Drama, a warm and wonderfully escapist revival of the James Herriot stories, following a young Scottish vet as he establishes himself in the Yorkshire Dales during the 1930s. The series focuses on the daily trials of the Skeldale House veterinary practice and the budding romance between James and local farmer Helen Alderson. Following in the footsteps of the beloved 1970s BBC series was a daunting task, but this version succeeds by leaning into a gentler, more cinematic tone.
The chemistry between the central trio of Nicholas Ralph, Samuel West, and Callum Woodhouse is the show's greatest asset, providing a mix of comedy and domestic friction. While the primary appeal is the stunning Yorkshire scenery and the "animal of the week" subplots, the writing gradually matures as the shadow of World War II looms over the Dales. It manages to be comforting without becoming overly saccharine, modernizing the roles of the female characters particularly Mrs Hall and Helen to provide a more balanced view of rural life.
A triumph of cozy, high-quality television.
Production Details
UK / Channel 5 - Playground Entertainment / 42x50 Minute Episodes / 2020
Broadcast present 2020
Created by: Ben Vanstone
Executive Producer: Colin Callender, Melissa Gallant, Hugo Heppell
Music: Alexandra Harwood
Main Cast
Nicholas Ralph as James Herriot
Samuel West as Siegfried Farnon
Anna Madeley as Mrs Hall
Callum Woodhouse as Tristan Farnon
Rachel Shenton as Helen Herriot
Patricia Hodge as Mrs Pumphrey