All Creatures Great and Small (2020 TV series)

ACGS title card

All Creatures Great and Small is a British television series that premiered on Channel 5 in the United Kingdom on 1 September 2020. The series is a reboot of the 1978 television series of the same name, which itself was based on the series of books written by James Herriot, a pseudonym for the real-life veterinarian Alf Wight. The books are semi-autobiographical, recounting Wight's experiences as a vet in the Yorkshire Dales, starting in the late 1930s.

Plot

The series follows the life of James Herriot as he embarks on his career as a vet in the Yorkshire Dales, beginning in the late 1930s. Fresh out of Glasgow Veterinary College, Herriot moves to the small village of Darrowby, where he starts working for the eccentric veterinary surgeon Siegfried Farnon. The narrative explores Herriot's personal and professional growth, his interactions with the Farnon family, including Siegfried's younger brother Tristan, and the various challenges and rewards of being a vet in rural England.

Cast and Characters

• Nicholas Ralph as James Herriot, the protagonist and newly qualified vet.
• Samuel West as Siegfried Farnon, the owner of the veterinary practice where Herriot finds employment.
• Callum Woodhouse as Tristan Farnon, Siegfried's charming but unreliable younger brother.
• Anna Madeley as Mrs. Hall, the housekeeper of the Farnon household who becomes a mother figure to Herriot.
• Rachel Shenton as Helen Alderson, a local farmer's daughter who becomes Herriot's love interest.

Production

The reboot was announced by Channel 5 in 2019, with the intention of bringing Herriot's beloved stories to a new generation. Filming primarily took place in the Yorkshire Dales, capturing the stunning landscapes that are integral to the series' setting. The production aimed to stay true to the spirit of Herriot's work, focusing on the human-animal bond, the challenges of veterinary practice, and the beauty of rural England.

Reception

Upon its release, All Creatures Great and Small received critical acclaim for its heartwarming storytelling, character development, and faithful adaptation of Herriot's books. The series was praised for its picturesque setting, period detail, and the performances of its cast, particularly Nicholas Ralph in his debut role as James Herriot. It has been welcomed for its comforting and nostalgic feel, offering an escape to viewers.

Series Overview

The first series consists of six episodes and a special Christmas episode. Following its success, Channel 5 renewed the series for a second season, which aired in 2021. The show continued to capture the hearts of viewers, leading to further renewals.

Impact

All Creatures Great and Small has contributed to a resurgence of interest in James Herriot's work and the Yorkshire Dales. It has also sparked discussions about veterinary practices of the past versus the present, highlighting how much the profession has evolved over the decades.