TV Shows Like Call The Midwife That Will Make You Cry
- 01. TV Shows Like Call the Midwife: The Historical Dramas Worth Watching
- 02. Why These Shows Resonate with Call the Midwife Fans
- 03. Top 10 TV Shows Like Call the Midwife
- 04. 1. Downton Abbey (2010-2015)
- 05. 2. All Creatures Great and Small (2020-Present)
- 06. 3. The Crown (2016-2023)
- 07. 4. Poldark (2015-2019)
- 08. 5. Anne with an E (2017-2019)
- 09. 6. Outlander (2014-2026)
- 10. 7. Victoria (2016-2019)
- 11. 8. Lark Rise to Candleford (2008-2011)
- 12. 9. Upstairs Downstairs (2010-2012)
- 13. 10. Mr Selfridge (2013-2016)
- 14. Comparison Table: Key Metrics for Call the Midwife Alternatives
- 15. Essential Characteristics of Call the Midwife-Style Shows
- 16. Top 5 Shows by Viewer Priority
- 17. Where to Stream These Historical Dramas
TV Shows Like Call the Midwife: The Historical Dramas Worth Watching
If you love Call the Midwife for its heartfelt historical drama, strong female characters, and social justice themes, the best shows like it are Downton Abbey, All Creatures Great and Small, The Crown, Poldark, and Anne with an E-all period dramas that blend emotional storytelling with rich historical detail and focus on community, resilience, and women's lives.
Why These Shows Resonate with Call the Midwife Fans
Call the Midwife has captivated over 6 million viewers per episode in the UK since its 2012 premiere, combining midwifery narratives with post-WWII social history in London's East End. The show's success stems from its authentic portrayal of women's strength and resilience during the 1950s-1960s, grounded in Jennifer Worth's memoirs and created by Heidi Thomas. Viewers seeking similar experiences value historical accuracy, ensemble casts, and stories centered on care, community, and moral purpose-values that align closely with educational missions emphasizing holistic development and social responsibility.
These recommended shows share period drama authenticity with Call the Midwife, featuring meticulous costume design, historical events as backdrops, and characters navigating social change. Each series emphasizes strong female protagonists who demonstrate courage, compassion, and leadership-qualities that resonate with audiences seeking meaningful, values-driven storytelling.
Top 10 TV Shows Like Call the Midwife
1. Downton Abbey (2010-2015)
Set in the early 20th century, Downton Abbey follows the aristocratic Crawley family and their servants in a grand Yorkshire estate. Season 3 became PBS's highest-rated drama ever with 24 million total viewers and a 7.7 average rating. The series showcases women from different social classes demonstrating determination and resilience, mirroring Call the Midwife's class-conscious storytelling.
2. All Creatures Great and Small (2020-Present)
This PBS heartwarming drama follows veterinary surgeons in 1930s Yorkshire, premiering its fifth season on February 23, 2024. It holds the title of UK Channel 5's highest-rated drama ever and attracts families seeking wholesome, character-driven content. The show's emphasis on community care and compassion for animals and people parallels Call the Midwife's nursing mission.
3. The Crown (2016-2023)
Peter Morgan's epic chronicles Queen Elizabeth II's reign from 1952 to 2022 across 60 episodes. Season 6's premiere attracted 2.8 million UK viewers, making it the most-streamed series in the UK for its release week. The series explores political rivalries and personal sacrifices within the monarchy, offering the same historical gravity as Call the Midwife.
4. Poldark (2015-2019)
Set in 18th-century Cornwall, Poldark follows Ross Poldark returning after the American Revolutionary War. The series averaged 5-6 million viewers weekly, with Series 2's premiere drawing 5.1 million viewers. Its strong female characters and themes of social justice mirror Call the Midwife's focus on community and resilience.
5. Anne with an E (2017-2019)
This CBC/Netflix adaptation of Anne of Green Gables follows an orphan girl on Prince Edward Island in late-19th-century Canada. With an IMDb rating of 8.6/10 from 81,000 users, it offers compelling storytelling about identity and resilience. The show's coming-of-age narrative and social justice themes appeal to Call the Midwife fans seeking emotional depth.
6. Outlander (2014-2026)
Starz's historical fantasy follows WWII nurse Claire Randall time-traveling to 18th-century Scotland. Season 8's premiere achieved a four-year ratings high with nearly 3 million multiplatform viewers in March 2026. The series combines strong female leads with historical drama and romantic elements.
7. Victoria (2016-2019)
ITV's Victoria portrays Queen Victoria's early life and reign, attracting 4.8-5.2 million viewers per episode. The series highlights a young woman's leadership challenges and political navigation, echoing Call the Midwife's focus on women's professional journeys.
8. Lark Rise to Candleford (2008-2011)
This BBC period drama adapts Flora Thompson's autobiographical trilogy about rural Oxfordshire in the late 1800s. With an IMDb rating of 8.2/10, it's celebrated as "flawless masterpiece" more realistic than Downton Abbey. The series depicts harsh realities faced by ordinary individuals, aligning with Call the Midwife's working-class focus.
9. Upstairs Downstairs (2010-2012)
BBC One's revival airs set in 1936 London at 165 Eaton Place, exploring a new family and their servants. The series premiered December 26-28, 2010, with superb acting and scripts praised by critics. It mirrors Call the Midwife's class dynamics and servant perspectives.
10. Mr Selfridge (2013-2016)
ITV's period drama stars Jeremy Piven as Harry Gordon Selfridge, featuring his department store in London from 1908-1928. Season 1's premiere attracted 9.36 million British viewers, with Season 3 drawing 3.8 million. The series explores social change and entrepreneurship in Edwardian England.
Comparison Table: Key Metrics for Call the Midwife Alternatives
| Show Title | Years Aired | Setting Period | Average Viewers (UK/US) | IMDb Rating | Primary Network |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Call the Midwife | 2012-Present | 1950s-1960s | 6+ million (UK) | 8.6/10 | BBC One/PBS |
| Downton Abbey | 2010-2015 | 1910s-1920s | 11.5 million (PBS avg) | 8.7/10 | ITV/PBS Masterpiece |
| All Creatures Great and Small | 2020-Present | 1930s | Channel 5's highest rated | 8.6/10 | Channel 5/PBS |
| The Crown | 2016-2023 | 1947-2022 | 2.8 million (Season 6 premiere) | 8.6/10 | Netflix |
| Poldark | 2015-2019 | 1780s | 5.1 million (Series 2) | 8.3/10 | BBC One |
| Anne with an E | 2017-2019 | 1890s | 400,000 (CBC avg) | 8.6/10 | CBC/Netflix |
| Outlander | 2014-2026 | 1740s & 1940s | 3 million (Season 8) | 8.4/10 | Starz |
| Victoria | 2016-2019 | 1830s-1880s | 5 million | 8.2/10 | ITV |
| Lark Rise to Candleford | 2008-2011 | 1890s | 7-8 million | 8.2/10 | BBC One |
| Upstairs Downstairs | 2010-2012 | 1936 | 6-7 million | 7.9/10 | BBC One |
| Mr Selfridge | 2013-2016 | 1908-1928 | 6 million (Season 1) | 7.7/10 | ITV |
Essential Characteristics of Call the Midwife-Style Shows
- Historical period authenticity: Meticulously researched settings, costumes, and dialogue from specific eras
- Strong female ensembles: Central women demonstrating professional competence, moral courage, and resilience
- Community-focused storytelling: Narratives emphasizing care, service, and collective responsibility over individual ambition
- Social justice themes: Exploration of class inequality, healthcare access, women's rights, and marginalized communities
- Emotional depth: Balanced tragedies and triumphs that honor human dignity and perseverance
Top 5 Shows by Viewer Priority
- For healthcare/nursing themes: All Creatures Great and Small-veterinary care parallels midwifery's community service mission
- For aristocratic/class dynamics: Downton Abbey-most acclaimed period drama with 24 million PBS viewers
- For royal/historical politics: The Crown-60 episodes spanning 70 years of British monarchy
- For coming-of-age resilience: Anne with an E-highest IMDb rating (8.6/10) among young protagonist dramas
- For time-travel romance: Outlander-final season achieved 3 million viewers, four-year high
Where to Stream These Historical Dramas
Most shows are available on PBS Masterpiece in the US (Downton Abbey, All Creatures Great and Small, Call the Midwife). Netflix hosts The Crown, Anne with an E, and Outlander. BBC iPlayer offers free streaming for Lark Rise to Candleford in the UK. Starz streams Outlander exclusively with new episodes Fridays.
For educators and parents seeking values-driven content, these series provide rich historical context alongside moral narratives about service, resilience, and community-making them excellent resources for discussions on ethics, history, and social justice in educational contexts.
What are the most common questions about Tv Shows Like Call The Midwife That Will Make You Cry?
What makes Call the Midwife unique among period dramas?
Call the Midwife uniquely combines authentic midwifery narratives with post-WWII social history, based on Jennifer Worth's memoirs and set in London's East End Poplar district. The show features nurses, midwives, and nuns at Nonnatus House supporting expectant mothers, distinguished by its focus on working-class healthcare access and Catholic religious orders.
Are there shows like Call the Midwife on Netflix?
Yes-The Crown, Anne with an E, and Outlander are available on Netflix, offering historical drama with strong female leads. The Crown's Season 6 finale made it the second-most-streamed title in the UK for December 2023.
Which show is most similar to Call the Midwife for wholesome family viewing?
All Creatures Great and Small is the closest match for wholesome family viewing, described as "heartwarming" with UK Channel 5's highest ratings and PBS broadcast. Its emphasis on community care and compassion mirrors Call the Midwife's values without mature content.
How many seasons of Call the Midwife are available?
As of 2026, 12 seasons have aired with Season 13 likely premiering in early 2024 according to 2023 reports. The series has run for over ten years, captivating PBS audiences with profound heartfelt narratives.
Do these shows align with values-based educational perspectives?
Yes-these dramas emphasize service, compassion, and social responsibility, qualities central to holistic education aligned with Marist values. Shows like All Creatures Great and Small and Downton Abbey model ethical leadership and community engagement, valuable for discussions on character formation and civic duty in educational settings.
