desperation, Michael decides to conduct an experiment. He follows his father's instructions, and soon, mysterious creatures appear in the barn. Michael cultivates tiny prophets, hoping to learn the fate of his beloved.

'Small Prophets' Uses Stop-Motion Animation Instead of Special Effects to Depict Everyday Magic

One of the key features of Small Prophets is its visual approach. Crook collaborated with animators Ainslie Henderson and Will Anderson, opting for stop-motion animation over digital effects.

The homunculi are simultaneously repulsive and captivating and seem like a forgotten cinematic marvel. Resembling dolls from old European fairy tales, they are imperfect and strange yet incredibly lifelike. Every detail is handcrafted, and this handmade warmth evokes a special magic.

Filming took place in Manchester and the nearby suburb of Urmston, which served as the backdrop for the fictional residential area. These locations were chosen to evoke the feeling of a typical British cul-de-sac where ancient secrets might lurk behind the facades of ordinary houses.

'Small Prophets' Is Worth Watching Just to See the Legendary Michael Palin

The legendary Monty Python member, Sir Michael Palin, plays the lead character's father. Palin rarely appears in movies and series these days, preferring documentaries, but he made an exception for this project because he had long wanted to work with Mackenzie Crook.

Their on-screen relationship is a highlight of the series. Brian is a humorous yet tragic character – he loses his memory, yet it is precisely in his moments of clarity that he helps his son solve the mystery.

What Did Critics & Viewers Think of 'Small Prophets'?

• Small Prophets has 100% from critics and 94% from viewers on Rotten Tomatoes.

• On IMDb, the series has a score of 8.2/10.

Where to Watch 'Small Prophets'?

Small Prophets is available to stream on BBC iPlayer.