Plot Synopsis

James Herriot's adventures as a veterinarian in 1930s Yorkshire get a new adaptation in this seven-part series based on his stories. Newcomer Nicholas Ralph makes his television debut as the iconic vet who became renowned for his inspiring compassion, humor and love of life. Samuel West joins as Siegfried Farnon, the eccentric veterinary surgeon and proprietor of Skeldale House who reluctantly hires the recently qualified Herriot into his rural practice. Mrs. Hall, the resident housekeeper and matriarch of Skeldale House, is played by Anna Madeley. Siegfried's errant and charismatic younger brother, Tristan, is played by Callum Woodhouse. Rachel Shenton takes the role of Helen Alderson, an independent local farmer's daughter who helps her father manage the family farm and care for her younger sister. ALL CREATURES GREAT AND SMALL had its U.S. premiere on Sunday, January 10, 2021 at 9pm (check local listings) as part of PBS' MASTERPIECE collection.

On Sunday, February 21, 2021 at 9pm (check local listings), PBS premiered "The Night Before Christmas," a one-hour ALL CREATURES GREAT AND SMALL holiday special. Exhausted by the never-ending wedding talk, Helen escapes from her seasonally-themed wedding party with James, who's been called to the Chapmans' to help their pregnant dog give birth; the two bond over the frailty of one of the puppies, before fog traps them on the hilltop overnight and they struggle to contain their affection for each other... giving Helen food for thought as to whether marrying Hugh is what she really wants. Siegfried enjoys the more liquid form of merriment and tries to get lessons in confidence from Tristan to steel himself for a rendezvous with Dorothy. Mrs. Hall lets herself get carried away with unfulfilled excitement over her unreliable son's potential return for Christmas. Tristan tries to help Maggie's shy little brother with an ill donkey - and gets an early Christmas present under the mistletoe from his former girlfriend in return.

On Sunday, August 15, 2021 from 7:30-9pm (check local listings), PBS premiered "Between the Pages," a 90-minute special that transports viewers behind the scenes of the hit series. The program features the best moments from the series, and interviews with the cast and creators provide insights and reflections on this timeless, life-affirming story. BETWEEN THE PAGES includes interviews with cast members Anna Madely (Mrs. Hall), Nicholas Ralph (James Herriot), Rachel Shenton (Helen Alderson), Samuel West (Siegfried Farnon) and Callum Woodhouse (Tristan Farnon), as well as the talents behind the series, including executive producers Colin Callender and Melissa Gallant, lead director Brian Percival and lead writer Ben Vanstone. The program looks back at Dame Diana Rigg in her final role as the delightfully eccentric Mrs. Pumphrey, reveals what it's like to work with the animals, explores the love triangle that provided laughter, tears and romance, and visits the timeless set of this sweeping drama.

The sophomore season of ALL CREATURES GREAT AND SMALL made its U.S. debut on Sunday, January 9, 2022 at 9pm on PBS (check local listings), as the series returns to the Yorkshire Dales to follow the adventures of veterinarian James Herriot in the 1930s. Joining the cast for Season 2 are: Patricia Hodge as Mrs. Pumphrey, the delightfully eccentric owner of the pampered Pekingese, Tricki Woo; Dorothy Atkinson as Diana Brompton, whose vivacious nature captures Siegfried Farnon's eye at the local Church Hall Dance; and James Fleet as Colonel Merrick, an impressive military man and local farmer. In the season opener, "Where the Heart Is," it's spring in 1938, and James's parents are overjoyed when he lands a special job. James and Helen test the waters of their relationship as James ponders a new job prospect. Tristan dives into his vet practice a bit too confidently.

Season 3 made its U.S. debut on Sunday, January 8, 2022 at 9pm on PBS (check local listings). In the new season, James Herriot and crew deal with animals, courtship, and brewing world war, with themes that include new partnerships, romance, ghosts from the past, and doing one's duty -- and of course doing right by the animals. Season 3 begins in Spring 1939 as James and Helen prepare to walk down the aisle. With a new stake in the business, James is trying to expand the veterinary practice by joining a government program to test for tuberculosis in cattle. The initiative pays well, but it is looked upon with suspicion by the local farmers who run the risk of their farms being shut down if a positive case is found. In the season opener, "Second Time Lucky," a missing ring is just one snag as James and Helen's wedding date approaches. For one thing, a farmer's cow may have TB.
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On Sunday, January 7, 2024 at 9pm (check local listings), PBS aired the U.S. debut of ALL CREATURES GREAT AND SMALL's fourth season. It's Spring 1940, and with Europe at war, the community in Darrowby is pulling together more than ever before. With Tristan away serving, Siegfried and James bring in some extra hands to help around the practice: highly efficient bookkeeper Miss Harbottle and student vet Richard Carmody. Happily married, Helen and James begin to think about their future despite the looming possibility that James could be called up to serve. In the season opener, "Broodiness," Skeldale House is busier than ever while Tristan is away serving. James and Helen dream about the future, hoping that James will not be called up to serve. When Mrs. Hall takes a leap of faith, Siegfried offers his support. Episodes include:

"Broodiness" (Sunday, January 7, 2024 from 9-10pm): It is Easter 1940 and without Tristan's help while he's away serving, Skeldale House is busier than ever. James and Helen dream about the future, hoping that James won't be called up to serve. When Mrs. Hall takes a leap of faith, Siegfried offers his support.

"Carpe Diem" (Sunday, January 14, 2024 from 9-10pm): Siegfried has the bright idea of bringing in an experienced bookkeeper, Miss Harbottle, to bring method to their madness. James and Helen take inspiration from Siegfried's 'Carpe Diem' approach and make a long-awaited decision.

"Right Hand Man" (Sunday, January 21, 2024 from 9-10pm): Busy and exhausted, James and Helen can't get any time together. James thinks he's found a solution when he hires a new trainee vet, Richard Carmody, but things don't quite work out as he expects. Mrs. Pumphrey also has a new canine member of her household who has an antisocial problem that she needs addressed urgently. Mrs. Hall takes a big step forward in her relationship with Gerald.

"By the Book" (Sunday, January 28, 2024 from 9-10pm): Following a visit to the Crabtree's Farm, Carmody is challenged with learning how to be a vet outside of his books. The new farmers have a worrying illness amongst their herd and James wants to help them in any way he can. Helen rallies the community to help the newcomers whilst she waits for some personal news.

"Papers" (Sunday, February 4, 2024 from 9-10pm): With the War feeling closer to home, James desperately wants things in order and Carmody trained up to support Siegfried. Carmody and Mrs. Pumphrey clash because he can't see her dogs the way she does. A dinner with Gerald leaves Mrs. Hall with a dilemma but watching James and Helen brace for their future gives her a new perspective.

"The Home Front" (Sunday, February 11, 2024 from 9-10pm): When Richard Alderson needs some help, Helen returns to Heston Grange. Buried family secrets threaten to tear their relationship apart as Richard refuses to let her muck in on the farm. Gerald's beloved dog, Rock, needs veterinary help, but he is too worried about the operation. Mrs. Hall pushes him to do the right thing.

"On a Wing and a Prayer" (Sunday, February 18, 2024 from 9-10:30pm): James tries to get home for Christmas and Skeldale House prepares for a new arrival.