As the beloved drama All Creatures Great and Small prepares to make its highly anticipated return to Channel 5 this autumn, fans are getting their first glimpse of Series 6 — along with a host of exciting casting announcements. The BAFTA and Golden Globe-winning production company Playground (known for Wolf Hall: The Mirror and the Light, The Undeclared War, and The Hardacres), in partnership with MASTERPIECE on PBS and All3Media International, brings James Herriot’s enduring stories back to life once more.

Set in the picturesque Yorkshire Dales, the new series picks up in 1945, as World War II nears its end in Europe. Life in Darrowby is evolving — from advancements in veterinary care and growing families to fresh challenges and opportunities. Series 6 finds the Skeldale House team adapting to a world on the cusp of peace, as they continue caring for animals — and each other — against a backdrop of great social change.

Nicholas Ralph returns as the compassionate vet James Herriot, alongside Samuel West as the brilliant but often unpredictable Siegfried Farnon. Anna Madeley reprises her role as the ever-reliable Mrs Hall, while Rachel Shenton returns as Helen Herriot, and Callum Woodhouse appears once again as Tristan Farnon, who remains stationed with the Royal Army Veterinary Corps.

Also returning are Patricia Hodge as the elegant Mrs Pumphrey, accompanied by her pampered Pekingese, Tricki, along with Tony Pitts as Helen’s steadfast father Richard Alderson, and Imogen Clawson as her younger sister Jenny.

Series 6 also welcomes several new cast members to the ensemble, including:

Lucy-Jo Hudson (Hollyoaks, Wild at Heart)

Gaia Wise (The Dead of Winter, The Lord of the Rings: The War of the Rohirrim)

Jonathan Hyde (Titanic, The Brutalist)

Philip Martin Brown (Waterloo Road, Tinker Tailor Soldier Spy)

Chris Gascoyne (The Feud, Patience)

These newcomers will join returning guest stars Mollie Winnard, Conor Deane, Cat Simmons, and Lamin Touray, adding fresh energy and new dynamics to the Dales.

The new season will feature six hour-long episodes (6 x 60″), plus a special Christmas episode. UK audiences can look forward to the premiere on Channel 5 in autumn 2025, while U.S. viewers will catch the new season on MASTERPIECE on PBS in early 2026.

Series 6 is penned by a team of accomplished writers including Ben Vanstone, Neil Jones, Karim Khan, Robin French, Nessah Muthy, Nick Leather, and Damian Wayling. Direction is split between Brian Percival (Episodes 1 & 4), Stewart Svaasand (Episodes 2 & 3), and Andy Hay (Episodes 5, 6, and the Christmas Special). Yvonne Francas returns as producer.

Based on the beloved novels by James Herriot, which have sold over 60 million copies worldwide, All Creatures Great and Small continues to be a cherished fixture in both literary and television history.

Series 6 was confirmed as part of a dual-season renewal alongside Series 5. A formal release date will be announced soon. In the meantime, Series 1–5 are available to stream on Channel 5.

Check out first look photos below.