Playground Confirms The Return Of "All Creatures Great And Small Returns"

Channel 5, Playground and Masterpiece on PBS recently confirming a fourth series of  "All Creatures Great and Small," produced in association with All3Media International as the global partner. The six new episodes (6 x 60”), plus a Christmas Special, will air on Channel 5 in the autumn. In the US, Masterpiece on PBS will air season four early in 2024, featuring new and returning casting. “We are thrilled to be back in the glorious Yorkshire Dales for a fourth season of family, community and, of course, animal hijinks," Sir Colin Callender CBE, Executive Producer and CEO of Playground said. "Our wonderful cast and crew are all delighted to be returning to adapt more of James Herriot’s joyful and life-affirming stories.” 

"All Creatures Great and Small" is a Playground production for Channel 5 and Masterpiece in association with All3Media International.  Returning for a fourth series is Executive Producer Ben Vanstone, who will write the Christmas special. Writer Jamie Crichton also returns, this time as lead writer and Executive Producer. Joining them for series four are writers Maxine Alderton and Helen Raynor.  Andy Hay is Lead Director and will direct episodes 1 and 2. Stewart Svaasand will direct episodes 3, 4 and 6, while BAFTA winner Jordan Hogg  will direct episode 5 and the Christmas Special. 

Series four was commissioned by Deputy Director of Programs, Paramount,Seb Cardwell, alongside Paul Testar, Commissioning Editor, Drama, Channel 5 and Paramount+; Executive Producers are: Colin Callender, Melissa Gallant, Jamie Crichton and Ben Vanstone for Playground, Susanne Simpson and Rebecca Eaton for Masterpiece, and Louise Pedersen and David Swetman for All3Media International. “All Creatures Great and Small is one of the highlights of our year and we are eager to return to the glorious Yorkshire Dales this autumn,"  Paul Testar, Commissioning Editor, Drama, Channel 5 and Paramount+ said. "We can’t wait to welcome some new additions to our stellar cast for series 4.”.  

Based on the cherished collection of stories by best-selling author James Herriot, the critically acclaimed adaptation returns to the beautiful Yorkshire Dales for a fourth season of stories, picking up in 1940 as Churchill takes office and Europe is under serious threat.  Series three aired in 2023, making a triumphant return averaging a huge 3.8 million viewers, and an impressive 18% share, making Channel 5 the most popular terrestrial channel during that slot while All Creatures Great and Small was on air. Series four is currently filming on location in Yorkshire. "All Creatures Great and Small" books have sold 60 million copies internationally becoming a global cultural phenomenon with devoted fans around the world. 

Series four sees Nicholas Ralph reprise his role as young country vet James Herriot, now happily married to Helen Herriot, played by Rachel Shenton. Samuel West  returns as James’ capricious and erratic mentor Siegfried Farnon while Anna Madeley (Time, Patrick Melrose) continues as Mrs Hall, matriarch of Skeldale House. Patricia Hodge also reprises her role as the wonderfully eccentric Mrs Pumphrey, alongside her adored pampered Pekingese Tricki. “I can’t wait for our MASTERPIECE audience to see this new season of All Creatures Great and Small," Susanne Simpson, Executive Producer for Masterpiece said. "It continues to be full of the warmth and humor that has made it one of our most successful series ever.” MASTERPIECE is presented on PBS by GBH Boston."

With Tristan away serving in the Royal Army Veterinary Corps, Siegfried and James bring in some extra hands to help around the practice. Neve McIntosh joins the cast as highly efficient bookkeeper Miss Harbottle, alongside James Anthony-Rose as studious undergraduate vet student Richard Carmody who arrives at Skeldale as part of his placement under the guidance of James.  A colorful ensemble of farmers, animals and townsfolk living in the Yorkshire Dales in the 1940s will also star, including Tony Pitts, Imogen Clawson, Paul Copley, Cleo Sylvestre MBE, James Bolam MBE, Will Thorp and Sam Retford. “Over three seasons All Creatures Great and Small has offered heartwarming, escapist viewing that has connected with audiences and become a firm fan favorite all around the world, and as Playground's wonderful series enters its fourth season I am delighted to continue to build the brand globally," Louise Pedersen, CEO of All3Media International, said.