Series synopsis
Call the Midwife is a British drama television series that premiered on BBC One on January 15, 2012. It was created by Heidi Thomas. It stars Vanessa Redgrave, Helen George, Jessica Raine and Jenny Agutter.
Drama following the lives of a group of midwives working in the poverty-stricken East End of London during the 1950s, based on the best-selling memoirs of Jennifer Worth.
Premise
Drama following the lives of a group of midwives working in the poverty-stricken East End of London during the 1950s, based on the best-selling memoirs of Jennifer Worth.
Premise: In 1950's London, they delivered hope for all.
Cast and characters
Leading cast
- Vanessa Redgrave as Jennifer Worth (voice)
- Helen George as Trixie Franklin
- Jessica Raine as Jenny Lee
- Jenny Agutter as Sister Julienne
- Judy Parfitt as Sister Monica Joan
- Jennifer Kirby as Nurse Valerie Dyer
- Linda Bassett as Phyllis Crane
- Leonie Elliott as Nurse Lucille Anderson
Supporting cast
- Pam Ferris as Sister Evangelina
- Alice Brown as Angela Turner
- April Rae Hoang as May Tang
- Laura Main as Shelagh 'Sister Bernadette' Turner
- Ella Bruccoleri as Sister Frances
- Cliff Parisi as Fred Burkle
- Bryony Hannah as Cynthia Miller
- Fenella Woolgar as Sister Hilda
- Oliver Rix as Matthew Aylward
- Georgie Glen as Millicent Higgins
- Miranda Hart as Chummy Noakes
- Victoria Yeates as Sister Winifred
Guest cast
- Annabelle Apsion as Violet Buckle
- Emerald Fennell as Patsy Mount
- Zephryn Taitte as Cyril Robinson
- Megan Cusack as Nurse Nancy Corrigan
- Ben Caplan as PC Peter Noakes
- Trevor Cooper as Sergeant Woolf
- Sophie Rundle as Pamela Saint
- Michael Vardian as Nordic Sailor
- Peter Svatik as Nordic Sailor #2
- JJ Rousku as Nordic Sailor #3
- Dinita Gohil as Jamila Shahjee
- Danny Walters as Leslie Matlin
Episodes
This series spans 16 seasons with 135 episodes.
| Season | Episodes | First aired | Last aired |
|---|---|---|---|
| Season 0 | 18 | December 25, 2012 | December 26, 2025 |
| Season 1 | 6 | January 15, 2012 | February 19, 2012 |
| Season 2 | 8 | January 20, 2013 | March 10, 2013 |
| Season 3 | 8 | January 19, 2014 | March 9, 2014 |
| Season 4 | 8 | January 18, 2015 | March 8, 2015 |
| Season 5 | 8 | January 17, 2016 | March 6, 2016 |
| Season 6 | 8 | January 22, 2017 | March 12, 2017 |
| Season 7 | 8 | January 21, 2018 | March 11, 2018 |
| Season 8 | 8 | January 13, 2019 | March 3, 2019 |
| Season 9 | 8 | January 5, 2020 | February 23, 2020 |
| Season 10 | 7 | April 18, 2021 | May 30, 2021 |
| Season 11 | 8 | January 2, 2022 | February 20, 2022 |
| Season 12 | 8 | January 1, 2023 | February 26, 2023 |
| Season 13 | 8 | January 7, 2024 | March 3, 2024 |
| Season 14 | 8 | January 5, 2025 | March 2, 2025 |
| Season 15 | 8 | January 11, 2026 | March 8, 2026 |
| Episode | Title | Air date |
|---|---|---|
| 1 |
Christmas Special 2012 Christmas is coming, and in Poplar the midwives of Nonnatus House are busier than ever. When an abandoned baby is discovered on the steps of the convent, the whole community rallies round to provide food and clothing, and to try and trace his mother. Meanwhile, Jenny Lee finds herself drawn into the mystery surrounding elderly local woman Mrs. Jenkins, while Chummy is determined to stage an unforgettable nativity play. |
December 25, 2012 |
| 2 |
Christmas Special 2013 An unexploded bomb is discovered in Poplar, throwing festivities into chaos. |
December 25, 2013 |
| 3 |
Christmas Special 2014 When harsh conditions at a home for unmarried expectant mothers are exposed, Chummy and Patsy are required to take over the running of the home, and later help a young mother decide that she is not as set on giving her baby up for adoption as she had thought. Cynthia wrestles with a calling to become a nun, but an encounter with a former mental hospital inmate helps her to make up her mind and she leaves midwifery behind to become a postulant. |
December 25, 2014 |
| Episode | Title | Air date |
|---|---|---|
| 1 |
Episode 1 Jenny Lee start her midwife career at Nonnatus House in London. She is surprised to find that it is a nursing convent and not a hospital. Her first case is a woman pregnant for the 25th time! |
January 15, 2012 |
| 2 |
Episode 2 A new girl arrives Nonnatus House and finds it hard to earn the respect of Sister Evangelina. Jenny sees an unfamiliar darker side of life following an encounter with a runaway. |
January 22, 2012 |
| 3 |
Episode 3 Jenny does some district nursing to extend her community practice experience and befriends an old soldier with awful leg ulcers. Trixie and Cynthia enrol Winnie Lawson as a new patient. |
January 29, 2012 |
| Episode | Title | Air date |
|---|---|---|
| 1 |
Episode 1 Jenny celebrates her birthday with Chummy and the girls, but soon after finds herself taking care of a patient in an abusive marriage. |
January 20, 2013 |
| 2 |
Episode 2 Chummy makes an important decision, Jenny reconnects with Jimmy, and Cynthia's conduct is called into question after the death of a baby she delivered. |
January 27, 2013 |
| 3 |
Episode 3 Jenny is seconded to a short-staffed hospital in London, but grows increasingly reluctant to carry out her duties when she finds out she is working under intimidating surgeon Mr Tracey. Back in Poplar, the midwives are introduced to newcomer Jane and outspoken twins Meg and Mave Carter. The sisters are identical in every way, except one of them is now pregnant - forcing them to come to terms with the impact a baby will have on them. |
February 3, 2013 |
| Episode | Title | Air date |
|---|---|---|
| 1 |
Episode 1 After the closure of Nonnatus House, the nuns and midwives finally move into their new premises. Sister Winifred arrives from the Mother House. Jenny is worried about new mother Merle’s mental state and the welfare of her baby who isn't feeding properly. Dr Turner is worried that it could be something more serious. |
January 19, 2014 |
| 2 |
Episode 2 Trixie's feathers are ruffled when Jenny is promoted, but the new Acting Sister has more to worry about after a mother-to-be reveals the baby she is carrying doesn't belong to her husband - and to complicate matters, the real father is black. Cynthia is inspired by a lecture on natural childbirth, convinced it will help an overly anxious patient, while Alec and his friends try to persuade Jenny to join them on a CND march. |
January 26, 2014 |
| 3 |
Episode 3 Sister Julienne receives an SOS from Holloway Prison, whose usual maternity workers have been struck down by illness, and when she and Trixie step in to help, the nun puts her reputation on the line to prevent a heavily pregnant convict having her unborn baby taken away by social services. Shelagh faces heartache when a routine pregnancy check reveals something far more serious, Alec has a confession for Jenny and Fred takes the gang to the theatre to celebrate Chummy's birthday - only for the trip to end in disaster. |
February 2, 2014 |
| Episode | Title | Air date |
|---|---|---|
| 1 |
Episode 1 A chance encounter with an impoverished child forces Trixie to see an unfamiliar darker side of life. As Nonnatus House welcomes a new resident, Nurse Barbara Gilbert, Tom Hereward has a surprise romantic gesture in store for Trixie. |
January 18, 2015 |
| 2 |
Episode 2 Barbara faces her most challenging case to date when she treats first-time mother Abigail Bissette and the birth does not go according to plan. As Sister Julienne struggles with the increasing financial pressure on Nonnatus House, a mystery benefactor comes to the rescue. Elsewhere Sister Evangelina is unimpressed by newly arrived nurse Phyllis Crane. |
January 25, 2015 |
| 3 |
Episode 3 The Nonnatus team rallies to support first-time parents Marie and Tony Amos when Tony is arrested for gross indecency with another male. Elsewhere, as Poplar is gripped by an outbreak of dysentery, Trixie undertakes her first official church duty since her engagement to Tom. |
February 1, 2015 |
| Episode | Title | Air date |
|---|---|---|
| 1 |
Episode 1 When a baby is born with severe deformities of the kind later identified as caused by the drug thalidomide, the midwives find it difficult to handle the situation, and the baby's father rejects her completely, to his wife's dismay. Trixie's new sideline as a keep fit instructor brings her into conflict with Sister Julienne, and she also becomes suspicious of the relationship between Barbara and Tom. Rather than return to Wales as her mother wishes, Delia moves into Nonnatus House. |
January 17, 2016 |
| 2 |
Episode 2 Barbara treats a pregnant woman whose dockworker husband is struggling to support her as opportunities for work dry up. She is forced into a difficult decision that leaves Barbara facing the biggest test of her career. Nurse Crane meets a kindred spirit when she learns to speak Spanish, and Sister Evangelina helps a woman with breastfeeding, leading to unforeseen consequences. |
January 24, 2016 |
| 3 |
Episode 3 A outbreak of typhoid erupts, and suspicion over who the carrier could be threatens to break apart a closely knit family. Sister Winfred faces a personal dilemma when a local teacher is revealed to be pregnant by a married man. When the woman takes matters into her own hands, Sister Winifred is forced to consider the role her own prejudices may have played. Meanwhile, Barbara inadvertently agrees to go to dinner with Tom, but is wracked with worry about how Trixie will react. |
January 31, 2016 |
| Episode | Title | Air date |
|---|---|---|
| 1 |
Episode 1 The team reunite but all is not well when a change of management shakes up Nonnatus House. |
January 22, 2017 |
| 2 |
Episode 2 An explosion at the docks brings heartache to the people of Poplar, whilst Sister Ursula continues to ruffle feathers with her unpopular decisions. |
January 29, 2017 |
| 3 |
Episode 3 The winds of change are blowing through Poplar, as a new government paper calls for the eradication of small hospitals in favour of large general hospitals. Dr Turner and Shelagh are informed that an inspection of the maternity home will decide its fate. |
February 5, 2017 |
| Episode | Title | Air date |
|---|---|---|
| 1 |
Episode 1 The winter continues, and the team at Nonnatus House welcome their newest midwife, Lucille Anderson. Nurse Crane and Dr Turner care for an elderly cancer patient facing eviction. |
January 21, 2018 |
| 2 |
Episode 2 Lucille faces racism and prejudice when a new mother falls ill. Sister Winifred is keen to have fathers be more involved in the care of their babies. |
January 28, 2018 |
| 3 |
Episode 3 A pregnant mother hears a devastating diagnosis. Fred and Violet organise a beauty contest. Trixie and Christopher's relationship feels the strain. |
February 4, 2018 |
| Episode | Title | Air date |
|---|---|---|
| 1 |
Episode 1 Nonnatus House welcomes two new nuns. Valerie deals with a shocking case that arrives unexpectedly, and the other midwives must handle a complicated multiple birth. |
January 13, 2019 |
| 2 |
Episode 2 Lucille helps elderly hoarder Clarice Millgrove who is struggling to keep her independence; Sister Hilda and the team work hard to help a Ghanaian family with an undiagnosed illness; Violet puts herself forward in the upcoming elections. |
January 20, 2019 |
| 3 |
Episode 3 Valerie helps a struggling mother accept her son's birth defect. The Turners oversee a measles vaccination trial at the clinic as the team prepare for the Whitsun bank holiday. |
January 27, 2019 |
| Episode | Title | Air date |
|---|---|---|
| 1 |
Episode 1 Dr Turner and Nurse Crane must deal with an alarming outbreak of diphtheria. Fred finds an abandoned baby in a dustbin, and the team must help locate its mother. |
January 5, 2020 |
| 2 |
Episode 2 Sister Julienne cares for a pregnant prostitute, while Dr Turner puzzles over a mysterious string of symptoms. |
January 12, 2020 |
| 3 |
Episode 3 Lucille is seconded to St Cuthbert's when a ward sister is off sick, but a lift malfunction sees her spend the evening with mother-to- be Connie instead of her planned rendezvous with Cyril. |
January 19, 2020 |
| Episode | Title | Air date |
|---|---|---|
| 1 |
Episode 1 Sister Julienne and Dr Turner clash over whether to provide a private care service, and a distressing birth raises fears of another Thalidomide case. |
April 18, 2021 |
| 2 |
Episode 2 Sister Frances finds herself in a tricky situation when a pregnant woman confides in her. Sister Julienne’s new venture hits a stumbling block. |
April 25, 2021 |
| 3 |
Episode 3 Sister Hilda and Dr Turner are involved with a young woman whose health presents a series of challenges. A complicated pregnancy leads the Nonnatus team on a path of discovery. |
May 2, 2021 |
| Episode | Title | Air date |
|---|---|---|
| 1 |
Episode 1 Demolition work in Poplar uncovers a long-buried secret that leads to a testing and emotional case for the team. Sister Julienne takes on a sensitive delivery. |
January 2, 2022 |
| 2 |
Episode 2 At the monthly cytology clinic, Sister Frances comforts a young woman who is struggling with a life-changing diagnosis. Lucille supports a difficult mother. |
January 9, 2022 |
| 3 |
Episode 3 Shelagh organises a special celebration to mark 100 years since the Order first arrived in Poplar - although Sister Hilda feels that she should have been in charge of the festivities. Nancy tackles the plight of meths drinkers living rough in Poplar, and Nurse Crane treats a young singer who is torn between two very different futures. |
January 16, 2022 |
| Episode | Title | Air date |
|---|---|---|
| 1 |
Episode 1 April 1968. Racial tensions cast a shadow over Poplar, Nancy’s eyes are opened when she supports a dying woman, and Nonnatus House welcomes a new sister. |
January 1, 2023 |
| 2 |
Episode 2 Sister Julienne helps care for a first-time mother who is going through a challenging diagnosis. Lucille struggles with her own health, and Poplar celebrates the Whitsun Maypole. |
January 8, 2023 |
| 3 |
Episode 3 Sister Veronica is shaken when a mother reveals a terrible truth about her marriage, whilst Shelagh cares for a baby with a life-threatening condition and Nancy harbours a secret. |
January 15, 2023 |
| Episode | Title | Air date |
|---|---|---|
| 1 |
Episode 1 Sister Julienne cares for an expectant mother who has cerebral palsy. Nonnatus House kicks off its new midwifery training scheme with the arrival of four new pupil midwives. |
January 7, 2024 |
| 2 |
Episode 2 The team help a single mother whose flat is riddled with damp whilst Nancy and Dr Turner care for a Sylheti woman with an undiagnosed illness, and Matthew teaches Trixie how to drive. |
January 14, 2024 |
| 3 |
Episode 3 Nurse Crane helps a struggling first-time mother accept her baby’s birth defect, and Violet’s bid to be mayor is thrown into turmoil by unforeseen circumstances. |
January 21, 2024 |
| Episode | Title | Air date |
|---|---|---|
| 1 |
Episode 1 It's March 1970. The team support a pregnant teenage girl whose parents believe in an immaculate conception. Demonstrations cause havoc for the Nonnatus team, whilst Nancy’s relationship blossoms. |
January 5, 2025 |
| 2 |
Episode 2 It’s April 1970. Rising rates of gonorrhoea in the district cause alarm, and Trixie cares for an unmarried first-time mother recently diagnosed with a mental health condition. |
January 12, 2025 |
| 3 |
Episode 3 Rosalind requires all her skills as a midwife when a disabled baby is delivered at the maternity home, whilst a gas explosion in an old tenement building shocks the community. |
January 19, 2025 |
| Episode | Title | Air date |
|---|---|---|
| 1 |
Episode 1 The Nonnatus team grow increasingly concerned for the welfare of four young children. Sister Catherine faces her first solo delivery, and the midwives attend a women’s lib meeting. |
January 11, 2026 |
| 2 |
Episode 2 A new medical technique threatens to change the face of obstetrics forever, whilst a potential rabies outbreak has Poplar in a state of fear. Cyril meets Rosalind’s parents. |
January 18, 2026 |
| 3 |
Episode 3 Rosalind’s skills are tested when she is drawn into an unusual domestic case. Joyce is seconded to the hospital and befriends a single mother with a rare blood group. |
January 25, 2026 |
Production
Release
| Original network/platform | BBC One |
|---|---|
| First aired | January 15, 2012 |
| Last aired | March 8, 2026 |
| Runtime | 52 minutes |
| Status | Returning Series |
| Schedule | Sunday at 20:00:00 |