All Creatures Great and Small continues to captivate viewers across the United States as one of the most beloved television dramas on PBS Masterpiece. As of January 2026, the series remains a highlight of quality storytelling and heartfelt performances, drawing fans to its world of kindness, community, and life among the rolling hills of Yorkshire.
Season 5 Debuts in the U.S. with Record Viewership
The fifth season of All Creatures Great and Small officially premiered on PBS Masterpiece on January 5, 2026, after an acclaimed run on the U.K.’s Channel 5 in late 2025. The new season continues to follow veterinarian James Herriot and his life in the fictional village of Darrowby as World War II begins to change the lives of everyone in the Yorkshire Dales.
Early data from PBS confirms that the premiere drew one of the highest opening audiences of the winter season, further proving the show’s remarkable staying power with American viewers. Fans tuned in for its signature warmth and authenticity, with critics highlighting its gentle tone as a refreshing escape from modern, high-intensity dramas.
The storylines of Season 5 explore both the professional and personal challenges faced by James Herriot and his colleagues at Skeldale House. With the war drawing closer, the characters must adapt to a world in transition while maintaining their deep compassion for animals and each other.
Behind the Series: From Yorkshire Fields to U.S. Living Rooms
The success of All Creatures Great and Small rests on more than nostalgia. Its appeal lies in the sincerity of its storytelling and the care taken to portray rural life authentically. The show is filmed in Grassington, a real town in North Yorkshire that doubles as Darrowby. The surrounding farmland and cobblestone streets bring Herriot’s stories vividly to life, creating an atmosphere that feels both timeless and real.
Each episode is produced with meticulous attention to period detail. Costumes, sets, and vehicles are all chosen to reflect life in 1940s rural England, when the veterinary profession was defined by grit, empathy, and resourcefulness.
Animals play a central role, and producers ensure that every scene involving them is handled with care. Professional animal trainers and licensed veterinarians supervise all interactions, maintaining the show’s strong commitment to animal welfare.
The Heart of the Story: Compassion and Connection
One of the reasons All Creatures Great and Small has found such success in the U.S. is its universality. Viewers from across the country—urban and rural alike—connect with its themes of kindness, hard work, and simple living. In a television landscape often dominated by drama and conflict, the series stands out for offering emotional honesty without sensationalism.
James Herriot’s character represents integrity and humility, values that resonate with audiences seeking authenticity. His approach to veterinary medicine—treating every animal with patience and empathy—reflects a broader message about the human capacity for care.
Cast Spotlight: Familiar Faces, Deeply Loved Characters
The ensemble cast of All Creatures Great and Small has become one of the strongest in modern television.
- Nicholas Ralph shines as James Herriot, capturing both his youthful optimism and growing confidence. Season 5 portrays James as a man balancing professional duty with the realities of wartime Britain.
- Rachel Shenton continues to impress as Helen Herriot, blending strength, tenderness, and quiet determination. Her chemistry with Ralph remains one of the show’s emotional anchors.
- Samuel West, portraying Siegfried Farnon, brings charm and complexity to the eccentric head of Skeldale House. His moments of vulnerability in the new season reveal a man deeply affected by change.
- Callum Woodhouse returns as Tristan Farnon, offering humor and heart as his character matures. His evolving relationship with his brother Siegfried remains a source of warmth and laughter.
- Anna Madeley as Mrs. Hall remains the series’ steady emotional center. Her calm wisdom and quiet leadership hold the household together.
Together, this cast brings James Herriot’s world to life with a natural chemistry that feels lived-in and true. Each performance honors the humanity at the core of Herriot’s original stories.
James Herriot’s Enduring Legacy
The roots of All Creatures Great and Small trace back to the writings of James Alfred Wight, the real-life veterinarian behind the pen name James Herriot. His books, first published in the 1970s, drew from his experiences working with farmers and families in the English countryside.
More than 60 million copies of his books have been sold worldwide, and they continue to be cherished for their warmth and humor. Herriot’s stories celebrate everyday heroes—those who work tirelessly for their communities and find meaning in small acts of kindness.
The television series captures that same spirit, translating Herriot’s gentle wisdom for a new generation. For many viewers, it has become more than a show—it’s a reminder of a world where empathy matters most.
American Viewers’ Growing Affection
Over the past five years, All Creatures Great and Small has become one of PBS’s most successful imports. The series consistently ranks in the top three most-watched dramas on Masterpiece, alongside Downton Abbey and Sanditon.
U.S. fans have embraced the show’s warmth, often describing it as a “weekly comfort.” Social media platforms are filled with discussions about favorite moments, scenic shots, and touching animal rescues. The official PBS accounts regularly share behind-the-scenes clips and cast interviews, keeping the fan base connected and engaged.
In interviews leading up to the Season 5 premiere, the cast reflected on their growing American audience. Nicholas Ralph expressed gratitude for the letters and messages he receives from viewers who say the show helps them unwind after stressful days.
Filming in Herriot Country
The production team has worked tirelessly to maintain authenticity. Filming in the Yorkshire Dales National Park means working with unpredictable weather, but the natural beauty captured on screen makes every challenge worthwhile. The sweeping landscapes and golden sunsets give the show its signature look.
Local communities in Grassington and surrounding villages have benefited from increased tourism. Fans visiting “Herriot Country” can now explore guided tours of filming locations, visit replica sets, and experience the countryside that inspired the original stories. Local businesses report significant boosts during filming months.
Balancing History and Humanity
The fifth season explores the early years of World War II, bringing new layers of tension to the story. Yet, rather than focusing on battles or politics, the show looks at how ordinary people—and animals—cope with uncertainty.
The veterinary practice continues to serve local farmers while the younger men of Darrowby face enlistment and changing responsibilities. The writers handle these historical moments with restraint and respect, emphasizing how communities endure through kindness and resilience.
The result is storytelling that feels timeless. Even as the war looms larger, the daily acts of care—healing an injured foal, comforting a worried farmer—remain at the heart of every episode.
Why the Series Still Matters
In a fast-moving digital age, All Creatures Great and Small offers something increasingly rare: gentleness. It invites viewers to slow down and appreciate life’s quieter moments. That sense of calm has made it a source of comfort for families across the United States.
The show’s success also reflects a renewed interest in values such as compassion, community, and respect for animals. Veterinarians and animal lovers frequently share how the show mirrors their own experiences, giving viewers a new appreciation for the profession.
Looking Ahead
Although Channel 5 and PBS have not yet announced whether a sixth season will move forward, optimism among both fans and the creative team remains high. The ratings and critical reception make continuation likely.
Executive producer Ben Vanstone shared that writers are already outlining potential future storylines, exploring how the characters’ lives will evolve as the war deepens. While details remain under wraps, the focus will remain on humanity, humor, and heart—the qualities that define the series.
In the meantime, the cast continues to celebrate the impact of the show. Many have described it as the highlight of their careers, not only because of its success but also because of its meaning. The friendships built on and off screen reflect the same warmth viewers feel every week.
A Legacy That Feels Timeless
More than eighty years after James Herriot began writing about his veterinary adventures, his stories continue to inspire hope. The television adaptation has brought those stories to life for a global audience, proving that compassion never goes out of style.
In both the books and the show, every moment—whether it’s the birth of a calf, the laughter at the dinner table, or the quiet beauty of the Dales—reminds viewers what truly matters: empathy, perseverance, and connection.
A Gentle Reminder in Modern Times
For American audiences, All Creatures Great and Small has become more than just a period drama. It’s a reflection of values that endure through every era. Viewers tune in each week to see not only animals being healed but hearts being mended too.
As the fifth season unfolds on PBS, the series stands as a rare blend of artistry and sincerity—proof that kindness remains a powerful form of storytelling.
If you’ve been touched by the world of Darrowby, share your thoughts below and celebrate the stories that continue to remind us what it means to care.