After 15 remarkable years on British television, the beloved BBC period drama Call The Midwife is set to conclude with its 15th series in 2026. The show, which first aired in September 2012, has followed the lives of nurses and nuns at Nonnatus House in Poplar, East London, captivating millions of viewers with its heartfelt storytelling and historical depth.
Filming for the final series began in May 2025, with eight hour-long episodes planned to air from January 2026 on BBC One and BBC iPlayer. The series will launch with a two-part Christmas special set partly in Hong Kong and partly in Poplar, showcasing a mercy mission by senior members of Nonnatus House abroad while younger midwives manage the local community back home. This juxtaposition promises to bring fresh energy to the series’ closing chapter.
According to insiders, the decision to end the show was made to ensure it "goes out on a high." A source told The Daily Star, "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." Cast members have reportedly been emotional on set, fully aware that this bittersweet period marks the finale of an era in British television.
Creator and writer Heidi Thomas, who has been at the helm since the show’s inception, reflected on the journey: "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." This sentiment has inspired a forthcoming prequel series set during the Second World War, which will explore the origins of the characters and the community in Poplar during a tumultuous period.
The prequel series, slated to begin production in 2026, promises to be very different in setting and tone but will maintain the "same magic" that fans have come to love. The storylines will be inspired by true events, featuring younger versions of familiar faces alongside new characters for viewers to embrace. The BBC and the production company Neal Street, responsible for the original series, are optimistic that the prequel will capture the hearts of both longtime fans and new audiences alike.
In addition to the prequel, a Call The Midwife film is also in the works, set in 1972 and featuring many of the original characters. This movie spin-off will mark the show’s final outing on the big screen, following the tradition of successful British period dramas making the leap from television to cinema. While details about the film’s location remain under wraps, creator Heidi Thomas teased, "Whilst the location of the film remains top-secret, I can say it is going to look absolutely fantastic on the big screen!"
The BBC has reassured fans that Call The Midwife will remain an integral part of its programming for years to come. A spokesperson said, "As previously announced, there are two Christmas specials, a new series, a film, and prequel series, before a sixteenth series in due course. Call The Midwife isn’t going anywhere." This statement hints that while the original series is concluding, the universe of Nonnatus House will continue to expand in new and exciting ways.
Over its 15-year run, Call The Midwife has become one of the most popular and critically acclaimed dramas in television history. It has consistently drawn millions of viewers, with recent series averaging around 7.8 million viewers and Christmas specials attracting up to 8.9 million. The show has earned numerous accolades, including awards from the BAFTAs, National Television Awards, TV Choice Awards, and most recently, the Television and Radio Industries Club Awards in June 2025.
The series has been praised for its sensitive and authentic portrayal of complex social issues spanning from the late 1950s through the early 1970s. Topics such as post-war immigration, the introduction of the contraceptive pill, mental health, domestic violence, and the women’s liberation movement have been woven into its narrative fabric, offering viewers not only entertainment but also insight into pivotal moments in British social history.
The upcoming 15th series will continue this tradition, tackling challenging subjects such as premature birth, placenta previa, kidney cancer, tuberculosis, and slavery. The backdrop of the women’s liberation movement will also feature prominently, with scenes depicting women burning their bras outside the convent, symbolizing the era’s social upheaval and transformation.
As the senior Nonnatus House staff embark on their mercy mission to Hong Kong, the younger midwives will face the daunting task of caring for their community alone, a storyline that promises to explore themes of resilience, growth, and solidarity. Sister Julienne, played by Jenny Agutter, is set to experience a significant shift in mindset, with the "energy reverberating throughout series 15," according to insiders.
Despite the sadness surrounding the show’s conclusion, there remains hope for future revivals. An insider revealed, "The writers are also open to the idea of reviving Call The Midwife for a special one day in the future. It’s a case of never say never." This openness suggests that while the series is ending, its legacy and beloved characters may yet return to the screen in some form.
After a decade and a half of storytelling that has touched hearts and shed light on the lives of midwives, nuns, and the East End community, Call The Midwife is poised to bow out gracefully. With a final series, a Christmas special, a feature film, and an evocative prequel on the horizon, the world of Nonnatus House will continue to enchant audiences, reminding us all of the enduring power of compassion, courage, and community.
