Honestly, walking into the world of All Creatures Great and Small Series 1 feels less like watching a television show and more like slipping into a pair of well-worn wool socks. It’s cozy. It’s quiet. There’s a lot of mud. When Channel 5 first announced they were rebooting the beloved James Herriot stories, people were skeptical. Why mess with a classic? The original 1978 series was a titan of British television. But this 2020 reimagining didn't just succeed; it basically redefined what "comfort TV" looks like for a modern audience.
It’s 1937. James Herriot, a fresh-faced veterinary surgeon from Glasgow, travels to the Yorkshire Dales for a job interview. He's broke. He's nervous. He has no idea that he’s about to meet Siegfried Farnon, a man who is essentially a human whirlwind of eccentricity and brilliance.
The first series works because it doesn't try to be "gritty" or "dark" to fit in with modern prestige dramas. It stays true to the source material—the semi-autographical books by Alf Wight. It’s about cows. It’s about the rolling green hills of Skeldale House. Most importantly, it's about the friction between old-world traditions and the "new-fangled" science James brings to the table.
The Chaos of Skeldale House
The heart of the show isn't actually the animals. It's the kitchen table.
Siegfried Farnon, played with a frantic, delightful energy by Samuel West, is a nightmare of a boss. He’s mercurial. He’ll fire James in the morning and buy him a pint by sundown. West brings a layer of vulnerability to Siegfried that we didn't always see in previous iterations. You get the sense that his bluster is a shield against the changing world.
Then you have Tristan. Callum Woodhouse plays the younger Farnon brother as a charming, pint-swilling, exam-failing disaster. He is the perfect foil to James’s earnestness. Their dynamic in the first series is legendary. It’s the classic "straight man and the wildcard" trope, but it feels grounded because they’re essentially a found family.
And we have to talk about Mrs. Hall. Anna Madeley is the glue. In the original series, Mrs. Hall was more of a background figure, but here, she’s the emotional backbone. She manages the house, the books, and the egos. Her quiet authority is what makes Skeldale House feel like a home rather than just a workplace.
✨ Don't miss: Priyanka Chopra Latest Movies: Why Her 2026 Slate Is Riskier Than You Think
Why James Herriot Still Matters
James Herriot, played by Nicholas Ralph in his television debut, is the anchor. Ralph has this incredibly expressive face that captures every ounce of James’s fish-out-of-water anxiety.
In All Creatures Great and Small Series 1, James is constantly tested. He’s a city boy trying to convince skeptical Yorkshire farmers that he knows what he’s doing. One of the most iconic moments in the first series involves a cow with a difficult calving. It’s messy. It’s visceral. It’s not "pretty" television. But when James succeeds, the relief is palpable. You’re rooting for him not just because he’s the protagonist, but because he genuinely cares.
The romance with Helen Alderson, played by Rachel Shenton, is a slow burn. It’s refreshing. There are no dramatic explosions or unnecessary love triangles (though Hugh Hulton, played by Matthew Lewis, provides some gentle competition). It’s just two people who respect each other, navigating the social constraints of the 1930s.
Realism vs. Nostalgia
One thing the show gets right is the balance between the idyllic scenery and the harsh reality of farming life. The Dales are beautiful, yes. The cinematography by Erik Wilson makes every frame look like a painting. But the show doesn't shy away from the fact that if a farmer's horse dies, that family might go hungry.
- Veterinary Accuracy: The producers hired real veterinary consultants to ensure the procedures looked authentic for the time period.
- The Set: Skeldale House was meticulously recreated in the village of Grassington, which doubled as the fictional Darrowby.
- The Costumes: You can almost feel the itch of the tweed.
People often think this show is just "nice." That’s a bit of a disservice. It’s actually quite rigorous in its depiction of class, the looming threat of World War II, and the economic struggles of the Depression era.
The Tricky Task of Remaking a Legend
How do you follow in the footsteps of Robert Hardy and Christopher Timothy? You don't try to mimic them.
🔗 Read more: Why This Is How We Roll FGL Is Still The Song That Defines Modern Country
The 2020 series leans into the emotional depth of the characters more than the 70s version did. We see more of Mrs. Hall’s backstory. We see the fractured relationship between Siegfried and Tristan. These aren't just caricatures; they're people with regrets and secrets.
One of the standout episodes is the Christmas special that caps off the first series. It’s a masterclass in holiday storytelling. It manages to be heartwarming without being saccharine. James is torn between his duties and his desire to be with Helen, and the payoff is incredibly earned.
Honestly, the pacing of the first series is what makes it so bingeable. Six episodes plus a special. It doesn't overstay its welcome. Each episode follows a roughly similar structure—a medical mystery involving an animal, a bit of household drama, and a step forward in the James/Helen saga—but the writing is sharp enough that it never feels repetitive.
What People Get Wrong About the Show
Some critics dismissed the first series as "boring" or "too safe." They’re missing the point. In a landscape of television filled with anti-heroes, violence, and cynicism, All Creatures Great and Small Series 1 is an act of rebellion. It’s a show about kindness. It’s a show about doing a hard job well.
It’s also surprisingly funny. The banter between the brothers, the absurdity of Tricki Woo (the pampered Pekingese owned by Mrs. Pumphrey), and James’s constant stumbles into mud pits provide a much-needed levity. Diana Rigg’s performance as Mrs. Pumphrey in this first series was her final role, and she is absolutely magnificent. She brought a regal absurdity to the character that is irreplaceable.
Behind the Scenes Facts
- The Dog: Derek, the dog who played Tricki Woo, became a breakout star. He even had his own social media following.
- The Location: Grassington was chosen because it lacked modern road markings and overhead wires, making it easier to film as a 1930s town.
- The Practical Effects: Most of the animal "patients" were a mix of real animals and highly sophisticated prosthetics for the more invasive surgical scenes.
Actionable Takeaways for Your Watchlist
If you haven't dived into the world of Darrowby yet, there are a few things you should know to get the most out of the experience.
💡 You might also like: The Real Story Behind I Can Do Bad All by Myself: From Stage to Screen
First, don't rush it. This is "slow TV." It’s meant to be savored with a cup of tea. Second, pay attention to the sound design. The rustle of the wind across the moors and the clatter of James’s old car are essential to the atmosphere.
If you're a fan of the books, you'll notice that the show takes some liberties with the timeline and character arcs, but the spirit remains intact. It’s an adaptation that understands that the feeling of the source material is more important than a literal word-for-word translation.
For those looking to explore further, here is how to approach the franchise:
- Start with Series 1 (2020): It establishes the world and the core relationships perfectly.
- Read "If Only They Could Talk": This is the first book by James Herriot (Alf Wight) and provides the foundation for the series.
- Visit the North York Moors: If you ever get the chance, the real "World of James Herriot" museum in Thirsk is a must-visit for fans of the history behind the fiction.
The enduring legacy of this series isn't just about the nostalgia for a simpler time. It’s about the universal truth that community and compassion are the things that keep us grounded when the rest of the world feels like it's falling apart. Whether it's a vet helping a struggling farmer or a housekeeper making sure there's a hot meal on the table, these small acts of service are what make life worth living.
Next time you need a break from the noise of the world, turn on the first episode. Watch James step off that bus in the rain. Watch him look up at those hills. You'll understand why this story has survived for over fifty years and why this specific version has captured a whole new generation of hearts.
Practical Next Steps for Fans:
- Watch the 1978 original: Comparing the two versions is a fascinating look at how television production and storytelling have evolved over four decades.
- Research Alf Wight: The real-life James Herriot had an incredible life. Understanding his actual experiences as a vet in the 1930s adds a layer of appreciation for the struggles James faces on screen.
- Support Local Vets: The show highlights the grueling nature of the profession. Many modern veterinary organizations use the show's popularity to raise awareness about the mental health challenges faced by those in the field today.
The series is a reminder that even the smallest life matters. In the end, that's a message that never goes out of style.