All Creatures Great & Small is a warm, funny, and surprisingly sharp remake of the beloved 1978 series about a young veterinarian in the Yorkshire Dales. It follows James Herriot as he starts his practice in the 1930s, navigating both the animals he treats and the people who bring them to him. The show runs seven seasons, spanning 48 episodes, and first aired on September 1, 2020, concluding on September 24, 2026. It is a gentle, episodic slice-of-life drama that finds comedy in small-town absurdity, but it also carries genuine emotional weight when the story demands it.
The show’s central appeal is Nicholas Ralph’s performance as James Herriot. Ralph plays the role with a mix of awkward charm and quiet determination. He is earnest without being dull, and his interactions with the locals are often the highlight of each episode. His chemistry with Samuel West, who plays Siegfried Farnon, is particularly strong. West brings a dry wit and a weary patience to the older brother who runs the practice alongside James. Together, they form a partnership that feels lived-in and natural.
Anna Madeley rounds out the main trio as Mrs. Hall, the landlady of the practice’s residence. She provides a steady, maternal presence, offering practical advice and a listening ear when James needs one. Her relationship with James is tender without ever feeling forced, and she grounds the show’s more whimsical moments with a sense of grounded reality.
Trailer, via MASTERPIECE PBS.
Yorkshire on Screen
The show’s visual style is a key part of its appeal. It is shot on location in Yorkshire, and the rolling hills, stone walls, and quaint villages give the series a distinct sense of place. The production design is meticulous, with period-appropriate vehicles, clothing, and interiors that transport viewers to the early 1930s. This attention to detail extends to the animals themselves, which are treated with care and respect.
The show’s pacing is deliberate, which can work in its favor. Each episode focuses on a handful of cases, allowing the writers to develop the characters involved in each story. This approach means the narrative moves slowly, but it also means the audience gets to know the people James visits intimately. Whether he is dealing with a stubborn cow, a nervous cat, or a family worried about their sick child, the show takes the time to build empathy through small gestures and quiet conversations.
Everyday Laughter
One of the show’s strengths is its ability to find humor in everyday situations. The jokes are never mean-spirited, and they often come from the absurdity of rural life. A farmer who refuses to believe his horse is ill, a client who insists their dog can talk, or a village meeting that descends into chaos — these moments provide light relief without undercutting the drama.
The humor is also rooted in the characters’ relationships. James’s bumbling attempts at romance, his clashes with Siegfried over medical decisions, and his awkward encounters with local dignitaries all contribute to a sense of warmth. The show knows when to laugh and when to hold back, and it rarely overreaches.
Weight Behind the Smiles
While the show is primarily comedic, it does not shy away from heavier themes. Death is a recurring element, whether it is a beloved pet put down or a human tragedy that touches the community. These moments are handled with restraint, and they are often followed by a quiet reflection that leaves a lasting impression. The show respects its characters enough to let their grief breathe.
Social issues of the era also surface. The show touches on class differences, the changing role of women, and the impact of war on daily life. These themes are woven into the fabric of the storytelling rather than shoved into separate episodes. They are presented as natural parts of the world James inhabits, which makes them feel authentic rather than contrived.
The Farmers Who Called
The supporting cast is uniformly excellent. Regular characters include the farmers who call on James, the local clergyman, and the other villagers whose lives intersect with the practice. Each of these characters gets a chance to shine across the series, and the show does not waste its opportunities. Even minor roles are given moments of depth, which keeps the ensemble feeling cohesive.
The show also benefits from guest stars who appear periodically. These actors bring fresh energy to the proceedings while remaining tied to the larger story. Their visits are brief but memorable, adding variety to the regular rhythms of the series.
Words That Ring True
The writing is consistently strong. The dialogue is naturalistic, avoiding the stilted speech that can plague period dramas. The scripts balance exposition with character development, so that even when the medical details get technical, the human stakes remain clear. The show also handles continuity well, maintaining the consistency of its fictional world across its seven-season run.
The show’s tone is consistent across its run, though individual episodes vary in intensity. Some episodes lean more heavily on comedy, while others focus on drama. The best episodes manage both simultaneously, finding the humor in a difficult situation and the gravity in a seemingly trivial one. This balance is what makes the show feel complete.
Music and Sound
The music, composed for the series, complements the visuals without overpowering them. It is unobtrusive during the lighter moments and swells during the more emotional ones. The sound design is similarly effective, capturing the ambient noises of rural life — the mooing of cows, the clucking of chickens, the distant rumble of a tractor. These sounds help ground the show in its setting, making each scene feel more immediate.
The Seventh Season
The seventh and final season brought closure to the series in a way that felt earned. It wrapped up long-running storylines and provided a fitting end to James’s journey. The season also addressed the broader changes happening in the world around them. The show’s handling of these issues was thoughtful, showing how the characters were affected by events beyond their control. It was a fitting cap to a series that had spent six seasons building toward this moment.
Seven Seasons, One Farewell
The show ran for seven seasons, with its final season concluding on September 24, 2026, marking the end of a long and successful run.
The Verdict
All Creatures Great & Small is a consistently enjoyable series that rewards patience. Its slow pace may not suit everyone, but those willing to invest in its world will find a richly rewarding experience. The show’s strengths lie in its characters, its humor, and its ability to balance lightness with genuine emotion. It is a show that respects its audience, trusts its source material, and delivers a heartfelt tribute to a beloved classic.
The show’s final season delivered a satisfying conclusion, wrapping up the story in a way that honored everything that came before it. It was a fitting end to a series that had given audiences so much joy over the years.
Key Facts Box
- Title: All Creatures Great & Small
- Creator: Colin Callender
- Network: 5
- Seasons: 7
- Episodes: 48
- First aired: September 1, 2020
- Last aired: September 24, 2026
Season Schedule
| Season | Episodes | First Aired |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | — | September 1, 2020 |
| 2 | — | September 1, 2021 |
| 3 | — | September 1, 2022 |
| 4 | — | September 1, 2023 |
| 5 | — | September 1, 2024 |
| 6 | — | September 1, 2025 |
| 7 | — | September 24, 2026 |
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