All Creatures Great and Small season 6 returns with shocking new character, what happens to Siegfried will break your heart

All Creatures Great and Small returns this week with season 6 premiering on January 11, 2026 at 9 p.m. on PBS MASTERPIECE. The beloved drama introducing fan-favorite new characters and emotional storylines for its six-part season. Get ready for a journey back to the Yorkshire Dales.

Season 6 Premiere Date and Broadcasting Schedule

All Creatures Great and Small season 6 launches this Sunday, January 11, 2026, exclusively on PBS MASTERPIECE at 9 p.m. ET/8 p.m. PT. The six-episode season will continue airing weekly through February 22, 2026. A special Christmas special will follow later in the year. Fans can also stream episodes through PBS Passport and various digital platforms including Amazon Prime and Apple TV.

The return comes after a three-year gap in the story timeline, setting the action in May 1945 as Europe celebrates the end of the war. The production team, including writer Ben Vanstone and director Brian Percival, brings fresh energy to the beloved series. Season 7 has already been greenlit, ensuring the show continues beyond this season.

New Characters Arriving in the Yorkshire Dales

Season 6 introduces several compelling new faces to Darrowby alongside beloved returning cast members. Gaia Wise, known for The Dead of Winter, joins as Charlotte Beauvoir, a new character bringing intrigue to the tight-knit community. Lucy-Jo Hudson, celebrated for Hollyoaks, also arrives in a significant role.

Additional talent includes Jonathan Hyde from The Brutalist, Philip Martin Brown from Waterloo Road, and Chris Gascoyne from Patience. These fresh additions complement returning guest favorites Mollie Winnard, Conor Deane, Cat Simmons, and Lamin Touray. The ensemble approach strengthens character depth and community storytelling as the show explores post-war life in the Dales.

Main Character	Actor
James Herriot	Nicholas Ralph
Siegfried Farnon	Samuel West
Helen Herriot	Rachel Shenton
Tristan Farnon	Callum Woodhouse
Mrs. Hall	Anna Madeley

What Happened in Season 5 and Why It Matters

All Creatures Great and Small season 5 ended with devastating family news. Mrs. Hall‘s son, Edward, was believed lost at sea during World War II. However, a Christmas miracle brought relief when Edward was confirmed alive but injured. Meanwhile, James Herriot was medically discharged from the military after his brucellosis flared up, forcing him to return home to his wife Helen.

James’s homecoming stirred unresolved trauma from his past, which he must now confront with Helen’s support. The emotional weight of the war, combined with family separations and health crises, sets the stage for season 6’s exploration of post-war adjustment and healing. The show moves beyond wartime survival into personal recovery and community rebuilding.

The Herriot Family and Darrowby Community in 1945

James and Helen Herriot have grown their family considerably. Son Jimmy is now four and a half years old, and baby Rosie has arrived, making the household wonderfully chaotic. James is now a partner in the veterinary practice, bringing professional advancement and financial stability. Interestingly, young Jimmy is already helping his father with his veterinary rounds.

The community of Darrowby is eager to put the war behind them and rebuild their lives as peace finally approaches. However, the emotional and personal toll of the war lingers deeply. Mrs. Hall requests leave for a birthday visit to Sunderland, signaling her own need for personal reflection. The season focuses on how individuals navigate the opportunities of a new, peaceful world while carrying the scars of conflict.

Why Siegfried’s Struggle Creates Season 6 Tension?

A major storyline involves Dr. Siegfried Farnon facing significant emotional difficulties. According to early reports, Siegfried has lost his grip on the veterinary practice, allowing it to fall into disarray. He occasionally forgets to charge clients, suggesting deeper mental or emotional turmoil beneath the surface. Siegfried is “not in a good place” at the beginning of the season, marking a dramatic character shift for the typically brilliant yet unpredictable vet.

“Siegfried has become a much more trying, challenging character than he has ever been before.”

— Nicholas Ralph, Actor Playing James Herriot

Sources

• PBS MASTERPIECE – Official network premiere and cast announcements
• TV Insider – Season 6 preparatory coverage and character updates
• IMDb – Episode listings and production credits