All Creatures Great and Small fans waiting for the seventh series and a Christmas special can stream another comforting period drama for free on ITVX: The Darling Buds of May.
The Channel 5 drama, set in the 1930s and 40s, follows vet James Herriot (Nicholas Ralph) as he starts a new life in the Yorkshire countryside. The latest season follows on from the 2025 festive special, which marked the first peaceful Christmas in Darrowby after World War II.
A 1990s Classic on ITVX
The Darling Buds of May premiered in April 1991 and is based on the H. E. Bates novel of the same name. The series chronicled the Larkin family's experiences in rural Kent throughout the 1950s, featuring a compact ensemble cast including Sir David Jason as Pop Larkin, Pam Ferris as Ma Larkin, Swansea-born Catherine Zeta-Jones as Mariette, and Philip Franks as Cedric.
It swiftly established itself as a heartwarming ratings triumph and remains regarded as a 1990s classic, despite producing just 20 episodes.
Fans Praise the Show
The Darling Buds of May is presently available to stream without charge on ITVX and has been championed as essential viewing by devotees who have treasured the programme for decades. "Loved it.... easy watching....like All Creatures Great and Small", noted one fan on Facebook.
"I absolutely love this programme and always watch when it's on the television no matter how many times I watch", added a second. A third chimed in with "Was absolutely gold", while another stated: "Love it so much..."
"Watched it today, still makes me laugh, an England long gone unfortunately", explained one fan. On IMDb, one viewer described the show as "So endearing", as another confessed: "It doesn't get much better! I purchased the whole series a few years ago and then watched the whole series within a few days."
The Darling Buds of May is available to stream on ITVX.
