Genre: Drama / Historical / Medical
Created by: Heidi Thomas
Starring: Jenny Agutter, Judy Parfitt, Helen George, Laura Main, Linda Bassett, and Vanessa Redgrave (narration)
A Tender Tribute to Women, Community, and Resilience
Set in the gritty yet heartfelt streets of post-war East London, Call the Midwife is more than just a period drama—it’s a moving portrait of life, love, and survival. Based on the memoirs of Jennifer Worth, the series follows a group of nurse midwives working alongside the nuns of Nonnatus House in the impoverished Poplar district during the 1950s and ’60s. What begins as a small-scale story about delivering babies quickly grows into something richer and more affecting, tackling everything from poverty and racial tensions to women’s health and societal change.
What truly sets Call the Midwife apart is its unwavering compassion. Each episode delivers a blend of emotional storytelling, historical accuracy, and social commentary that honors the humanity of its characters—whether it’s a frightened teen mother or an aging father watching his world change. The show consistently treats its subject matter with dignity and sensitivity, never shying away from difficult truths, yet always offering hope. The period detail is impeccable, and the writing weaves fact with fiction seamlessly, making the world of Poplar feel deeply lived-in.
The ensemble cast is one of the series’ strongest assets. Helen George’s portrayal of Trixie evolves with grace and strength, while Jenny Agutter’s Sister Julienne provides a steady moral compass. Linda Bassett and Judy Parfitt bring nuance and gentle humor, and the voiceover narration by Vanessa Redgrave adds a layer of nostalgic reflection that deepens the emotional resonance.
Call the Midwife is the kind of show that quietly works its way into your heart. It doesn’t rely on spectacle but instead delivers powerful, grounded stories that resonate across time. With over a decade on air, it has remained consistently strong, and even as characters come and go, its core message endures: kindness, community, and courage are timeless virtues.
Whether you’re drawn in by history, heartfelt drama, or beautifully human storytelling, Call the Midwife offers a viewing experience that’s both gentle and profound. A true gem of British television.
