A premise of the series is that Shaun the sheep exhibits human intelligence, creativity, and behaviour in a farm setting, which usually provides a situational comedy conflict which Shaun must resolve before the end of each episode. Recurring themes include the characters evading the sheepdog Bitzer (though he is sometimes with the sheep in their escapades) and avoiding discovery by the Farmer. In the first episode, a stray cabbage bouncing into the field provokes an impromptu football game. In the second episode, a freezing cold sheep dip sends Shaun on a commando raid to get hot water from the Farmer’s bathtub.
Everything must go when the farmer sets up a stall by the side of the road and leaves Bitzer in charge. The lazy sheepdog soon tires of his role and gives Shaun the job. He proves to be a much better salesman than Bitzer and the flock are only too happy to get stuck in, selling pretty much all the farmer's worldly possessions.
The Farmer trying to impress his new date by cooking a romantic dinner. Unfortunately, the Farmer can't cook and Bitzer is a useless maitre d'. Can Shaun and the flock save the day when they take over the catering behind the scenes?
The Farmer is terrorised when a cute mouse appears in the farmhouse and Pidsley the cat is ordered to dispose of the rodent. When the mouse takes refuge in Shaun's fleece, the flock persuade him to protect their new friend from the pitiless cat.
The Farmer gives Bitzer a horrible new hat. Bitzer is very upset as he treasured his old hat. The flock rallies round to try to cheer him up with a selection of dashing alternative head gear.
Shaun accidentally breaks the farmer's glasses; he and Bitzer have their work cut out trying to prevent their shortsighted master from having mishaps around the farm.