The wait for All Creatures Great and Small Season 7 is finally over as Channel 5 and PBS have announced the official premiere date, released first-look images, and confirmed a major new character who will shake things up in Darrowby. The beloved period drama returns with a fresh rival for James Herriot and exciting new storylines set in 1946.
The show has already been renewed for both Season 7 and Season 8. Each season will feature six hour-long episodes plus a Christmas Special. Production for Season 7 began in February 2026 and wrapped in June, with filming taking place across the Yorkshire Dales National Park.
All Creatures Great and Small Season 7 Release Date and Where to Watch
All Creatures Great and Small Season 7 premieres on Sunday, January 17, 2027, at 9/8c on PBS in the United States. The episodes will be available to stream on PBS Masterpiece through Prime Video and the PBS app.
For UK viewers, the series will return to Channel 5 this September 2026, though an exact broadcast date has not yet been confirmed. The show remains Channel 5’s most successful drama series.
All six previous seasons are available to stream on Channel 5’s platform. The Season 7 Christmas Special will be written by Andy Hay and produced by Yvonne Francas, known for Scott & Bailey, The Syndicate, and Our Girl.
The New Rival Vet Arrives in Darrowby
The biggest news surrounding Season 7 is the arrival of a new character who will challenge James Herriot and the Skeldale House practice. Granville Bennett, a rival veterinarian, comes to Darrowby and threatens the established order.
This character will be played by Caolan McCarthy, an Irish actor from Tyrone. McCarthy is known for his role in the 2021 film Belfast and has also performed with the Royal Shakespeare Company in Cyrano de Bergerac. He is also a Grammy-nominated musician and graduated from RADA in 2015.
Fans of James Herriot’s original books have long wanted to see Granville Bennett appear in the adaptation. Rumors began spreading on social media when a red vintage sports car was spotted during filming in Grassington, which serves as the show’s Darrowby.
Season 7 Plot and Storylines
Season 7 takes viewers back to the Yorkshire Dales in 1946, with World War II finally over. Skeldale House is full again and livelier than ever as the characters reunite and look forward to a hopeful new chapter.
According to the official series description released by PBS and Channel 5:
“James is excited about new developments in veterinary medicine, but a new vet in the area threatens the status quo. The world at large may be changing, but inside this slice of Yorkshire, the Dales will always offer the same perfect escapism.”
The season will explore James Herriot’s work as a veterinarian while dealing with competition from Granville Bennett. The first-look images show the family enjoying their time together in the Yorkshire Dales.
Returning Cast and New Characters
The main cast returns for Season 7, including:
- Nicholas Ralph as James Herriot
- Samuel West as Siegfried Farnon
- Anna Madeley as Mrs Hall
- Rachel Shenton as Helen Herriot
- Callum Woodhouse as Tristan Farnon
Also reprising their roles are Patricia Hodge as Mrs Pumphrey (alongside her Pekingese Tricki), Tony Pitts as Helen’s father Richard, and Imogen Clawson as Helen’s sister Jenny.
Maimie McCoy returns as Dorothy, Siegfried’s romantic interest. The two shared a kiss in the 2025 Christmas special, and their relationship continues to develop in Season 7. Gaia Wise returns as Charlotte, Tristan’s girlfriend, and Mollie Winnard returns as Maggie.
Callum Woodhouse teased that things might change for his character Tristan in the new season. He mentioned that while Charlotte is good for Tristan and helps with his mental health, “there’s only so long that that can last”.
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First-Look Images and Fan Excitement
Channel 5 and PBS have released first-look images from Season 7, showing the cast back in the Yorkshire Dales. The photos were taken during filming in the Yorkshire Dales this spring and early summer.
Fans from around the world traveled to the Dales to watch filming, with large crowds gathering in Grassington. Other filming locations included Kettlewell, Arncliffe, Ripon, Yockenthwaite, and Bradford.
The series remains a top performer on Channel 5 year after year. Greg Barnett, commissioning editor for 5, called the show “a jewel in 5’s drama crown”.
The Legacy of James Herriot
The series is inspired by James Herriot’s books, which have sold over 60 million copies globally. The stories are based on the real-life experiences of Alf Wight, a vet who worked in Thirsk, Yorkshire.
Melissa Gallant and Sharon Moran, joint executive producers for Playground Productions, said they frequently receive letters from viewers about how the show has brought joy and comfort.
The show is produced by Playground Productions and MASTERPIECE on PBS.
Also Read: Samuel West Spills Fun Secrets from All Creatures Great and Small Season 6
Stay tuned for more updates on All Creatures Great and Small Season 7 as the UK premiere date approaches. For the latest entertainment news and exclusive coverage, keep visiting VvipTimes.
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