From the cobblestone streets of East London to the unique charm of mid-20th-century medical dramas, Call The Midwife has captured hearts worldwide, earning acclaim for its heartfelt stories and compelling characters. π
If you're yearning for more shows that echo the spirit of Call The Midwife with its blend of community, compassion, and era-specific drama, then look no further. Here are ten TV shows that, while distinct in their settings and narratives, share common threads of emotional depth, historical settings, and character development that have made Call The Midwife a beloved series.
The Warmth of Doc Martin
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Doc Martin tells the story of a successful London surgeon who develops a blood phobia, leading him to move to the fictional sleepy Cornish village of Portwenn to become a GP.
- Setting: The quaint, picturesque Cornish village contrasts beautifully with the bustling life in London.
- Themes: Here, youβll find themes of adjustment, the clash of urban versus rural lifestyles, and of course, the endearing awkwardness of romance amidst medical mysteries.
- Character Development: Similar to Call The Midwife, Doc Martin focuses on character growth, with the titular character evolving from a brusque doctor to someone embraced by the community. π
<p class="pro-note">βοΈ Note: While the setting differs, Doc Martin offers that communal feeling where each episode brings small-town characters' lives into focus, delivering both humor and heartfelt moments.</p>
The Wisdom of All Creatures Great and Small
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Set in the Yorkshire Dales of England, All Creatures Great and Small follows the adventures of James Herriot, a veterinary surgeon.
- Historical Aspect: Like Call The Midwife, this series captures life in a bygone era, with authentic attention to detail regarding the 1930s countryside veterinary practice.
- Community and Relationships: The show delves into the relationships within the veterinary practice, the farm community, and their challenges and celebrations, fostering a sense of community. π¬π§
The Intricacy of The Durrells
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This series, based on real-life events, charts the adventures of the English Durrell family as they move to Corfu in the 1930s.
- Family Drama: Much like Call The Midwife, the show focuses on familial bonds, personal growth, and the trials of life through an honest and relatable lens.
- Change and Adaptation: The Durrells must adjust to a new life, paralleling the adjustments faced by the midwives in Poplar. ποΈ
The Sobriety of The Doctor Blake Mysteries
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Set in the 1950s in Ballarat, Australia, The Doctor Blake Mysteries combines medical practice with crime-solving.
- Era & Setting: This show captures the societal norms and changes of the era, a theme common with Call The Midwife.
- Mystery and Medicine: The detective work, akin to the medical "mysteries" in Call The Midwife, adds depth to the narratives. π
The Society of Lark Rise to Candleford
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Based on Flora Thompson's trilogy, this series explores rural England through the interconnected lives of two communities.
- Class Dynamics: Similar to the social dynamics in Call The Midwife, this series showcases class divides and the evolving relationships.
- Character Arcs: Characters face personal challenges, offering both joy and sorrow that resonates with viewers. π«
<p class="pro-note">π Note: While Lark Rise to Candleford is more of a community tale than a medical drama, its focus on interpersonal relationships and societal changes echoes the spirit of Call The Midwife.</p>
The Journey of Bomb Girls
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Set during World War II, Bomb Girls tells the story of women working in a Canadian munitions factory.
- Historical Context: Much like the post-war period in Call The Midwife, this series provides a backdrop of war's impact on everyday life.
- Women's Roles: It addresses women's changing roles, a recurring theme in Call The Midwife, though in a different context. π―ββοΈ
The Medical Life of Call The Shots
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This miniseries follows several students in their final year of medical school.
- Professional Journey: The series charts students navigating the medical profession, reminiscent of the midwives' journeys in Call The Midwife.
- Realism: It offers a realistic portrayal of medical life with a modern twist, focusing on the complexities of becoming a doctor. π§ββοΈ
The Heartstrings of Mercy Street
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Based in a Civil War-era hospital, Mercy Street delves into the lives of medical staff, patients, and spies.
- Civil War Setting: The backdrop of war affects daily life, mirroring the influence of events like The Blitz in Call The Midwife.
- Medical Practice: It showcases early medical advancements and practices, providing historical insight akin to that of the midwives' work. πΌ
The Innocence of Home Fires
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Set in rural Cheshire during World War II, Home Fires chronicles the lives of women at home while men fight abroad.
- Community Strength: Like the characters in Call The Midwife, the women in Home Fires come together to support each other.
- Life's Trials: It captures the small victories and quiet tragedies of life on the home front. π‘
The Traditions of Poldark
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This series, based on Winston Grahamβs novels, follows a British officer in the late 18th century returning to Cornwall.
- Era Authenticity: Poldark provides a rich tapestry of life in a different era, with themes of social change and economic hardship familiar to Call The Midwife fans.
- Character Interplay: The struggles, romances, and challenges are intricately woven, ensuring viewers are invested in the characters' lives. βοΈ
While none of these series replicate Call The Midwife exactly, they each embody elements that have made it endearing: a focus on community, medical practice, historical settings, and deeply developed characters. They offer a blend of drama, history, and humanity that will comfort or intrigue any fan seeking similar tales.
Whether you're seeking solace in the familiar or embarking on a new era, these TV shows promise the same heartfelt narratives that have made Call The Midwife a comfort watch for many. In the end, it's the universal threads of life, compassion, and resilience that connect these shows to each other and to our own lives. π
<div class="faq-section"> <div class="faq-container"> <div class="faq-item"> <div class="faq-question"> <h3>Are any of these shows based on true stories?</h3> <span class="faq-toggle">+</span> </div> <div class="faq-answer"> <p>Yes, several shows draw inspiration from real-life events. The Durrells is based on Gerald Durrellβs autobiographical books, All Creatures Great and Small reflects the life and works of James Herriot, and Home Fires is inspired by historical events during World War II.</p> </div> </div> <div class="faq-item"> <div class="faq-question"> <h3>Can I watch these shows with my family?</h3> <span class="faq-toggle">+</span> </div> <div class="faq-answer"> <p>While they are designed for general audiences, some shows might have themes or scenes that could be inappropriate for younger viewers. However, Doc Martin, All Creatures Great and Small, and Poldark are generally family-friendly.</p> </div> </div> <div class="faq-item"> <div class="faq-question"> <h3>Where can I find these shows to watch?</h3> <span class="faq-toggle">+</span> </div> <div class="faq-answer"> <p>Most of these shows are available on various streaming platforms like Netflix, Amazon Prime, and PBS Masterpiece. Availability might change, so check directly on the streaming service for the most current information.</p> </div> </div> </div> </div> </div>