Call the Midwife has been renewed for a 16th season, but fans will have to wait until at least Christmas 2028 for its release. Creator Heidi Thomas confirmed the delay, citing the production of a prequel series and a feature film that will air first.
The prequel, a three-part mini-series set during the Blitz, is expected to debut at Christmas 2027. It will follow younger versions of Sister Julienne, Sister Evangelina and Sister Monica Joan, alongside three new midwives. The film, set overseas in 1972, will feature current cast members and is slated for release after the prequel.
Season 15 ended with the closure of Nonnatus House's maternity ward and the death of Sister Monica Joan (Judy Parfitt). Thomas told Radio Times: 'I shed more tears during the making of that episode than any other.' The finale also saw Trixie (Helen George) and Joyce (Renee Bailey) move to new roles, though their return for season 16 is uncertain.
Dr Turner (Stephen McGann), Nurse Crane (Linda Bassett) and Miss Higgins (Georgie Glen) are expected to continue. Sister Julienne announced that Nonnatus House will become 'a house of prayer and charity' while the community explores new medical missions abroad, which will form the basis of the film's plot.
Thomas noted that each series takes 14 months to produce, meaning season 16 could arrive later than 2028. All previous seasons are available on BBC iPlayer.
