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, February 19, 2023 from 9-10:30pm, PBS premiered "Merry Bloody Christmas," a new 90-minute episode of ALL CREATURES GREAT AND SMALL. It's Christmas and Siegfried has to decide whether to protect those he loves at the cost of racehorse River's welfare. Plus, Mrs Hall realises she has to face her feelings for Gerald.

Thirteen months earlier -- on Saturday, January 8, 2022 -- PBS announced that ALL CREATURES GREAT AND SMALL was renewed for Seasons 3 and 4.