Try the first half-hour of Small Prophets on Apple TV in the US. Mackenzie Crook's comedy follows Michael Sleep, played by Pearce Quigley, whose partner Clea disappeared seven years earlier. An old alchemical recipe gives him a peculiarly literal project for his longing: growing small prophetic beings in jars to ask whether she will return.
Cristina Escobar's review finds warmth in Michael's ordinary decency and friendship with a younger coworker, played by Lauren Patel. The stop-motion creatures supply strangeness without making every moment fantastical. Her reservations are useful too: meddling neighbours and a cartoonish villain are less convincing than the central relationships.
Wry everyday life, grief and an improbable shed experiment make an appealing combination. Michael Palin plays Michael's father. The US premiere was October 7, so this is a catch-up choice. Episodes 1–3 are currently listed; episode 4 arrives Wednesday. The first runs 30 minutes. The critic saw all six; that is not the same as all six being available to stream.