Warning: This episode contains spoilers for Episode One of the second season of All Creatures Great and Small.

The soothing, gentle nature of All Creatures Great and Small renders the pain and struggles of ordinary life in warm, calming tones. Much of that comes from the series' original author, Alf Wight, but it also comes from executive producer and head writer Ben Vanstone. He explains how he plans each cycle of the show — and his genuine, real life love of animals.

Don't Worry — Ben Vanstone Really Does Love Animals

MASTERPIECE Studio is your backstage pass to the PBS series—from Sherlock to Poldark. After the show, turn off the TV and tune in to MASTERPIECE Studio for the scoop with host Jace Lacob. Listen for exclusive interviews with the cast and crew of your favorite shows. Get the history lowdown behind the people and places you see on screen, and hear revealing stories from the set. MASTERPIECE Studio is made possible by Viking Cruises and Raymond James. Sponsors for MASTERPIECE on PBS are Viking Cruises, Raymond James, and The MASTERPIECE Trust.

TV & Film

After Shows

Mr Bates vs The Post Office writer Gwyneth Hughes joins the podcast again to continue our conversation about this real-life scandal, and what lessons we can take away from one of the greatest miscarriages of justice in British history.

Gwyneth Hughes, Episode 4, Mr Bates vs The Post Office | MASTERPIECE Studio

WARNING: This episode contains spoilers for Alice & Jack.For lead actor and executive producer Andrea Riseborough, love can look like many things. From confusion and estrangement to laughter and awkwardness, love is always beyond our control. This week, Andrea brings us inside the mind of her character Alice, and to the heart of her tragic relationship with Jack, as this beautifully complex love story comes to a close.

Andrea Riseborough, Alice & Jack | MASTERPIECE Studio

WARNING: This episode contains spoilers for episode 5 of Alice & JackActor Aisling Bea delights in bringing nuance to her characters and finding the humor in dramatic roles. This week, Aisling joins us to discuss playing Jack’s dynamic and resilient ex-wife Lynn in Alice & Jack, and how her character maintains her poise and dignity despite the chaos of Alice and Jack’s relationship.

Aisling Bea, Alice & Jack | MASTERPIECE Studio

For writer Gwyneth Hughes, Mr Bates vs The Post Office is the perfect culmination of her years of experience as a journalist, documentarian, and dramatist. This week, Gwyneth joins us to discuss how she adapted this true story for the screen, and the real-life impact of this drama series as the fallout from the scandal continues to echo in Parliament, the courts, and the halls of power in Britain.

Gwyneth Hughes, Mr Bates vs The Post Office | MASTERPIECE Studio

WARNING: This episode contains spoilers for Nolly.

Actor Helena Bonham Carter enjoys playing complex, dynamic roles. From Princess Margaret to Bellatrix Lestrange, she never shies away from complicated characters. This week, we talked with Helena about playing the trailblazing Noele Gordon in Russell T Davies’ Nolly, a role for which she earned a BAFTA Television award nomination for Leading Actress.

Don't Worry — Ben Vanstone Really Does Love Animals

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