‘All Creatures Great and Small’ Season 4 Episode 1 recap: ‘Broodiness’

Brand new All Creatures Great and Small launched tonight!

Based on the much-loved collection of stories by author James Herriot, Channel 5’s hit period drama follows the heartwarming and humorous adventures of a young country vet in the Yorkshire Dales.

Watch the Season 4 trailer here:

A fourth season of All Creatures Great and Small is airing in the UK at 9pm on Thursday nights on Channel 5, with six brand new episodes airing weekly.

The show returns in the US early next year on PBS Masterpiece.

American viewers can catch up on the first three seasons with this free 7-day trial of the PBS Masterpiece channel on Amazon Prime!

Here’s a clip from tonight’s ep:

As we return to the Dales in 1940 with the Second World War underway, the new season welcomes back Nicholas Ralph as James Herriot, Rachel Shenton as Helen Herriot, Samuel West as Siegfried Farnon, Anna Madeley as Mrs Hall, Patricia Hodge as Mrs Pumphrey, and introduces James Anthony-Rose as Richard Carmody.

Here’s a plot recap for the first episode of Season 4 – ‘Broodiness’ – which premiered on Channel 5 on Thursday 5 October 2023:

It is Easter 1940 and, without Tristan, Skeldale House is busier than ever.

The war hasn’t come to much and James and Helen dream about the future, hoping that James won’t be called up.

A chance encounter with young lad, Wesley Binks, leaves James worrying if his dog, Duke, is being mistreated.

James wants to ‘put the animal first’ regardless of the consequences.

Meanwhile Siegfried, who is missing Tristan, is repeatedly called out by experienced farmer, Clifford Slavens, and must learn that everyone needs support during hard times.

When Mrs Hall takes a leap of faith, Siegfried offers his support.

All Creatures Great and Small is available to watch on PBS Masterpiece via Amazon Prime with a free 7-day trial.