Should Call the Midwife End Before It Loses Its Charm?

by

Towards the close of the previous month, fans of Call the Midwife received disheartening news: The potential 15th season, slated for early 2026, might mark the end of the complete run for this cherished period drama that has held a prominent place in BBC’s programming since 2012.

The broadcaster swiftly debunked the rumors, assuring fans that they have much to anticipate, including “two Christmas specials, a new series, a movie, and a prequel series, followed by a 16th series in the future.” So, rest assured, Call the Midwife is here to stay.

It’s certainly good news, but with the 15th installment taking place in 1971 and the spin-off movie focusing on some characters going abroad during their break from Poplar in 1972, it’s clear that the nostalgic nursing drama has already moved quite a distance from its roots set in the late 1950s.

Over the course of its successful 13-year span, the series has needed to adjust to cover evolutions in healthcare within the NHS, shifting perspectives towards parenthood, relationships, and the roles of nuns and midwives throughout different time periods. Should the show delve deeper into the 1970s, significant changes may emerge that could reshape the series’ overall mood, potentially transforming it into an entirely new entity.

As a devoted fan of “Call the Midwife,” I’ve been pondering this question: Should the original series conclude its run earlier, perhaps while it’s still at the peak of its charm and authenticity, before it starts to feel too contemporary?

Could it be that the upcoming 16th season, likely taking place in either 1972 or 1973, serves as a farewell for the midwives residing at Nonnatus House?

For fans who appreciate the historical allure of earlier episodes, the answer is affirmative. Should the series continue, potential plotlines might delve into advancements in maternal health, such as the first IVF (conceived through a test tube in 1978), the growing role of doulas, and the widespread adoption of ultrasound tests during pregnancies.

As time passes into later decades, with more viewers potentially still living, it might seem less like a cozy period drama and more akin to an emergency medical series such as Casualty. Interestingly, this show now includes former Call the Midwife actor, Olly Rix, in its cast.

Advancing through the 1970s and 1980s might potentially result in the core of our series – the midwives and nuns at Nonnatus House – disappearing, mirroring historical changes during that era.

Instead, an increasing number of births took place in hospitals, with midwives from large institutions overseeing traditional home births and innovative methods like water births. These midwives were less likely to come from small, community-based practices.

Additionally, the cast is another factor to take into account. Throughout the years, midwives have come and gone, including popular characters like Jenny Lee (Jessica Raine), Chummy played by Miranda Hart, and Patsy Mount (Emerald Fennell). Despite their departures, the show has managed to continue, introducing fresh and captivating replacements – although one of those, Nancy portrayed by Megan Cusack, has also recently left.

However, there are key characters such as Jenny Agutter’s beloved Sister Julienne, Stephen McGann’s Patrick Turner, Helen George’s Trixie, and Laura Main’s Shelagh, who are just as integral to the Poplar setting as Fred and Violet’s shop. Yet, it would be unrealistic to expect them to continue in their medical roles indefinitely.

It seems likely that Dr. Patrick Turner will retire soon, but perhaps his son Tim might take over as Dr. Turner in the coming years. In this scenario, Dr. Turner could offer wise counsel and share tales of past battles from a comfortable chair.

Instead of being a nun for the rest of her life, it’s likely that Sister Julienne would welcome the opportunity to retire from her duties as a midwife and head sister at Nonnatus House, setting aside her medical tools and financial records.

In a more emotional vein, one could say: We might be seen as romantic, but the show wouldn’t have the same charm without her at the helm, sharing insightful advice over a steaming cup of tea and a delightful slice of cake. It’s challenging to picture ourselves following another character leading the midwives in future episodes.

Ultimately, it’s up to the BBC and show creator Heidi Thomas to decide when to conclude Call the Midwife. She hinted that there may be more to look forward to following the announcement of the spin-off movie and the prequel series set during World War II.

“I have never run out of stories for our midwives, and I never will,” she promised.

As a dedicated fan, I deeply appreciate the series “Call the Midwife,” but I feel compelled to express that both the BBC and Thomas should consider concluding the show at an appropriate time. While there’s undeniably a strong desire from viewers like me for more seasons, it would be in the best interest of the show itself to bring it to a graceful end rather than prolonging it unnecessarily.

Call the Midwife seasons 1-14 are available to stream on BBC iPlayer.

Include ‘Call the Midwife’ in your favorites on the TopMob: Recommended Shows app – download it today for daily suggestions, special features, and much more!

Read More

2025-07-04 16:34