“All Creatures Great and Small” has been renewed for Seasons 5 and 6, Masterpiece on PBS announced. Each season will include six episodes, in addition to Christmas specials.
The popular series is based on the collection of stories by James Alfred Wight (under the pen name James Herriot), who was a veterinary surgeon in England. The series follows James (Nicholas Ralph) as he works in Yorkshire in the earlier half of the 20th century.
Per the official description, “The series will continue to bring the stories of James Herriot to life as we return to Darrowby to join our unconventional much-loved Skeldale Family and the colourful ensemble of farmers, animals and townsfolk living in the Yorkshire Dales in the 1940s.”
Callum Woodhouse will return for Season 5 as Tristan Farnon, the mischievous brother of James’ mentor Siegfried (Samuel West). Anna Madeley reprises her role as Skeldale House matriarch Mrs. Hall, with Rachel Shenton playing Helen Herriot. James Anthony-Rose returns as Richard Carmody and Patricia Hodge is back as Mrs. Pumphrey. Seasons 5 and 6 will be shot on location in Yorkshire.
Colin Callender CBE, executive producer and CEO of Playground said of the show’s renewal, “Kindness and decency are increasingly rare qualities these days, so it is a blessing to be able to return to the sanctuary of Skeldale House and James Herriot’s beloved characters who represent all that is the best in us. There are no villains in ‘All Creatures’ — just everyday folk trying to get through the day with dignity with the help of a supportive community, family and friends. It’s a lesson for modern times.”
Masterpiece and Channel 5 co-produce in association with global partner All3Media International. Playground Entertainment is the production company. Aaron Anderson joins Callender in executive producing for Playground. Susanne Simpson and Rebecca Eaton executive produce for Masterpiece in addition to Louise Pedersen and David Swetman for All3Media International and Seb Cardwell and Paul Testar for Channel 5.
