'All Creatures Great and Small' Season 6 Review: The PBS Historical War Drama Returns With an Emotional Punch

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Since 2020, All Creatures Great and Small has been providing fans with heartfelt and relaxing stories that only a few series can attain. As the historical drama has continued, things have changed for the inhabitants of Skeldale House, but Season 6 once again delivers the unique balance that All Creatures Great and Small is known for. Though the latest season aired in the Fall in the UK, it is finally coming to PBS in January, allowing U.S. fans to enjoy the continued journey of James Harriot (Nicholas Ralph), Siegfried Farnon (Samuel West), and the rest of the memorable characters.

It's no surprise that All Creatures Great and Small has garnered so much attention over the years with its talented cast, vivid characters, and feel-good story, and that popularity shows no signs of stopping. Not only is Season 6 getting a wider release, but the series is confirmed to be returning for two more seasons in the years to come. Like previous installments, Season 6 is fairly short, with only six episodes and the yearly Christmas special, yet it pushes the characters to grow. Once again, All Creatures Great and Small captures the peaceful feeling fans love, though it is full of emotionally charged stories that will bring many to tears.

What Is 'All Creatures Great and Small' Season 6 About?

All Creatures Great and Small Season 6 takes the audience back to Skeldale House, where Siegfried and James continue to work at their veterinary practice despite the impact of World War II. Season 5 sets the latest installment up for an emotional story as it takes place in 1941, meaning the war has begun, and the residents of Skeldale do not escape unscathed. Last time these characters were seen, James was still struggling with survivor's guilt following his return home from the Air Force due to illness. Yet the final episode really pulled at heartstrings as Tristan (Callum Woodhouse) leaves Darrowby to fight, and Mrs. Hall (Anna Madeley) learns of her son's survival. However, Season 6 doesn't pick up there. Instead, it jumps to 1945, situating the new season in the final days of World War II.

Considering the changes that occur during that time, it is a jarring opening, especially when it comes to James and Helen's (Rachel Shenton) family, as their son, Jimmy (Thomas Riches), suddenly goes from a baby to a child and gains a sister. However, the choice to skip a few years pays off by providing both emotional highs and lows for the entire town of Darrowby as the war nears an end. Though there are certainly high stakes given the historical context, All Creatures Great and Small remains in the small community of Darrowby, offering a contained and intimate view of the time period rather than following the war itself. This unique approach allows for a character-driven story that is both deeply emotional and relaxing.

Yet, the war isn't the only conflict, as Season 6 features a growing tension among the characters. Over the previous five seasons, the inhabitants of Skeldale have become a family, but miscommunications and personal conflicts leave them struggling to understand each other in Season 6. Siegfried has isolated himself, James is run ragged between keeping up with the business and being present for his wife and children, Tristan isn't the same after his time at war, and even Mrs. Hall has turned her attention elsewhere. While it is always interesting to see them experience such issues, Season 6 would benefit from more time with a united cast rather than the fractured pieces that it highlights. Yet, even as the characters argue, their love for each other is clear.

‘All Creatures Great and Small’ Season 6 Gets an Uplifting Update

A recent video had fans worried that Mrs. Hall won't be returning.

'All Creatures Great and Small' Season 6 Highlights the Farnon Brothers

Siegfried (Samuel West) and Tristan (Callum Woodhouse) in All Creatures Great and Small Season 6

All Creatures Great and Small has many lovable characters, but in Season 6, the Farnon brothers shine in particular. Both characters exhibit notable growth throughout the season, which is impressive considering both have already undergone significant development since their introductions. Tristan has the most emotionally resonant story as he copes with his experiences in battle. It is a heavy topic for the series, but an important way to show the war's impact, and Woodhouse delivers a powerful performance. Meanwhile, Siegfried is forced to do some introspection, ultimately leading to self-discovery. Through these respective character arcs, Woodhouse and West demonstrate how far their characters have come with steady but believable growth, making Siegfried and Tristan even more lovable.

However, the Farnon brothers are not the only characters in the story. Helen and Mrs. Hall have their own storylines that allow them to be at the forefront. Mrs. Hall's plot is particularly interesting as she is allowed to build confidence. Yet with so much going on for the rest of the cast, James gets a little lost. Despite his position as the main character, he has the least development in Season 6. That's not to say he isn't present; in fact, James does a lot, but is usually serving someone else's growth rather than his own.

While all the usual suspects are accounted for, All Creatures Great and Small introduces a few new faces that steal the show, including Charlotte Beauvoir (Gaia Wise), the daughter of a wealthy, horse-obsessed family who moves to the area, and Mrs. Stokes (Susan Hilton), who repeatedly brings her mischievous goat, Hilda, into the clinic. These new faces are excellent additions as they expand the scope of the show and challenge the main cast.

'All Creatures Great and Small' Season 6 Is a Heavy Installment

James Herriot (Ralph) and Mrs. Pumphrey (Hodge) with Tricki in All Creatures Great and Small Season 6

While All Creatures Great and Small has built its reputation on the picturesque landscape and heartwarming story, Season 6 takes a slightly darker turn. The series doesn't lose the peaceful nature that makes it so impressive, but it does intensify as a somewhat unfortunate product of the setting. There have always been nerve-racking moments with the life-threatening medical issues that are so prevalent, but Season 6 goes beyond that, including gut-wrenching, emotional beats, and exploring the losses that so many experienced throughout World War II. Yet, as always, the center of the series is James and Siegfried's veterinary practice, which isn't free from hardship, but they continue to put the animals first, which helps the show maintain its calming tone. Ultimately, All Creatures Great and Small remains what fans want, if a little sadder than the early seasons.

All Creatures Great and Small Season 6 premieres tonight on PBS MASTERPIECE.

Release Date September 1, 2020

Directors Andy Hay, Brian Percival, Stewart Svaasand, Metin Huseyin, Sasha Ransome, Jordan Hogg

Writers James Herriot

Pros & Cons

The historical significance of 1945 heightens the emotional impact of Season 6.
Season 6 explores longstanding characters more deeply, allowing them to grow.
The characters introduced in Season 6 are compelling and offer new challenges for the main cast.