James Herriott (played by Nicholas Ralph) gets up in a lot of animals’ business in the new All Creatures Great And Small.

Matt Squire/Playground Television/PBS

All Creatures Great and Small Is Done

• First Air Date: Sep 1, 2020
• Audience Rating (if available): 85% (Rotten Tomatoes)
• Critical Rating (if available): 98% (Rotten Tomatoes)
• Genre: Comedy (allegedly)
• Bingeability (1–10, subjective): 10. Every episode feels effortless. Some drama but never too much to take away the good vibes.
• Likeability (1–10, subjective): 5 — while the show is solid and good, it’s just doesn’t have enough bite

If you’ve watched Jeremy Clarkson’s farm show, this is the exact opposite of that. While Clarkson rushes around shouting at things, the characters in ATGAS go about their day in blissful sequence, never completely bothered by anything much. There’s drama and yes, heartache, but never so much that you really worry.

James Herriot’s books have been adapted more times than I want to contemplate. There’s something about them that appeals to people all over the world and clearly, across generations. Perhaps it’s the peace and quiet of it all?

The world he creates is normal in every respect — no boss fights, no sprawling cityscapes, no heart-wrenching drama. Just vet related shenanigans mixed with a lot of heart. Watch this show if you want to relax and enjoy some occasional animal peril (that’s usually wrapped up by the end of the episode).

I realise this makes it sound like I didn’t enjoy the show very much but I did. I enjoyed every moment and I wish I’d watched Season 1 and 2. That said, it did leave me wanting some excitement so hopefully the next thing provides that.