All Creatures Great & Small

People like me of a certain age grew up with the wildly popular books and TV series in the 70's so there are some who will never accept a re-filming of this tale of a vet in post WW1 North Yorkshire. I happen to live near there and know people who actually knew Alf Wight who wrote the books in which he renamed himself 'James Herriot'. Channel 5 who made this already produce 'The Yorkshire Vet' reality show which features the same vets practice still working today along with 'The Yorkshire Steam Railway: All Aboard' which features our local preserved steam railway (The North Yorkshire Moors Railway). As such Channel 5 already have a 'track record' (groans) of filming up here and this series has been on the cards for a while. The only question was 'Would this be up to the standard of the original?'. One episode in and I'd have to give it a resounding 'Yes!'. Don't expect complex plots or action chases in this unless you include angry 1 ton+ bulls or roller-coaster local roads traversed in 1930's cars with dodgy brakes. Just instead enjoy the Yorkshire scenery pretty much unchanged since the time it is set populated with little 'feel-good' stories of veterinary life among the very wily Yorkshire folk. It really still is pretty much like this today and the people haven't changed much either...

I don't write reviews often but just wanted to say I love this show it's a joy to watch.

I remember watching the original BBC series and worries this wouldn't be as good but it is and maybe even a bit better.

The acting is great and the scenery is wonderful in these uncertain times it's an hour of joy.

Lovely to see the mesmerising Dame Diana Rigg.

Totally recommended. Sweet story, great characters. Couldn't love it more. Now who knows how long I'll have to wait for the next season!

This is such a sweet and comfy thing to watch. Enjoyed it from the very first episode. Well-written, nice acting, and beautiful scenery. I wouldn't say that this is a remake of the BBC series. Rather, it's a new take on the books by James Herriot. And while the BBC series may be more faithful to the books, this series is basically what it says on the tin: "based on". They take plots from Herriot's stories and adapt them for the episodes, often making them more dramatic than it was originally in the books, but the gentle, humorous spirit is there. Looking forward to season 2!

I think it's fair to say that some, myself included wrote this off before it had even aired, Channel five hasn't really been known for original drama. I was definitely wrong, it's a great watch.

Channel Five has a real winner with his show, it is truly the tonic we need for 2020, it's uplifting, sentimental, it has a real feel good factor.

A winner in all areas, great stories, terrific acting, and a warmth that has been lacking in shows for some time.

How lovely to see Diana Rigg appear, ahead of her tragic death.

Bang on the money, 9/10.