What's happened
The Independent reports Small Prophets will shift from BBC Two to BBC One for a new series, with Crook returning alongside Michael Palin, Pearce Quigley and Lauren Patel. Filmed around Manchester, the comedy has been a hit for BBC, drawing millions of viewers and widespread praise. Emma Lawson of BBC Comedy says the world Mackenzie Crook created is unlike anything else on TV.
What's behind the headline?
Analysis
- The piece centers on a high-performing, marketable comedy continuing after a successful first run, signaling strategic programming and platform shifts by BBC.
- It emphasizes the show's unique world and the creator's multi-hyphenate role as a selling point, appealing to fans of Detectorists and new viewers seeking distinctive humor.
- The move from BBC Two to BBC One suggests a broadened audience reach and greater promotional support.
- The narrative positions the second series as a natural evolution, with expectations of strong viewership given the first season’s performance and critical acclaim.
Implications for viewers: expect more expansive promotion and broader access via BBC One, while the series maintains its quirky, future-telling premise.
How we got here
The piece outlines that Crook wrote, directed, and stars in Small Prophets, with production moving from BBC Two to BBC One for the second series. Filmed in Manchester, the show is BBC’s top-performing new comedy of the year, with strong iPlayer viewing contributing to its success. The article quotes Crook on continuing the story and Emma Lawson confirming the commission.
Our analysis
The Independent reports on the cast, setting, and viewership; The BBC confirms the commission and notes on the show’s world and reception. The Guardian covers broader media reception and the TV landscape around the show.
Go deeper
- Will there be new cast members in series two?
- When exactly will BBC One air the new episodes?
- How will the Manchester setting influence the storyline?
More on these topics
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BBC Two - Television network
BBC Two is the second flagship television network of the British Broadcasting Corporation in the United Kingdom, Isle of Man and Channel Islands.
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The Guardian - Newspaper
The Guardian is a British daily newspaper. It was founded in 1821 as The Manchester Guardian, and changed its name in 1959. Along with its sister papers The Observer and The Guardian Weekly, The Guardian is part of the Guardian Media Group, owned by the S
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BBC One - Television network
BBC One is the first flagship television network of the British Broadcasting Corporation in the United Kingdom, Isle of Man and Channel Islands.