All Creatures Great & Small

A young veterinary surgeon, James Herriot, leaves city life to take up a post in the Yorkshire Dales in the 1930s, where he’s met with rugged weather, stubborn farm animals, and an array of local characters. He learns the ropes under the exacting but kindly Siegfried Farnon, while staff and neighbors bring equal parts chaos and comfort. Each episode mixes animal emergencies with small-town human moments, balancing gentle humor and quieter drama as James adapts to rural practice and life. The series keeps surprises to itself, concentrating on character growth, daily practice, and the rhythms of community without tipping into melodrama.

Released in 2020, this adaptation was developed by Colin Callender and draws on James Herriot’s original books. It’s presented as a contemporary remake of the long-running 1978 television series, updated for a modern audience while staying faithful to its source material.

The show helped renew public interest in Herriot’s writings and introduced the stories to viewers who hadn’t seen earlier versions. Its pastoral settings and affectionate tone contributed to a wider appetite for comforting, countryside dramas, and it became part of discussions about British rural storytelling and television tourism to Northern landscapes.

Critics and audiences have generally reacted warmly, reflected in an 8.2/10 vote average from viewers. Reviewers praised the chemistry among the cast, especially the rapport between James and Siegfried, and noted the series’ steady mix of humor and moral weight. Recurring themes include community, healing across species, and the adjustments demanded by changing times in interwar Britain, all handled with restraint and a light touch.

The show hasn’t been defined by major awards, but it’s built a dedicated fanbase and steady critical appreciation. Rather than chasing trophies, it’s been valued for its performances, tone, and faithful treatment of beloved source material, earning a quiet reputation as dependable, feel-good television.