After captivating audiences for 15 remarkable years, the beloved BBC period drama Call The Midwife is set to conclude its heartfelt journey with a final series scheduled for early 2026. The show, which first graced television screens in 2012, has been a staple of British TV, drawing millions of viewers and earning accolades from prestigious bodies such as the BAFTAs, TV Choice Awards, and National Television Awards. As filming continues on the 15th and final series, emotions are running high among the cast and crew, signaling the end of an era for this cherished drama.
The final season will follow a two-part Christmas special, which began filming in May 2025. These festive episodes take the more experienced midwives on a compassionate trip to Hong Kong, while their younger colleagues face challenges back home. This poignant setup not only offers a fitting farewell to the characters but also sets the stage for tying up numerous storylines that have spanned over a decade.
Insiders from the production have shared with the Daily Star that the decision to end the series was a collective one, made with respect to the show's enduring popularity and the desire to conclude on a high note. "After years of drama and countless births, Call The Midwife is coming to an end. The team have decided it's time to draw the show to a close and bow out. This is the last we'll see of these much-loved characters. Storylines will tie up a lot of loose ends," revealed a source close to the production. The cast reportedly feels a bittersweet mix of sadness and pride as they work to deliver a finale worthy of the show's legacy.
Yet, fans of Call The Midwife need not despair entirely. The beloved series is set to be succeeded by an eagerly anticipated prequel that will breathe new life into the franchise. Announced in early June 2025, this upcoming series will transport viewers back to the Blitz years in the East End of London, a period marked by hardship, resilience, and community spirit. Creator Heidi Thomas, who has been deeply involved since the show's inception, expressed her enthusiasm for exploring this earlier chapter. She said, "The opening of new doors at Nonnatus House feels profoundly emotional, and yet just right. I have never run out of stories for our midwives, and I never will. But having wept, laughed, and raged my way from 1957 to 1971, I found myself yearning to delve into the deeper past. The Blitz years in the East End were extraordinary - filled with loss, togetherness, courage and joy. The bombs fell, the babies kept on coming, and the Sisters kept on going. There will be so much in the prequel for our wonderful, loyal fans, including the appearance of some familiar (if much younger!) faces."
This fresh take promises to retain the magic that made the original series so compelling, while introducing new characters inspired by true events. The prequel will feature younger versions of some of the iconic figures fans have come to love, offering a new perspective on the history and struggles of midwifery during wartime.
In addition to the prequel, a Call The Midwife film is in development, set overseas in 1972. This cinematic project aims to continue the stories of some of the biggest characters from the original series, providing fans with an exciting and emotional extension of the narrative beyond the small screen.
Heidi Thomas has previously hinted at the possibility of taking a break from the series rather than ending it outright. She remarked, "Those of us who are most invested with the show - who have been there since the beginning, it is our lives. I don't believe Call The Midwife will ever end. But I do think we might take a break at some point. There is a sort of a rolling, ongoing conversation that we always have at this point every year, which is: is there an end point? What are we working towards? Increasingly, we do see opportunities to expand our storytelling world. So if we do take a break, it will be with a view to looking at other aspects of Call The Midwife."
Since its debut, Call The Midwife has not only been a ratings sensation, drawing up to 11 million viewers per episode, but also a critical darling. Its portrayal of midwives' lives in London's East End has resonated deeply with audiences, blending historical authenticity with emotional storytelling. The show’s impact extends beyond entertainment, highlighting social issues and the evolution of healthcare through the decades.
As the final series approaches, anticipation and nostalgia are palpable among fans and the industry alike. The show’s legacy is cemented not only by its longevity but by its ability to evolve and touch hearts across generations. While the curtain falls on this chapter, the forthcoming prequel and film ensure that the spirit of Call The Midwife will continue to inspire and engage audiences for years to come.
In the ever-changing landscape of television, few series manage to capture the essence of a community and era as poignantly as Call The Midwife. Its conclusion marks the end of a significant cultural moment, but also the beginning of new stories waiting to be told.
