'All Creatures Great and Small' Remake Lands a Second Season
If there were ever a time that the television world deserved an immediate renewal of the cozy period drama about kind people, beautiful scenery, and cute animals, it is now.
And though U.S. audiences won't get to see the new All Creatures Great and Small remake for themselves until January, fans can rest easy in the knowledge that it's already been renewed for a second season.
The drama, based on the beloved series of novels by author James Herriot, follows the heartwarming and humorous tale of a rural country veterinarian and the various farmers and townspeople who live alongside him in 1930s Yorkshire. The first season aired in the U.K. earlier this Fall to generally positive reviews, with many critics applauding the serious for providing some much-needed comfort and escapism during the coronavirus pandemic.
It was also a ratings hit for U.K. network Channel 5, clocking in at 4.7 million viewers, a number which makes it the channel's highest launch for a drama commission ever.
“In challenging times, this new adaptation gained a special place in the heart of the British public," Channel 5 Deputy Director of Programmes Sebastian Cardwell said in a statement. “With values of community spirit, solidarity, and heartfelt compassion, these stories are important ones for us to tell, now more than ever. I’m delighted that we will be seeing more of James and his Darrowby family when they return to our screens soon.”
All Creatures Great and Small has been renewed for a 2nd season! Don’t miss the season 1 premiere on January 10 at 9/8c on MASTERPIECE. #AllCreaturesPBS https://t.co/z1oPqyvKPz
— MASTERPIECE | PBS (@masterpiecepbs) November 30, 2020
Newcomer Nicholas Ralph stars as Herriot, a veterinary surgeon who relocates to Yorkshire to work for a rural animal practice, where he falls in love with the beautiful countryside and its quaint, forthright people. He's joined by Samuel West as grumbling veterinarian Siegfried Farnon, Anna Madeley as housekeeper Mrs. Hall, Callum Woodhouse as James' brother Tristan, and Matthew Lewis as Hugh Hulton, a nearby prosperous landlord.
The series also features the late Dame Diana Rigg in one of her final roles as Mrs. Pumphrey.
Well, I hope this news makes you as happy as it makes all of us. All Creatures Great and Small will return for a second series in 2021.
— Samuel West (@exitthelemming) November 30, 2020
We had a wonderful time making S1 and we're thrilled that so many people enjoyed it. Can't wait to get back to the beautiful Dales #ACGAS pic.twitter.com/RPYSUR4t1u
Little is known about any potential Season 2 plots just yet, just that it will feature “more heartwarming and humorous adventures” in the Yorkshire Dales. It's currently slated to start filming in early 2021.
The series' first season premieres on Masterpiece on Sunday, January 10.
Are you looking forward to a new take on this beloved classic? Let's discuss in the comments.
