Small Prophets, The Lowdown, Evil Now, The Iris Affair, Slow Horses, Scavengers’ Reign, and A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms: A Roundup of Current TV
This week’s television offerings present a diverse range of narratives, from the magical realism of Small Prophets to the grounded investigations of The Lowdown and Evil Now, and the thrilling suspense of The Iris Affair and Slow Horses. Rounding out the selection are the visually stunning Scavengers’ Reign and the lighthearted adventure of A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms.
Small Prophets (BBC Two)
Small Prophets, created, written, and directed by Mackenzie Crook, premiered on February 9, 2026. The series stars Pearce Quigley as Michael Sleep, a man grappling with the disappearance of his girlfriend, Clea, seven years prior. He turns to alchemy and the creation of homunculi in an attempt to uncover the truth about her fate. The cast as well includes Mackenzie Crook, Michael Palin, Lauren Patel, Sophie Willan, and Jon Pointing. Wikipedia The show is set in and around Manchester and blends comedy with moments of unexpected emotional depth. Radio Times
The Lowdown (Disney+)
The Lowdown, from Sterlin Harjo (creator of Reservation Dogs), is a noir detective story that eschews cynicism. It features Ethan Hawke as Lee Raybon, a journalist, bookshop owner, and “truthstorian” investigating a mystery within his community. The show emphasizes community and the importance of involvement, focusing on unequal power relationships rather than inherent human darkness.
Evil Now
Evil Now distinguishes itself through its realistic portrayal of family dynamics. The show centers around a priest, a psychologist, and a science handyman investigating paranormal phenomena for the Catholic Church. Despite the supernatural premise, the series excels in depicting the complexities of a family household with four daughters, offering a relatable and grounded perspective.
The Iris Affair (Sky/Now)
The Iris Affair features Niamh Algar and Tom Hollander in a twisty story involving a genius attempting to evade an evil billionaire to prevent a world-altering event. The dynamic between Algar’s cold, calculating character and Hollander’s warm, empathetic villain is a key element of the show. Hollander’s ability to portray “cuddly evil” is particularly noteworthy.
Slow Horses (Apple TV+)
Slow Horses subverts the traditional hero archetype. The series features River Cartwright, a character who embodies the qualities of a typical hero, but is constantly undermined by his colleagues, particularly Jackson Lamb (Gary Oldman). This approach highlights the importance of ensemble casts and the need to temper “whingy manbabies.”
Scavengers’ Reign (Netflix)
Scavengers’ Reign is a gorgeously animated show about humans stranded in a bizarre and dangerous ecosystem. The show’s intricate animation and compelling world-building encourage viewers to appreciate the fantastical ecosystem they inhabit. Sadly, the show was cancelled after one season.
A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms (Now)
A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms, a new installment in the Game of Thrones franchise, focuses on the adventures of Ser Duncan the Tall (Peter Claffey) and his squire, Egg (Dexter Sol Ansell). The show embraces a vaudevillian vibe, with Ser Dunk originating from a region of Westeros with an Irish accent.