Call The Midwife

Call The Midwife is an award-winning BBC period drama about a group of midwives working in Poplar in the East End of London in the 1950s and 1960s.

It was first broadcast in January 2012 and 60 episodes have been made across seven series.

The first four episodes all pulled in audiences of over 10 million, overtaking Downton Abbey to become the original drama with the largest first series audience on British TV in recent years.

And the final episode of the first series – set in 1957 – attracted 9.2million viewers. This made Call The Midwife the most successful new drama series on BBC One since 2001, when that ratings system began.

Call The Midwife currently stars Helen George, Linda Bassett, Stephen McGann, Laura Main, Judy Parfitt, Leonie Elliott, Cliff Parisi and Jenny Agutter.

Jessica Raine, Miranda Hart, Pam Ferris and Charlotte Ritchie have all previously appeared in lead roles.

Despite being seen as gentle Sunday night viewing, Call The Midwife has not shied away from addressing emotive events, topics and subjects.

Contemporary social and cultural issues that have been brought into storylines include miscarriages, stillbirths, abortion, birth defects, poverty, prostitution, incest, religion, racism, alcoholism and same sex relationships.

Due to when Call The Midwife is set, historical events such as the post-World War Two baby boom, immigration, the expansion of the NHS, the threat of nuclear war and the introduction of the contraceptive pill have also all been represented.

Call The Midwife will stay on air until 2020 at least. In November 2016, the Beeb announced series seven (which aired in 2018), eight and nine – all with Christmas specials – had been commissioned.

Call The Midwife has won two National Television Awards, two BAFTAs for director Philippa Lowthorpe as well as make up and hair design, and five TV Choice Awards.

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