BBC fans have been raving about a new comedy that’s been hailed as an ‘absolute masterpiece’ and an example of ‘British telly at its best’.

Small Prophets is a new six-part series that premiered on BBC2 on February 9, but TV fans loved it so much that some stayed up all night to binge the entire show.

The Manchester-set sitcom is created by none other than Mackenzie Crook, 54 – known for his work on The Office and Pirates of the Caribbean.

Starring Pearce Quigley of Detectorists fame, it centres around a man named Michael Sleep whose world was turned upside down when his girlfriend suddenly disappeared.

Still desperate for answers seven years on, he decides to create small prophetic beings in his garden shed – hence the show’s namesake – to solve the mystery, but with prying neighbours and other interferences, it is far from an easy task…

The show’s synopsis reads: ‘Since his girlfriend went missing seven years ago, Michael Sleep’s life has been on hold. But a mystical recipe in an old journal promises to give the answers he’s been longing for.’

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BBC fans have been raving about a new comedy that’s been hailed as an ‘absolute masterpiece’ and an example of ‘British telly at its best’ – Small Prophets

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It is a new six-part series that premiered on BBC2 on February 9, but TV fans loved it so much that some stayed up all night to binge the entire show

Following the release of the show, fans have taken to Twitter/X to rave about its quirky and original plot.

They wrote: ‘Really do NOT miss #SmallProphets currently on iPlayer. The most unusual, original, sweet, moving and wonderful thing.’;

‘So, one episode in… and #SmallProphets is British telly at its gentle, whimsical, beautiful best.’;

‘Just watched the first episode of #SmallProphets and it’s pure gentle magic.

‘Quiet, heartfelt weirdness in a Manchester shed, with tiny prophesying homunculi and the most tender longing. If you loved Detectorists, this feels like its enchanted cousin. #BBC #Weird’;

‘Small Prophets is absolutely beautiful TV! Mackenzie Crook is a little gem! I honestly LOVED IT! What a writer he is! No cynicism, no meanness, just lovely story telling with FANTASTIC actors! #SmallProphets’

‘I’ve binged watched the whole series of Small Prophets tonight, it’s excellent! Such a gentle, heart warming comedy. I loved everything about it, it’s an absolute gem. #SmallProphets’;

‘Just watched all episodes of #SmallProphets absolutely brilliant, funny and heart warming. An absolute must watch!’

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Starring Pearce Quigley of Detectorists fame, it centres around a man named Michael Sleep (pictured) whose world was turned upside down when his girlfriend suddenly disappeared.

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View gallery

The Manchester-set sitcom is created by none other than Mackenzie Crook, 54 – known for his work on The Office and Pirates of the Caribbean

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View gallery

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View gallery

Following the release of the show, fans have taken to Twitter/X to rave about its quirky and original plot

Mackenzie Crook said at the time of the show’s announcement last year: ‘Like all my best ideas, this one has been percolating for nearly a decade and is finally ready to see the light of day.

‘It’s wonderful to be working again with my friends Gill Isles and Pearce Quigley and to realise a long-term ambition of collaborating with animators Ainslie Henderson and Will Anderson.’

Jon Petrie, BBC Director of Comedy, added: ‘BBC viewers are in for a treat with BAFTA winner Mackenzie Crook’s Small Prophets.

‘This magical comedy series brims with wit and wonder – from Mackenzie himself and Sir Michael Palin to Sophie Willan, Pearce Quigley, Lauren Patel and Jon Pointing – and is backed by a top-tier creative team and stunning animation.  It’s British comedy at its finest.’

Small Prophets is available to stream on BBC iPlayer now.