All Creatures Great & Small viewers adore the Channel 5 reboot – but there are gripes

Viewers of the new adaptation of All Creatures Great & Small have applauded the Channel 5 series with renewed vigour after the second episode, but there have been mutterings of discontent from some corners.

Where did the original theme tune go? And why (oh why) isn’t it broadcast on Sunday nights?

The premiere introduced Siegfried Farnon (Samuel West), James Herriot (Nicholas Ralph) and the beautiful Yorkshire Dales last Tuesday and viewers of a certain age were treated to the wonderfully reminiscent theme tune from the BBC series, one of the all-time classic TV theme tunes.

But this week it had disappeared, to be replaced by a completely new melody, much to the disgruntlement of many, who took to social media to register their disapproval.

What happened to the original theme on the closing credits tonight? #AllCreaturesGreatandSmall

— Annie (@toady) September 8, 2020

It was very polite disapproval, of course.

Missed the original theme music tonight #AllCreaturesGreatAndSmall

— Alison Lee (@alisonflea) September 8, 2020

A fan summed up the sentiments of many on Twitter: “#AllCreaturesGreatAndSmall loving the new series. But last week we had the original theme tune. What happened this week??? Please bring it back!!” 

#AllCreaturesGreatAndSmall loving the new series. But last week we had the original theme tune. What happened this week??? Please bring it back!!

— Dean De La Mare (@DeanoGsy) September 8, 2020

Meanwhile, some thought All Creatures Great & Small belonged in a Sunday night slot.

Brilliant programme – need to be prime time Sunday evening viewing #allcreaturesgreatandsmall

— Sonia Smith (@SoniaMariaZ) September 8, 2020

Another Tweeted: “It really needs to be moved to a Sunday evening though. Its all a bit weird watching it on a Tuesday.”

#AllCreaturesGreatAndSmall it really does need to be moved to Sunday evening though. Its all a bit weird watching it on a Tuesday.

— OhBondageUpYours ???? (@JaneQuaife) September 8, 2020

A feeling that quickly became a theme with fans on social media.

Really enjoying this at this moment, but it’s deffo the type of drama that should be on a Sunday evening! #AllCreaturesGreatAndSmall

— Cara (@caraaaa95) September 8, 2020

These minor criticisms were completely outweighed by the love shown the new version of the James Herriot novels, which were first adapted in 1978 and ran for a remarkable 90 episodes, finishing in 1990.

“So great to see a much loved story treated with respect and care,” posted one viewer.

@exitthelemming Absolutely love #AllCreaturesGreatAndSmall Fantastic cast, great production and directing. So great to see a much loved story treated with respect and care. Brilliant ????????????????????

— Lesley Wilkinson (@janelesley) September 8, 2020

Celebrity fans, in the form of ITN newsreader Alastair Stewart, were also lavishing the praise.

#AllCreaturesGreatAndSmall goes from strength to strength. if you missed it, seek it out on @channel5_tv catch-up.
From furious fraternal strife, brilliantly acted, to a sheep skin 'cure' for a displaced pelvis – we were gripped by every word & frame.

— Alastair Stewart (@AlStewartOBE) September 8, 2020

*The following contains spoilers for episode two*

Episode two of All Creatures Great & Small featured Tristan’s revelation that he didn’t pass his course and Edinburgh vet school: in fact, he didn’t even finish the course. Older brother Siegfried exploded, of course.

Viewers were also introduced to Diana Riggs’ Mrs Pumphrey and pekinese, Tricki-Woo, while James found himself bewitched by Helen (Rachel Shenton). He will have some competition in upcoming episodes, however.

All Creatures Great & Small screens next Tuesday, but there is a repeat of each episode early evening on Sundays.

If you’re looking for more to watch, check out our TV guide.