How Many “Call the Midwife” Christmas Specials Are There?
There are a total of 12 “Call the Midwife” Christmas Specials, each a cherished part of the show’s annual tradition, offering a heartwarming festive episode alongside the regular series. These specials serve as a bridge between seasons and a comforting dose of holiday cheer.
A Journey Through Christmas in Poplar
“Call the Midwife” has become synonymous with British television, not just for its compelling storylines and historical accuracy, but also for its consistent delivery of heartwarming Christmas specials. These episodes are more than just festive add-ons; they are integral parts of the narrative, reflecting the societal changes and challenges faced by the community of Poplar during the holiday season. Understanding the significance and longevity of these specials is key to appreciating the full scope of the series.
The Significance of the Christmas Special
The “Call the Midwife” Christmas Specials hold a special place in the hearts of viewers for several reasons:
- They provide a festive backdrop to the ongoing storylines.
- They often introduce new characters and storylines that will continue in the following season.
- They offer a heightened sense of community and camaraderie.
- They serve as a comforting and familiar tradition during the holiday season.
These specials are meticulously crafted, balancing the show’s signature themes of birth, life, and death with the spirit of Christmas. The production team goes to great lengths to recreate the festive atmosphere of the era, from the decorations to the music, creating an immersive experience for the audience.
The Evolution of the Christmas Specials
From the very first special in 2012, the “Call the Midwife” Christmas Specials have evolved in terms of their storylines and production value. While the core themes have remained consistent, the specials have explored a wider range of social issues and historical events relevant to the time period. The visual storytelling has also become increasingly sophisticated, with stunning cinematography and elaborate set designs that transport viewers back to the 1950s and 1960s. As the series has progressed, the Christmas specials have become even more elaborate and ambitious, tackling complex storylines and featuring memorable guest appearances.
Chronological Listing of Christmas Specials
To truly appreciate the legacy of these specials, here is a chronological list:
| Year | Title | Episode Number (Overall) | Summary |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2012 | Christmas Special | 1 | The nuns and nurses face a busy Christmas with a particularly challenging birth. |
| 2013 | Christmas Special | 9 | Sister Julienne receives an unsettling letter about the Mother House, while Trixie and Sister Evangelina deliver a baby in a condemned building. |
| 2014 | Christmas Special | 18 | The community prepares for a Christmas concert, but an unexpected crisis threatens to derail the festivities. |
| 2015 | Christmas Special | 27 | The team travels to South Africa to assist a struggling mission hospital. |
| 2016 | Christmas Special | 37 | A devastating bomb explosion near Nonnatus House brings unexpected challenges and tests the strength of the community. |
| 2017 | Christmas Special | 47 | The nuns and nurses tackle a variety of cases during a particularly cold and snowy Christmas season. |
| 2018 | Christmas Special | 57 | Circus performers arrive in Poplar, bringing excitement and unexpected medical cases. |
| 2019 | Christmas Special | 67 | A power cut plunges Poplar into darkness on Christmas Eve, forcing the community to rely on each other. |
| 2020 | Christmas Special | 77 | The Sisters travel to the Outer Hebrides to help a small community during a particularly harsh winter. |
| 2021 | Christmas Special | 87 | Lucille and Cyril prepare for their wedding amidst the festive cheer, while the team faces a series of challenging cases. |
| 2022 | Christmas Special | 97 | The circus arrives in Poplar, bringing joy and challenges as the community rallies together during the festive season. |
| 2023 | Christmas Special | 107 | As the highly anticipated Christmas Day approaches, the team grapple with the challenges facing them as they strive to deliver the best possible care. |
The question “How Many “Call the Midwife” Christmas Specials Are There?” is frequently asked by fans eager to immerse themselves in the show’s festive traditions.
Why Are the Christmas Specials So Popular?
The enduring popularity of the “Call the Midwife” Christmas Specials can be attributed to several factors:
- Heartwarming Stories: The episodes often focus on themes of love, family, and community, which resonate with viewers during the holiday season.
- Nostalgia: The historical setting evokes a sense of nostalgia for a simpler time.
- Emotional Depth: The show tackles serious issues with sensitivity and compassion, creating a powerful emotional connection with the audience.
- Strong Characters: The well-developed and relatable characters are a key element of the show’s success.
- Festive Atmosphere: The meticulously recreated Christmas traditions and decorations create a truly immersive experience.
These elements combine to create a viewing experience that is both entertaining and emotionally rewarding, making the “Call the Midwife” Christmas Specials a beloved tradition for many viewers.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
How many “Call the Midwife” Christmas Specials are there?
There are currently 12 “Call the Midwife” Christmas Specials that have aired since 2012. Each special is approximately 90 minutes long and serves as a bridge between seasons, often introducing storylines that will be explored in the following year.
When does the “Call the Midwife” Christmas Special usually air?
The “Call the Midwife” Christmas Special traditionally airs on Christmas Day in the United Kingdom, making it a beloved part of many families’ holiday traditions. It is also typically broadcast internationally shortly thereafter.
Are the Christmas Specials considered canon to the series?
Yes, the Christmas Specials are definitely considered canon. They are not standalone episodes; they often introduce new characters, develop existing storylines, and provide important context for the upcoming season.
Are the Christmas Specials available on streaming services?
Yes, the “Call the Midwife” Christmas Specials are usually available on streaming services such as Netflix (depending on your region) and BritBox, as well as on demand from the BBC’s iPlayer. Check your local listings for availability.
Do I need to watch all the previous seasons to understand the Christmas Specials?
While each Christmas Special can be enjoyed on its own, having watched the previous seasons will certainly enhance your viewing experience. You’ll have a better understanding of the characters’ backstories and the ongoing storylines.
What is the Christmas Special usually about?
The Christmas Specials usually involve the midwives and nuns of Nonnatus House dealing with the challenges of delivering babies during the festive season, often amidst difficult circumstances. They also explore themes of community, family, and the true meaning of Christmas.
Who are some of the main characters that appear in the Christmas Specials?
The Christmas Specials typically feature the core cast of “Call the Midwife,” including Sister Julienne, Shelagh Turner, Trixie Franklin, and Phyllis Crane, along with the other midwives and residents of Nonnatus House.
Are the Christmas Specials filmed in the same location as the regular series?
While some scenes are filmed in the same studio sets and outdoor locations as the regular series, the Christmas Specials often feature unique locations to reflect the festive season, such as decorated streets, snowy landscapes, and community events.
Do the Christmas Specials follow a specific historical timeline?
Yes, the Christmas Specials follow the same historical timeline as the regular series, progressing year by year through the 1950s and 1960s. The specials reflect the social changes and challenges of the era.
Are the Christmas Specials more emotional than the regular episodes?
While “Call the Midwife” is known for its emotional storylines, the Christmas Specials often heighten the emotional impact due to the festive setting and the focus on themes of family and community.
Are the “Call the Midwife” Christmas Specials suitable for children?
“Call the Midwife” deals with mature themes such as birth, death, and social issues. While the Christmas Specials often have a heartwarming and festive tone, parents should exercise discretion and consider their children’s maturity level before allowing them to watch.
Where can I find a complete list of “Call the Midwife” episodes, including the Christmas Specials?
You can find a complete list of “Call the Midwife” episodes, including the Christmas Specials, on websites such as IMDb, Wikipedia, and the BBC’s official “Call the Midwife” website. These resources provide details about each episode’s title, airdate, and summary. The question “How Many “Call the Midwife” Christmas Specials Are There?” is easily answered by viewing such a list.