The popular streaming platform Apple TV just bought the worldwide streaming rights to the hit BBC comedy series called Small Prophets. The show had a massive debut in the United Kingdom earlier this year and broke viewership records for the network as its biggest new scripted launch. Now, the streaming platform wants to capture that same magic across the globe. Small Prophets will be available to watch in most countries starting this October. This move adds another major title to its growing catalog of original content.
Apple shifts its strategy to stream the comedy series worldwide
Usually, Apple pays to produce its own shows from the start. But this time, it waited until Small Prophets aired on British television before making a move. Because the comedy had such strong ratings, the company decided to grab the global rights rather than pass it up. This mirrors what it did with the international drama Drops of God, but this is its first time taking this approach for an English-language program.
The story follows a man named Michael Sleep. His girlfriend Clea went missing seven years ago. In his search for answers, he finds a strange alchemy recipe that creates homunculi. These small beings appear to predict the future and help him figure out what happened to her. The show shares a lighthearted feel with other popular comedies on the platform like Ted Lasso, making it a natural fit for its expanding library.
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Viewers in the United States and most other regions can start watching on October 7. However, fans in the UK will have to wait until next year to see it on the streaming service, as the series is currently locked to BBC iPlayer in Britain.
As it continues to build out a catalog of over 300 movies and shows, grabbing an already successful hit is a smart way to keep audiences engaged. By bringing tested content directly to its viewers, the service secures quality entertainment without taking on the initial production risks.
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