Call the Midwife

Call the Midwife (2012–): A Heartfelt Portrait of Compassion and Change

Call the Midwife is a British period drama television series that first aired in 2012 on BBC One. Created by Heidi Thomas and based on the memoirs of Jennifer Worth, the show has become one of the most beloved and enduring dramas in the UK. Set primarily in the East End of London during the late 1950s and 1960s, Call the Midwife follows the lives of a group of nurse-midwives and Anglican nuns working at Nonnatus House, a convent and community healthcare center. The series blends heartfelt storytelling, historical realism, and social commentary in a way that continues to captivate audiences more than a decade after its debut.

The show begins with young Jenny Lee (played by Jessica Raine), a newly qualified midwife, arriving at Nonnatus House, expecting a high-end private nursing job but instead finding herself immersed in the poverty-stricken neighborhoods of Poplar. From there, the series expands to follow the diverse and evolving team of midwives and nuns, including Sister Julienne, Sister Monica Joan, Trixie Franklin, Cynthia Miller, Chummy Noakes, and later, Lucille Anderson, among others. As characters come and go, the spirit of community, service, and resilience remains at the core of the show.

One of the show’s greatest strengths lies in its portrayal of real-life social issues. Each episode focuses on different medical, emotional, and societal challenges faced by women and families during the era, including unplanned pregnancies, domestic abuse, poverty, racism, postnatal depression, thalidomide, abortion, and the early days of the NHS. Through its compassionate lens, Call the Midwife has consistently highlighted how broader historical changes—such as the legalization of the contraceptive pill or immigration reform—impacted individuals on a deeply personal level.

The performances throughout the series have been widely praised. Jenny Agutter (Sister Julienne), Judy Parfitt (Sister Monica Joan), Helen George (Trixie), and Laura Main (Shelagh Turner) have all delivered nuanced, emotional portrayals that resonate with viewers. The show's ensemble cast creates a vivid, empathetic tapestry of characters who feel both timeless and authentic. Vanessa Redgrave lends her voice as the narrator, an older Jenny looking back on her life, adding a reflective and poetic tone to the storytelling.

Visually, Call the Midwife is rich in period detail. The costumes, sets, and props authentically recreate the atmosphere of post-war Britain. Combined with thoughtful direction and a gentle yet poignant musical score, the series manages to evoke nostalgia while also encouraging modern reflection.

Over the years, Call the Midwife has garnered critical acclaim and strong viewership, becoming a Sunday evening staple in British households. It is celebrated not only for its emotional depth and storytelling, but also for its commitment to representing the lives of women and working-class families with dignity and complexity.

In sum, Call the Midwife is far more than a medical drama. It is a tender, powerful tribute to midwives, nurses, mothers, and communities navigating change. It reminds us that compassion, courage, and care are timeless virtues—relevant in any era.