How Many Series of Call the Midwife Have Been Made?
As of 2024, there have been thirteen series of the immensely popular British period drama Call the Midwife, with at least two more already commissioned.
A Journey Through Nonnatus House: The Enduring Appeal of Call the Midwife
Call the Midwife has captivated audiences worldwide with its heartwarming stories, compelling characters, and poignant portrayal of midwifery and community life in post-war London. Its success is a testament to its superb writing, strong performances, and its ability to tackle challenging social issues with sensitivity and grace. But how has it sustained this success over so many years? Let’s delve into the history and production of this beloved series.
From Memoirs to Television Phenomenon
The series is based on the memoirs of Jennifer Worth, a midwife who worked in the East End of London in the 1950s and 1960s. Her books provided a rich tapestry of experiences, from the joyous miracle of birth to the grim realities of poverty and disease. Heidi Thomas adapted Worth’s memoirs for television, capturing the essence of her writing while also expanding the storylines and developing original characters. The initial adaptation focused heavily on Worth’s own experiences, but later series have broadened their scope to encompass a wider range of social and medical issues relevant to the time.
Behind the Scenes: Production and Longevity
The production of Call the Midwife is a massive undertaking. Each series requires meticulous research to accurately recreate the period setting and medical practices. The costumes, sets, and props are all carefully chosen to transport viewers back to the 1950s and 1960s. The series is filmed in various locations, including a custom-built set that replicates the exterior of Nonnatus House. The producers are committed to historical accuracy, consulting with medical professionals and historians to ensure that the storylines are realistic and informative. This commitment to quality is a key factor in the show’s enduring popularity. The commitment to depicting real medical issues, such as breech births, eclampsia, and the impact of thalidomide, has made it not only engaging but also educational.
Themes of Community and Change
One of the main reasons Call the Midwife continues to resonate with audiences is its focus on community. The nuns and midwives of Nonnatus House work tirelessly to support the women and families of Poplar, forging strong bonds of friendship and solidarity. The series also explores the changing social landscape of post-war Britain, tackling issues such as poverty, inequality, and the changing roles of women. These themes, while rooted in the past, continue to be relevant today. As Call the Midwife progresses, it portrays the advancement of medicine, the introduction of new technologies like the contraceptive pill, and the gradual decline of certain diseases due to improved public health measures.
Looking Ahead: The Future of Call the Midwife
With Call the Midwife already commissioned for several more series, the future looks bright for the beloved drama. The creative team continues to find new and compelling storylines to explore, ensuring that the series remains fresh and engaging. Fans can look forward to more heartwarming moments, poignant reflections, and perhaps a few surprises along the way. Considering how many series of Call the Midwife have been made, its continued renewal speaks volumes about the show’s quality and fan base.
Cast and Characters: The Heart of the Show
The success of Call the Midwife owes a great deal to its ensemble cast. From the seasoned veterans to the fresh-faced newcomers, each actor brings depth and nuance to their portrayal of their character. The series has seen several cast changes over the years, but the core values and spirit of Nonnatus House have remained constant. The performances are consistently praised for their authenticity and emotional resonance. The strong female characters, such as Sister Julienne, Trixie Franklin, and Shelagh Turner, have become role models for viewers of all ages.
- Key Characters: Sister Julienne, Sister Monica Joan, Shelagh Turner, Trixie Franklin, Sister Hilda, Lucille Anderson, Cyril Robinson
The Global Impact of Call the Midwife
The series has achieved phenomenal success not only in the UK but also internationally. It has been broadcast in numerous countries around the world, captivating audiences with its universal themes of love, loss, and community. Call the Midwife‘s popularity has also spawned a range of merchandise, including books, DVDs, and collectibles. The show’s enduring appeal is a testament to its quality and its ability to connect with viewers on a deeply emotional level. Call the Midwife’s global presence helps support the argument for how many series of Call the Midwife have been made, as demand fuels production.
Awards and Recognition
Call the Midwife has received widespread critical acclaim, earning numerous awards and nominations over the years. The series has been recognized for its writing, directing, acting, and production values. The show’s success is a testament to the hard work and dedication of everyone involved in its creation. The awards and recognition serve as further validation of the show’s quality and its enduring appeal.
Here are some awards the show has received:
- National Television Awards (UK)
- TV Choice Awards (UK)
- Various BAFTA nominations
FAQs: Deep Dive into Call the Midwife
What are the historical periods covered in Call the Midwife?
The series primarily covers the late 1950s and 1960s. The first series began in 1957, and each subsequent series typically advances the timeline by approximately one year. Therefore, as of Series 13, the show is now around 1969. This allows viewers to witness the major social and medical changes that occurred during this pivotal era.
Where is Call the Midwife filmed?
While Call the Midwife is set in Poplar, in London’s East End, much of the filming takes place at Longcross Studios in Surrey. A custom-built set was created to replicate the exterior of Nonnatus House and the surrounding streets. Additional locations are used throughout London and the surrounding areas to capture the authentic feel of the period. This ensures the visual consistency and historical accuracy of the series.
How historically accurate is Call the Midwife?
The series strives for historical accuracy, consulting with medical professionals, historians, and former midwives to ensure that the storylines and medical procedures are realistic. However, as a drama, it also takes certain creative liberties. While the core medical details are generally accurate, some storylines and character interactions are fictionalized for dramatic effect.
Are the medical cases depicted in Call the Midwife real?
Many of the medical cases depicted in the series are based on real-life experiences documented in Jennifer Worth’s memoirs and historical records. The writers research medical conditions and treatments from the period to ensure accuracy. This adds to the show’s educational value, offering insights into the challenges faced by midwives and patients in the past.
How did Jennifer Worth’s memoirs influence the series?
Jennifer Worth’s memoirs are the foundation of Call the Midwife. Her experiences as a midwife in the East End of London provide the source material for many of the storylines and characters. The series captures the essence of her writing, portraying the joys and challenges of midwifery with sensitivity and authenticity. Her voice remains a guiding force in the series, even as it expands beyond her direct experiences.
What is Nonnatus House?
Nonnatus House is a convent and nursing home that serves as the central hub for the midwives in Call the Midwife. It is a place of community, support, and shared purpose, where the nuns and midwives live and work together to serve the women and families of Poplar. It represents the heart and soul of the series.
Why is Call the Midwife so popular?
The popularity of Call the Midwife can be attributed to several factors: its compelling characters, heartwarming stories, historical accuracy, and its ability to tackle difficult social issues with sensitivity and grace. The series also offers a nostalgic glimpse into the past, appealing to viewers of all ages. Its ability to resonate with audiences on an emotional level is key to its enduring success.
Has the cast changed over the years?
Yes, the cast of Call the Midwife has changed significantly over the years. Some actors have left the series to pursue other opportunities, while new characters have been introduced to keep the storylines fresh and engaging. Despite the cast changes, the core values and spirit of Nonnatus House have remained constant.
Will there be more series of Call the Midwife?
Yes! As mentioned earlier, the BBC has already commissioned future series of Call the Midwife. The show’s producers have expressed their commitment to continuing the series as long as there are compelling stories to tell and the audience remains engaged. The continued renewal demonstrates the BBC’s confidence in the show’s enduring appeal. The question of how many series of Call the Midwife have been made will only continue to be answered with larger numbers in the future.
Where can I watch Call the Midwife?
Call the Midwife is broadcast on BBC One in the UK. It is also available to stream on BBC iPlayer. Internationally, the series is available on various streaming platforms and television channels, depending on the region. Check your local listings for more information.
What are some of the social issues addressed in Call the Midwife?
Call the Midwife tackles a wide range of social issues relevant to the 1950s and 1960s, including poverty, inequality, infant mortality, domestic violence, mental health, and the changing roles of women. The series explores these issues with sensitivity and nuance, offering insights into the challenges faced by marginalized communities. This helps the series connect with a modern audience.
What is the future for Call the Midwife storylines?
The writers are likely to continue drawing inspiration from historical events and social changes of the 1960s. The series may explore themes such as the increasing availability of contraception, the changing attitudes towards women’s rights, and the impact of new medical technologies. The writers have a wealth of historical material to draw upon, ensuring that the storylines remain fresh and engaging. This is important to remember when thinking about how many series of Call the Midwife have been made.