Channel 5 Give All Creatures Great and Small Series 5 & 6 Renewal

Channel 5 has announced the renewal of All Creatures Great and Small for not just one, but two more seasons. Based on James Herriot’s iconic collection of stories, the critically acclaimed adaptation from Playground will return with six episodes per season, along with Christmas Specials.

The show has become a fan favorite on Channel 5 and boasts impressive viewership numbers. Series four had an average of 4.4 million viewers across its run, and the audience share continued to grow throughout.

Filming for series five and six will take place in Yorkshire, where the story is set. The ensemble cast will include Nicholas Ralph as vet James Herriot, Samuel West as mentor Siegfried Farnon, Anna Madeley as Mrs Hall, Rachel Shenton as Helen Herriot, James Anthony-Rose as Richard Carmody, Patricia Hodge as Mrs Pumphrey with her beloved Tricki (a pampered Pekingese), and Callum Woodhouse reprising his role as Tristan Farnon.

The new seasons will continue to bring James Herriot’s heartwarming stories to life in Darrowby in the 1940s. The colorful ensemble of farmers, animals, and townsfolk will once again captivate viewers with their unconventional yet lovable antics.

Several talented writers have been brought on board for these upcoming seasons. Debbie O’Malley and Maxine Alderton will contribute scripts along with Matt Evans and Robin French. Brian Percival returns as lead director and executive producer for episodes one and two. Stewart Svaasand takes on directing duties for episodes three and four, while Andy Hay directs episodes five and six along with the Christmas Special. Yvonne Francas returns as producer.

All Creatures Great and Small is a co-production between Channel 5, MASTERPIECE on PBS in the US, and All3Media International. Deputy Director of Programmes at Paramount Seb Cardwell and Commissioning Editor for Drama at Channel 5 and Paramount+ Paul Testar commissioned the double series order.

Paul Testar expressed his excitement for the show’s return, saying, “We can’t wait to share this next chapter.” Sir Colin Callender, CEO of Playground, emphasized the importance of kindness and decency showcased in All Creatures Great and Small. He described it as a “lesson for modern times.”

The news was also welcomed by Susanne Simpson from MASTERPIECE, who noted the warm reception from their audience. Louise Pedersen, CEO of All3Media International, highlighted the global appeal of the heartwarming series.