Fans are hailing Call the Midwife as a 'masterpiece' and the 'best BBC series.' The British period drama, which first aired in 2012, has run for 15 series.
Cast and Premise
Original cast members include Jessica Raine, Jenny Agutter, Pam Ferris, Miranda Hart, Judy Parfitt, Helen George, Bryony Hannah, Laura Main, Cliff Parisi, and Stephen McGann. The series synopsis reads: 'Adapted by Heidi Thomas from the best-selling memoirs of Jennifer Worth, this drama series is a moving, funny, colourful look at midwifery and family in 1950s East End London. It follows newly qualified midwife Jenny, who joins an eccentric, lovable community of nuns who are nurses at Nonnatus House.'
'Jenny is surprised to find herself at a convent - she thought she was being sent to a small private hospital - and is initially daunted by her surroundings, most notably the formidable Sister Evangelina and the unconventional Sister Monica Joan. But Jenny gradually begins to find her way and develops incredible friendships among the nurses, as they are drawn into the lives and homes of the women and families they treat.'
Critical Acclaim and Reviews
Radio Times has hailed the show as one of the 'best BBC dramas,' and it holds a 95% rating on Rotten Tomatoes. One reviewer wrote: 'It’s by far the best ever TV drama series with a superb cast depicting life in early 60s in Poplar when doctors, midwives smoked, went about their duties on vintage bikes and cars, children [were] playing on pavements, housewives hanging their washing outside with interludes of the best of music from the era!'
Another added: 'One of the best shows of our time. On the face of it it's a drama depicting East End life in the 50's, but it's really about so much more - the depth of human emotions, trials and tribulations, overcoming adversity, prejudice, social stigma, human relationships - the writing is superb, and each character remains true to who they are.'
A third fan said: 'I watch a LOT of series and Call the Midwife is one of my favourites. It's a very British drama that has me crying tears of laughter in the same episode that makes me sob like the world is ending. It is amazing.'
Call the Midwife is available to stream on BBC iPlayer.
