All Creatures Great and Small (TV series)

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All Creatures Great and Small (TV series), especially the 2020 adaptation, is a lovingly crafted period drama that offers a soothing escape into the pastoral charm of 1930s Yorkshire.

James Herriot Senior DREW CAIN
Richard Alderson TONY PITTS
Tristan Farnon CALLUM WOODHOUSE
Siegfried Farnon SAMUEL WEST
Vicar MARK CHATTERTON
Front row L-R:
Hannah Herriot GABRIEL QUIGLEY
Jenny Alderson IMOGEN CLAWSON
Helen Herriot RACHEL SHENTON
James Herriot NICHOLAS RALPH
Mrs Hall ANNA MADELEY
Based on the memoirs of James Herriot, a real-life veterinarian, the show follows the young vet (played earnestly by Nicholas Ralph) as he begins work at a country practice in the fictional town of Darrowby. With every episode, we see him gain confidence, form deep connections with the locals, and fall in love—with both animals and people.
This series is not driven by fast-paced plot twists or dark intrigue; instead, it thrives on warmth, character growth, and small victories. Each episode typically features a mix of veterinary dilemmas (often involving difficult births or stubborn livestock), slice-of-life rural interactions, and tender moments of humor or emotion. Samuel West as Siegfried Farnon is both exasperating and endearing, while Callum Woodhouse adds levity and heart as the mischievous Tristan. Rachel Shenton’s Helen is intelligent and grounded, creating a slow-burn romance with James that’s as wholesome as it is moving.

Visually, the show is a love letter to the English countryside, filled with golden light, rolling hills, and quiet beauty. The attention to period detail—from cars and clothing to dialogue and manners—adds to its rich authenticity.

In a world of noisy TV, All Creatures Great and Small feels like a gentle exhale. It’s about kindness, compassion, and community. Whether you’re watching for the adorable animals or the subtle emotional storytelling, it’s a series that soothes the soul and leaves you feeling a little more hopeful.