How to Watch Small Prophets on Apple TV
Small Prophets streams on Apple TV, with new episodes every Wednesday through the finale on November 4, 2026. The six-episode comedy comes from Mackenzie Crook, the BAFTA-winning creator of Detectorists, who also wrote and directed every episode. Apple premiered the first two episodes on October 7, and episode 4, "The Birds of America," arrives October 21.
Small Prophets aired first on BBC Two and BBC iPlayer in the U.K. earlier in 2026. Apple TV has it everywhere except the U.K., where Apple says it will arrive in 2027. It isn't on a DIRECTV channel, but you can stream it in the Apple TV app on a DIRECTV Gemini device, a smart TV or a streaming stick.
Small Prophets at a glance
| Apple TV premiere | Wednesday, October 7, 2026 (episodes 1 and 2) |
|---|---|
| Episodes | 6, one new episode each Wednesday after the premiere |
| Finale | Wednesday, November 4, 2026 |
| Where to watch | Apple TV |
| Created, written and directed by | Mackenzie Crook |
| On DIRECTV | Not a DIRECTV channel; stream it in the Apple TV app |
Small Prophets episode schedule
| Episode | Title | Date |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Down at the Cul-de-Sac | October 7, 2026 |
| 2 | Is This Legal? | October 7, 2026 |
| 3 | Should I Be Scared? | October 14, 2026 |
| 4 | The Birds of America | October 21, 2026 |
| 5 | Who's Gonna Make Me Laugh? | October 28, 2026 |
| 6 | Finale | November 4, 2026 |
What Small Prophets is about
Michael Sleep has lived a very ordinary life since his partner Clea disappeared seven years ago. He works at a DIY store, visits his dad Brian and hopes Clea will come back. Then Brian hands him an old recipe that calls for rainwater, horse manure and a fair bit of alchemy. Michael, skeptical but desperate, uses it to try to grow homunculi, small magical spirits that are supposed to predict the future, so he can ask them one question: will he ever see Clea again?
His young coworker Kacey helps him, and the two bond partly over how much they dislike their store manager, Gordon. Their secret project in the garden shed drives his nosy neighbors to distraction. The show was filmed and set in and around Manchester and mixes in animation.
Small Prophets cast
| Pearce Quigley | Michael Sleep |
|---|---|
| Lauren Patel | Kacey |
| Sir Michael Palin | Brian, Michael's father |
| Mackenzie Crook | Gordon, the store manager |
| Sophie Willan and Jon Pointing | Michael's neighbors |
| Paul Kaye | Supporting cast |
Fans of Detectorists will recognize the reunion of Crook and Quigley. Apple says the first season holds a perfect 100% critics' score on Rotten Tomatoes and won the Best Series award in the International Panorama at Series Mania in March 2026.
How to watch Small Prophets on your TV with DIRECTV
Open the Apple TV app and search "Small Prophets." Apple TV costs $14.99 a month, and our guide to adding Apple TV to a DIRECTV subscription explains the bundle option. Our story on Apple TV's latest price increase covers how the price got here.
For more Apple TV this month, see Apple TV shows to stream in October 2026 and how to watch Slow Horses Season 6, or compare plans on our DIRECTV packages page.
Frequently asked questions
Where can I watch Small Prophets?
Small Prophets streams on Apple TV in the U.S. and most countries. In the U.K. it aired on the BBC, and Apple says it reaches Apple TV there in 2027.
When is the Small Prophets finale?
The sixth and final episode streams Wednesday, November 4, 2026.
How many episodes are in Small Prophets?
Season 1 has six episodes. The first two premiered October 7, 2026, and the rest arrive one a week on Wednesdays.
Who created Small Prophets?
Mackenzie Crook, the creator of Detectorists, created, wrote and directed the series, and he plays store manager Gordon.
Who is in the cast of Small Prophets?
Pearce Quigley, Lauren Patel, Sir Michael Palin, Mackenzie Crook, Sophie Willan, Jon Pointing and Paul Kaye star.
Can I watch Small Prophets on DIRECTV?
It isn't on a DIRECTV channel because it streams only on Apple TV. You can watch it in the Apple TV app on a DIRECTV Gemini device, a smart TV or a streaming stick.
Want live TV and your streaming apps in one place? Compare DIRECTV packages at your address or call 1-855-690-9884.
Details reviewed October 21, 2026. Episode dates are set by Apple and may change. Apple TV plans and prices are set by Apple and may vary. Channel availability, packages and prices vary by address and are subject to change. Small Prophets, Apple TV, DIRECTV and related marks belong to their respective owners. American TV is an independent dealer and resource site.