The BBC has announced plans to develop a Call the Midwife movie and a prequel television series. This news comes as filming begins for the program's 15th series.
The Call the Midwife movie is planned for release in 2026 and will be set in an undisclosed overseas location in 1972. Characters from the existing television show are expected to feature in the film.
Separately, the prequel series will explore life in Poplar, east London, during the World War II Blitz years. This series aims to show a deeper past than currently covered by the main show and may include younger versions of familiar faces.
Both the new film and prequel projects will be written, created, and produced by the team behind the current series: showrunner Heidi Thomas and executive producers Pippa Harris and Ann Tricklebank.
Heidi Thomas stated she felt a yearning to explore the past beyond the years 1957 to 1971, which the main show has depicted. She described the Blitz years as filled with loss, togetherness, courage, and joy. Thomas added that the film will allow the show's characters to experience an unfamiliar setting away from Poplar.
Production is underway for the 15th series of the main show. It will begin with a two-part Christmas special where characters travel to Hong Kong. The series is set in 1971 and will cover storylines including Women's Lib themes and various medical cases.
The BBC also commissioned a 16th series of Call the Midwife. The current series is a co-production with PBS, which has aired the show for American audiences since 2012. Maria Bruno Ruiz, PBS Vice President, Program Content Strategy and Scheduling, noted the program's popularity with viewers.
Dame Pippa Harris DBE mentioned the new projects aim to engage a new generation who have connected with the characters. She said expanding the program's world feels timely.
The original series found inspiration in the memoirs of Jennifer Worth, who worked as a midwife and nurse in Poplar.
Details regarding American distribution for the Call the Midwife movie and prequel series have not been released. PBS is not listed as a co-producer on these upcoming projects. Call the Midwife has consistently drawn large audiences in the United Kingdom. Call the Midwife creator Heidi Thomas has previously discussed audience connections to the program's themes. Real 'Call the Midwife' team members have spoken about the work depicted in the program.
Eva Yates, Director of BBC Film, said expanding the program's universe to the big screen is an exciting prospect.
