Overview
- Multiple outlets reported the deal on Aug. 28, giving Apple worldwide rights to Small Prophets while the BBC retains U.K. iPlayer and broadcast access until the series moves to Apple TV in 2027.
- Apple will begin streaming the six-episode first season in most territories on Oct. 7, 2026, with the U.K. launch scheduled for next year.
- Small Prophets was created, written, and directed by Mackenzie Crook and premiered on BBC Two and BBC iPlayer earlier in 2026, earning strong 28-day launch ratings, a 100% Rotten Tomatoes score, and the International Panorama award at Series Mania.
- Reports say Crook is writing an eight-episode second and final series, but that renewal remains unconfirmed by the BBC and should be treated as developing news.
- The deal breaks with Apple’s usual practice of commissioning or co-producing English-language shows before premiere and could speed global access for British hits while changing how U.K. shows are licensed abroad.