Apple TV Secures UK Comedy 'Small Prophets' for Global Streaming

Apple TV has secured worldwide streaming rights to the British comedy series *Small Prophets*, making the show available on its platform worldwide from October 7, 2024. The deal, announced by the streaming service, was reached a few months after the series premiered on the BBC in the United Kingdom, where it was the biggest new scripted launch of the year.

Unlike most of Apple’s original content, which the company commissions and produces in advance, the acquisition of *Small Prophets* marks the first time the company has bought out an English‑language title in this manner. The series will be available to subscribers in most markets, including the United States, on the same day it goes live on Apple TV. In the United Kingdom, where the show is currently exclusive to BBC iPlayer, it will debut on the streaming service in 2025.

*Small Prophets* follows a group of ordinary children who begin receiving glimpses of the future. The kids must decide whether fate can be altered, a premise that has drawn comparisons to other light‑hearted Apple comedies such as *Ted Lasso*. The series is produced by the BBC and has already attracted strong ratings in the UK, positioning it as a potential hit for the global Apple TV audience.

Apple’s move to acquire the show rather than commission it reflects the company’s flexible approach to building its content library. In the past, Apple has struck similar deals for international productions, including the French‑Japanese drama *Drops of God*. The company’s strategy involves a mix of original productions and strategic acquisitions to broaden its catalog and appeal to a diverse subscriber base.

With the addition of *Small Prophets*, Apple TV’s library now includes more than 300 original television shows and movies. The platform continues to expand its offerings across genres, aiming to compete with other streaming services that have heavily invested in original content. By adding a popular BBC series to its lineup, Apple hopes to replicate the show’s domestic success on a global scale.

The acquisition also underscores Apple’s growing presence in the international content market. The company has made several high‑profile purchases in recent years, and the *Small Prophets* deal is part of a broader strategy to secure a steady stream of original programming that can be distributed worldwide. This approach allows Apple to tap into proven successes from other markets, reducing the risk associated with producing entirely new series.

In addition to the new series, Apple TV’s catalog includes a mix of drama, comedy, documentary, and family programming. The service has already added popular titles such as *The Morning Show*, *Ted Lasso*, and *The Truffle Hunters*. The addition of *Small Prophets* expands the platform’s comedy offerings and provides viewers with a fresh, UK‑produced narrative that aligns with Apple’s brand of family‑friendly entertainment.

For subscribers, the release schedule is clear: the series will stream on Apple TV in most regions from October 7, 2024, and will become available in the UK in 2025. The deal allows Apple to offer a fresh, internationally successful show without the lead time required for commissioning and producing new content from scratch.

Apple’s acquisition of *Small Prophets* demonstrates its willingness to adapt its content strategy to include high‑quality international programming. By blending original productions with strategic purchases, the company aims to maintain a robust, diverse library that appeals to global audiences and keeps its streaming service competitive in an increasingly crowded market.