All Creatures Great and Small season 4 once again follows the adventures of vet James Herriot.
Set in the Yorkshire Dales, it is based on a series of books by real-life vet Alf Wight, who wrote under the pen name James Herriot. The series sees James and Helen thinking about starting a family.
Nicholas Ralph, who plays James, says: "Yes, they are broody. Helen’s more open about it and James is more guarded, although he wants to be a dad as well. It's a complex situation. But in the opening episode, he becomes a bit of a father figure to a young boy who is a toerag but has an unwell dog and James takes him under his wing, it’s charming."
The series has now ended in the UK, but the good news for American readers we finally have a date when it will start in the US. The All Creatures Great and Small Christmas 2023 special will air on Channel 5 over the festive period.
Here's everything we know about All Creatures Great and Small season 4 including a trailer…
All Creatures Great and Small season 4 release date
In the US, All Creatures Great and Small season 4 will begin on MASTERPIECE on PBS on Sunday, January 7, 2024, at 9/8 C.
The full schedule on PBS for the rest of the series is then... episode 2 (Sunday, January 14, 9/8c; episode 3 Sunday, January 21, 9/8c; episode 4 Sunday, January 29 9/8c; episode 5 Sunday, February 4, 9/8c and episode 6 airs on Sunday February 11, 9/8c.
In the UK All Creatures Great and Small season 4 began on Thursday 5 October at 9 pm on Channel 5 in the UK. The series has now aired but you can stream the entire series via My5.
What's the plot?
The series is set in 1940, with Winston Churchill becoming Prime Minister. James and Helen are happily married. But with Tristan away serving in the Royal Army Veterinary Corps, Siegfried and James bring in some extra hands to help around the practice. Among the new characters are the highly efficient bookkeeper Miss Harbottle and studious undergraduate vet student Richard Carmody.
The makers tease: "Picking up in springtime of 1940 with change on the horizon for everyone in Skeldale House. James and Helen wonder when the right time might be to start a family, not knowing whether or not James will be called up to serve in the RAF. Tristan’s absence is felt by all, but no one more than Siegfried who attempts to hold the growing household, and himself, together as he braves this new world. Mrs Hall and Helen’s friendship blossoms as they look to the future and new trainee veterinary student Richard Carmody arrives, causing complications in the house."
What happens in episode 1?
The makers reveal: "It is Easter 1940 and, without Tristan, Skeldale House is busier than ever. The war hasn’t come to much and James and Helen dream about the future, hoping that James won’t be called up. A chance encounter with young lad, Wesley Binks, leaves James worrying if his dog, Duke, is being mistreated. James wants to ‘put the animal first’ regardless of the consequences. Meanwhile Siegfried, who is missing Tristan, is repeatedly called out by experienced farmer, Clifford Slavens, and must learn that everyone needs support during hard times. When Mrs Hall takes a leap of faith, Siegfried offers his support."
What happens in episode 2?
The makers say: "Chaos reigns in Skeldale House. Siegfried has the bright idea of bringing in an experienced bookkeeper, Miss Harbottle, to bring method to their madness. She’s certainly efficient, but the cracks start to show and a sick ferret puts a spanner in the works. Farmer Dakin is very attached to his injured, elderly cow, Blossom, but Siegfried advises letting her go. Having made a few rash decisions recently, he might have to put aside his pride as James presses him to see the truth of the situation he has created. However misguided it might be, James and Helen take inspiration from Siegfried’s ‘Carpe Diem’ approach, and make a long-awaited decision."
What happens in episode 3?
The makers say: "Busy and exhausted from lambing, James and Helen can’t get any time together. James thinks he’s found a solution as he’s hired a new trainee vet, Richard Carmody, but things don’t quite work out as he expects. Mrs Pumphrey also has a new canine member of her household, Cedric, who has an antisocial problem that she needs addressed urgently. Tensions come to a head at Mrs Pumphrey’s Community Tea Party, and Mrs Hall takes a big step forward in her relationship with Gerald. Beloved horse, Teasel, needs expert help from the Skeldale House vets and Helen realises that life happens while you’re busy making plans."
What happens in episode 4
The makers reveal: "James and Helen are keeping a secret. Following a visit to the Crabtree’s Farm, Carmody is challenged with learning how to be a vet outside of his books. The new farmers have a worrying illness amongst their herd and James wants to help them in any way he can.
"Helen volunteers to join him, but helping the Crabtrees might have had a bigger impact on James and Helen than they anticipated. Helen rallies the community to help the newcomers whilst she waits for some personal news.
"Carmody meets Bernard the tortoise and tries to ‘treat the owner’ too by helping Ned Clough. Despite confiscating his textbooks, the whole household will come to realise the value of Carmody’s bookish ways. Mrs Hall receives an important letter and has to decide whether or not to share the news."
What happens in episode 5?
The makers say: "The War is getting closer, James is about to embark on a new journey. He desperately wants things in order and Carmody trained up to support Siegfried. James is frustrated at Carmody’s inability to drive and keeps missing opportunities to spend precious time with Helen. His grand plans are derailed when an injured cat is brought into the practice. The vets have little hope for the cat, but he might be just what they all need. Carmody and Pumphrey clash as he can’t see her dogs the way she does. An unexpected offer might bring the two together and get Carmody ready to step into new responsibilities. A dinner with Gerald leaves Mrs Hall with a dilemma but watching James and Helen brace for their future gives her a new perspective on her own."
What happens in episode 6?
"Helen feels redundant at Skeldale and a million miles from home. When Richard Alderson seems to needs some help, she returns to Heston Grange. Buried family secrets threaten to tear their relationship apart as Richard refuses to let her muck in on the farm. Helen notices that calf, Smokey, seems unwell and tries to help him, but it only makes things worse with her dad.
"Mrs Hall is blindsided by Helen’s plans and worries for Siegfried but knows she must follow through on her decision, however painful it may be for everyone. Meanwhile, Gerald’s beloved dog, Rock, needs veterinary help, but he is too worried about the operation. Mrs Hall pushes him to do the right thing.
"Torn in two directions, Mrs Hall must make her final choice and let go of something special. Both women are about to learn where they truly belong," say the people behind the show.
All Creatures Great and Small season 4 cast
The big news is Callum Woodhouse doesn't return as Tristan is away in this series. Otherwise, James (Nicholas Ralph) and Helen (Rachel Shenton) continue married life. Siegfried Farnon (Samuel West) and Mrs Hall (Anna Madeley) are both back along with Patricia Hodge as Mrs Pumphrey. Neve McIntosh (Shetland) joins as Miss Harbottle, with James Anthony-Rose (Slow Horses, Pennyworth) as student Richard. Guest cast includes Tony Pitts, Imogen Clawson, Paul Copley, Cleo Sylvestre MBE, James Bolam MBE, Will Thorp and Sam Retford.
Actor James Anthony-Rose says of new vet Richard: "He’s bright-eyed, bushy-tailed, bookish and academic. He's sure of himself — at least on the surface. There doesn't seem to be much that people can teach him, or that’s what he'd have them believe. But he has to be put through his paces…"
Is there a trailer?
Yes. Here it is...
