Small Prophets offers gentle fantasy with humor and heart on Apple TV

Small Prophets is a British comedy-fantasy series streaming on Apple TV, described as original and surprising by Houston Public Media. The show consists of six half-hour episodes blending deadpan humor, fantasy, social comedy, and melancholy to create a distinctive mood.

The story centers on Michael Sleep, a kind-hearted man in his 50s who looks like a mix of an old hippie and Father Time. He lives in a suburban house with an overgrown lawn, unchanged since his partner Clea disappeared seven years ago. Michael divides his time between working at a home improvement store and visiting his inventive but scattered father in a retirement home, according to KZYX.

Michael’s father shares a recipe for summoning homunculi—miniature humanoid beings that always tell the truth—suggesting Michael ask them about Clea’s disappearance. Though skeptical, Michael attempts the ritual, involving old coins and manure, starting a process to uncover what happened to his partner, WYSU reported.

Meanwhile, Michael’s life becomes more complex as Clea’s brother arrives wanting to claim the house, neighbors react to Michael’s messy yard, and he forms a friendship with a young coworker who shares his frustrations with their boss.

Small Prophets is praised for its gentle tone and poetic touches that imbue everyday life with magic and heart. The series offers a fresh alternative to typical crime dramas and slow-paced serials, inviting viewers into a unique blend of fantasy and social commentary.