The countdown is on for the All Creatures Great and Small Season 6 finale, and for fans who need a quick refresher before the big send-off, you have come to the right place. The current season of the beloved PBS Masterpiece drama has taken viewers on an emotional ride through the spring and summer of 1945, bringing the end of World War II, major changes at Skeldale House, and some deeply personal struggles for the Farnon brothers.
As the community of Darrowby celebrates peace, the characters we have grown to love are dealing with new challenges. With the final episode scheduled to air on Sunday, February 22, 2026, here is everything you need to remember about how the season unfolded so far.
Where Did We Leave Off? A Look Back at the Season 5 Cliffhanger
Before diving into Season 6, it helps to remember where things stood. The Christmas special left fans with a mixture of heartbreak and relief. Mrs. Hall (Anna Madeley) received the devastating news that her son, Edward, was missing at sea . Fortunately, a Christmas miracle confirmed he had survived, though he was injured.
Meanwhile, James Herriot (Nicholas Ralph) was discharged from the military after his old brucellosis condition flared up, returning home to Helen and their growing family . The stage was set for a new beginning, but as Season 6 reveals, the scars of war ran deep for everyone.
The State of Skeldale: A House Divided
When Season 6 kicks off in May 1945, things at Skeldale House are far from peaceful. With Mrs. Hall relocating to Sunderland to care for her son, the veterinary practice has fallen into complete disarray .
Siegfried Farnon (Samuel West) is not handling the separation well. Described by the cast as “wild,” “chaotic,” and “exceptionally challenging,” Siegfried has let the house go, living on tinned sardines and neglecting the practice . Tristan (Callum Woodhouse) returns from his years at war and is shocked to see the state his brother is in . It is clear that Siegfried’s erratic behavior stems from loneliness and the absence of the woman who truly holds the household together.
The Big Reconciliation: Siegfried and Mrs. Hall
One of the most talked-about moments of the season happens early on. Realizing Siegfried cannot function without her, James and Tristan travel to Sunderland to convince Mrs. Hall to return, even if just for a short visit .
The tension builds as Mrs. Hall agrees to come back, but sensing Siegfried’s coldness and irritation, she decides to leave early. In a scene that had fans reaching for tissues, Siegfried races to the train station to stop her. He admits he tried to replace her, but no one else measures up .
“I drove her away,” Siegfried confesses to Tristan and James before sprinting after her .
As he catches her on the platform, the news breaks that the war in Europe is officially over. Surrounded by celebrating crowds, Mrs. Hall agrees to stay. Walking arm-in-arm, she says, “It’s good to be back,” to which he replies, “It’s good to have you back” . It is the closest the pair have ever come to acknowledging their deeper feelings, and fans were quick to react on social media, with one viewer posting, “SIEGFRIED ADMITTING HE WAS SO UPSET WITHOUT HER THAT HE WASN’T FINE OH IM GONNA SOB” .
The Herriot Family: Growing Up and Moving Out
While the drama at Skeldale unfolds, James and Helen (Rachel Shenton) are navigating life as a family of four. With the arrival of baby Rosie, and young Jimmy now around four-and-a-half years old, the couple decides to spend more time at Heston Grange, Helen’s family farm .
This move is practical—it gives the children space to grow up around animals—but it also provides some necessary distance from the chaos Siegfried has created at the practice . Nicholas Ralph explains that James is busier than ever, juggling farm life, vet calls, and fatherhood.
“James is pretty busy as a vet now because he’s a partner in the practice,” Shenton confirms . The season also shows little Jimmy taking an interest in his father’s work, helping out around the surgery in small but meaningful ways.
Tristan’s Hidden Pain: Confronting the Trauma of War
While the end of the war brings celebration, for Tristan Farnon, the peace is bittersweet. Throughout the season, fans noticed Tristan seemed more mature, quieter, and burdened by something he could not share .
In Episode 7, which aired on February 15, the truth finally comes out. Triggered by a spooked horse, Tristan breaks down and reveals to Siegfried the horrors he experienced during the war and how he earned his Military Cross .
“I got the medal because I managed to save a few chaps,” Tristan tells his brother through tears. “But Billy wasn’t one of them. He saved me, but I couldn’t save him. The cross should be his, not mine” .
The confession is a raw portrayal of survivor’s guilt and PTSD. Tristan admits that even though the war is ending, the memories may never leave him.
“No one wants the war to be over more than me, but if all it takes is some scared horse to wrench me back, then maybe it never will be” .
Callum Woodhouse delivered what many critics and fans are calling his best performance yet. Viewers took to social media to express their heartbreak, with one writing, “I can’t stop crying. Tristan’s story was so heartbreaking. Callum was out of this world with his acting, my God” . This emotional scene sets up a major question heading into the finale: How will Tristan move forward?
Helen’s Family Drama: Changes at Heston Grange
It is not just the Farnon brothers facing upheaval. Helen has her own worries back home. Her sister, Jenny (Imogen Clawson) , receives some exciting news that forces Helen to confront changes within her own family . Meanwhile, Richard Alderson (Tony Pitts) remains a steady presence, helping with the children and the farm.
Memorable Animal Encounters and Small-Town Charm
True to the show’s roots, Season 6 has delivered plenty of heartwarming animal stories alongside the human drama.
Tricki-Woo, the beloved Pekingese of Mrs. Pumphrey (Patricia Hodge) , gets special attention when he starts giving his owner the cold shoulder, leading to a visit from James . There is also a troublesome goat that gives Siegfried a run for his money, and a parrot with an attitude that keeps Tristan on his toes during a house call .
James finds himself in unfamiliar territory when he takes on the role of attending vet at the Hensfield dog track in Episode 5, a setting far removed from the farms of Darrowby . These lighter moments provide balance to the heavier themes of loss and recovery running through the season.
Looking at the Finale: “Our Hearts Are Full”
The Season 6 finale, titled “Our Hearts Are Full,” airs this Sunday, February 22 . According to PBS and KPBS synopses, the episode will mark VJ Day (Victory over Japan Day), finally bringing a complete end to World War II .
Mrs. Hall takes the lead in organizing the village celebrations, bringing the community together one last time this season. But the joy of the occasion is tempered by personal struggles. As Tristan continues to lean on Siegfried following his emotional confession, the bond between the brothers will be tested and strengthened .
On the veterinary front, James is puzzled by the mysterious disappearance of a newborn calf, sending him on one last investigation before the season wraps up . With Christmas 1945 already teased as the setting for a holiday episode (“Comfort and Joy”), fans can expect the finale to set the stage for what comes next .
Fan Reactions and the Future of the Show
The response to Season 6 has been overwhelmingly emotional. Following the UK broadcast of the finale on Channel 5 last year, the show’s official Instagram page shared a thank-you message to viewers .
“From all of us at All Creatures Great and Small, thank you for your incredible support throughout Series 6. Your kind words mean the world to us, and we’re so grateful to every viewer, cast member, and crew who helped bring the wonderful world of Darrowby to life” .
Fans flooded the comments with pleas for more episodes. One fan wrote, “Fantastic season finale full of warmth and emotion as always. It’s what we all need, and we all need more!!! Please let there be more!!!” .
The good news is that the show has already been renewed. All Creatures Great and Small scored a double renewal during Season 6, guaranteeing at least two more years of stories from Darrowby . While filming for Season 7 has not yet been officially announced, fans can likely expect the new season to arrive in the UK in September 2026, with the US premiere following on PBS in early 2027 .
Also Read:
How to Watch the Season 6 Finale
The Season 6 finale of All Creatures Great and Small airs on Sunday, February 22, at 9/8c on PBS .
For those who want to binge the entire season before the finale, all episodes are available to stream with the PBS Passport member benefit (US and Canada) . Individual episodes are also available to stream for free for two weeks after broadcast on the PBS app and PBS.org .
International viewers in the UK can catch the series on Channel 5 and My5 .
With the promise of peace, the healing of old wounds, and the warmth of community, the final episode of Season 6 is shaping up to be an unforgettable send-off. Grab your tissues, Darrowby fans—this one is going to be emotional.
Also Read: Will 56 Days Return for Season 2? What We Know So Far
For more heartwarming stories and the latest updates on your favorite PBS dramas, keep reading VvipTimes. We bring you the comfort and joy of Darrowby all year long.
