The Best Books, Movies, Video Games, and Podcasts to Listen to After Watching Call the Midwife
Call the Midwife has been around for a long time—perhaps longer than you think. It began as Jennifer Worth’s memoir, first published in 2002, and later evolved into a beloved BBC television series.
The series, which has enjoyed immense popularity for over a decade, is currently in its 15th season. Although a new season and prequel are in development, the creators will have to wait a bit longer, as they’re taking a short break. If you’re looking for something to fill the void, we’ve already suggested a few series to watch, but if you’d like to expand your options, there are also plenty of books, movies, video games, and even podcasts that share the same charm, warmth, and willingness to address real-world issues.
Best Books Similar to Call of the Midwife
If there’s a gap in your reading list, books can offer a more personal experience, reminiscent of the TV series Call the Midwife .
“The Midwife ” by Jennifer Worth
Worth ‘s memoir of her time as a nurse and midwife in London’s East End in the 1950s formed the basis for the series and is essential reading for fans. Unsurprisingly, the book closely mirrors the show: Worth recounts specific—often difficult or tragic—birth stories from her time as a midwife, but balances the traumatic events with touching accounts of local gossip and antics. She paints a vivid portrait of a strong, resilient community that fans of the show will instantly recognize and appreciate.
“Women’s Hotel ” by Daniel M. Lavery
If you’re looking for a story about women and the power of community in rapidly changing times, consider Lavery’s first novel . Set in 1960s New York City, the Biedermeier Hotel is a women’s hotel where lonely working women can find a peaceful getaway. When financial difficulties threaten to close, a cloud of doubt hangs over the residents, but that doesn’t diminish the charm and pleasure of reading about these keenly observed characters. The intertwining of their lives makes the Biedermeier a place you’ll want to visit.
“Nurse Midwife ” by Christine Lee
Jennifer Worth’s memoir doesn’t provide details about her own life, save for her experiences as a nurse and midwife in 1950s London. Her sister fills in these gaps with her own recollections of that period. Lee recounts a happy, secure childhood spent with her beloved sister—until their parents divorced and the girls were sent to a horrific boarding school, where they were mistreated and miserable. The book provides invaluable insight into the world depicted in the series, including some of its darker aspects.
“Yes, Sister, No, Sister” – Jennifer Craig.
If you’re looking for a book reminiscent of the 1950s and want to immerse yourself in the atmosphere of nursing, pick up Yes Nurse, No Nurse . Craig’s memoir recounts her experiences training as a nurse in Yorkshire in the 1950s. The discipline was harsh, and the work was grueling and unpleasant; many girls dropped out, but Craig was determined to succeed and found a warm and supportive family among her fellow trainees. As in the TV series Call the Midwife , the seriousness of nursing depicted here is softened by funny stories and romantic intrigues that remind Craig that life is meant to be lived.
All Creatures Great and Small by James Herriot
This classic memoir chronicles the experiences of a veterinary surgeon working in the Yorkshire Dales in the 1930s and 1940s, and it captures the same sense of melancholy and tragedy as the TV series Call the Midwife . Herriot (the pseudonym of James Alfred White) travels the countryside, treating animals and getting involved in the dramas and antics of his neighbors. There’s sadness, joy, and a sense of a tight-knit community that can survive almost anything, making this book the perfect companion to the series.
Best Movies Like Call of the Midwife
One of the main strengths of the series “Call the Midwife” is its depth: fifteen seasons already, with many more to come. If you’re looking to temporarily immerse yourself in a similar fictional universe, one of these films is just the ticket.
Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Pie Society (2018)
If you loved the sense of community and how the people of Poplar overcame adversity in Call the Midwife , you’ll love The Guernsey Literary Society and the Potato Peel Pie . The story follows writer Juliet Ashton (Lily James) in post-war Britain as she becomes entangled with the people of Guernsey , who formed the eponymous book club during the Nazi occupation of the island as a guise for their resistance and a way to comfort and support each other. It’s a touching tale of how books and community can help overcome any challenge. Watch The Guernsey Literary Society and the Potato Peel Pie on Netflix .
Vera Drake (2004)
If you were impressed by Call the Midwife’s approach to exploring women’s health and social issues, watch Vera Drake . It stars Imelda Staunton, a kind wife and mother in 1950s London, beloved by her community for her support of those in need. She also secretly performs abortions for local women for free, believing it to be an act of kindness. When a procedure goes wrong and Vera is arrested, many of her trusted supporters abandon her, but her community soon feels the loss of her presence. It’s a heartbreaking exploration of many of the themes found in Call the Midwife, featuring a superb cast. Watch Vera Drake on Prime Video .
Made in Dagenham (2010)
If you enjoyed the humor and sense of female solidarity found in the TV series Call the Midwife , you’ll love this gripping 2010 film. Based on a true story, it follows a group of women working as seamstresses at a Ford car factory in Dagenham, London, in the late 1960s. Underpaid and facing sexist and unfair working conditions, the women organize and go on strike, shocking the local community and bringing about real change in English society. Watch Made in Dagenham on Prime Video .
Philomena (2013)
Many of the most powerful stories told in Call the Midwife explore attitudes toward women and pregnancy in the mid-20th century. “Philomena” tells the story of a woman sent to a convent in Ireland in 1951 after becoming pregnant following a casual encounter. Forced to work in the convent’s laundry, she is horrified to discover that her son is being given up for adoption without her knowledge. Fifty years later, she hires a journalist to track down her missing child, revealing the horrific treatment of unwed mothers and the traumatic impact it had on everyone involved. Watch “Philomena” on Prime Video .
Brooklyn (2015)
If you’re looking for a story that combines rich historical detail, romance, and the strength of women supporting each other, then Brooklyn , based on the novel by Colm Tóibín, is just what you need. In 1951, young Irishwoman Ellis Lacy (Saïrce Ronan) immigrates to America in search of a better life. In Brooklyn, she settles into a boarding school for young Irish women and finds a supportive community that helps her gradually adapt to her new life. When Ellis returns to Ireland after the death of her mother, things become more complicated. Fans of Call the Midwife will love the setting and the heroine’s unwavering determination to make her own decisions. Watch Brooklyn on Prime Video .
The best video games like Call the Midwife
Much of the charm of the series “Call the Midwife ” lies in its cozy, unhurried narrative. If you’re a gamer looking to immerse yourself in a similar atmosphere, you’re in luck.
Strange gardening
One of the joys of a series like Call the Midwife is the gradual introduction to the characters and the local community. Strange Horticulture offers just that: you play as the heir to your uncle’s shop, who sells herbal remedies to the locals—remedies that often have powerful and unexpected effects (and side effects). As you become involved in a murder investigation and try to help the locals with their problems, you become immersed in a beautifully rendered world and see how your decisions impact the story.
Platforms: Nintendo Switch, Steam, Xbox
Lake
In Lake, you play as Meredith Weiss, a burned-out programmer who returns to her hometown of Providence Oaks, Oregon, in 1986 for a break and agrees to work as a mail carrier for a few weeks. You deliver mail around the town and interact with residents. The storylines are warm and organic, based on interactions with the local community and focused on women, echoing the tone of the TV show.
Platforms: PlayStation, Xbox, Nintendo Switch, Steam
Everyone went to the Rapture
While this game is more of a grim sci-fi detective story than a cozy community story like Call the Midwife , the gameplay centers on immersing yourself in the lives of a small community in the village of Yawton in Shropshire. Everyone in the town has mysteriously disappeared, and it’s up to you to discover the cause. As you wander the town, you can interact with various objects and forces to witness recreated events and gradually piece together the truth. Along the way, you’ll get to know Yawton and its inhabitants better.
Platforms: PlayStation
Two Point Hospital
One of the subtle pleasures of Call the Midwife is watching the medical staff grapple with the logistical challenges of running a local clinic with limited resources. While Two-Point Hospital is visually distinct and doesn’t explore the serious themes of the series, it perfectly captures the complexities of running a medical facility for a group of charming individuals. The style is light and cartoonish, but the challenges are real and will remind you of the daily grind at Nonnatus House.
Platforms: PlayStation, Xbox, Nintendo Switch, Steam
Thank God you’re here!
If you truly enjoy the often ridiculous and hilarious antics of the locals of Poplar, you’ll love Thank Goodness You’re Here! This largely plotless game casts you as a traveling merchant wandering the northern English town of Barnsworth, interacting with its colorful inhabitants. As you meet people, you have the opportunity to help them solve various problems. By the end of this cozy, cartoonish game, you’ll gain a deep understanding of the town and a collection of surreal, funny adventures, conveyed in a richly detailed comic style.
Platforms: PlayStation, Xbox, PC, macOS, Nintendo Switch, Steam
The best podcasts like Call of the Midwife
If you’re looking to dive deeper into the story and characters of Call the Midwife , or just want to enjoy the show, here are a few podcasts you might enjoy.
Call the midwife
Want to just relax and listen to passionate fans (from both sides of the Atlantic) discuss the show? Recall the Midwife is perfect. This unofficial, fan-created podcast breaks down the series episode by episode and celebrates all things Midwife , offering both American and British perspectives on the characters and issues raised. Despite being 100% home-grown, it has become one of CTM’s most popular podcasts.
Stories from the TV series “Call the Midwife”
This official BBC podcast expands its focus by interviewing fans from around the world who share how Call the Midwife has impacted their lives, resonated with their own experiences with health and medicine, or inspired discussions about social issues. It’s not so much an analysis of the show as a celebration of its impact and the love it has earned from viewers. If you’re looking to connect with the show’s global fan community, this is a great place to start.
Home Front
If you’re looking for more touching, character-driven historical novels that explore the resilience and sense of community found in British citizens, the Home Front podcast is an ideal choice. Each episode tells a fictional story set during the First World War, detailing how ordinary people coped with the hardships, dangers, and anxieties of that war. Featuring characters from all walks of life, the podcast gradually builds a vivid picture of the emotional and spiritual survival of an entire nation in the face of sheer horror.
The History Chicks
If watching “Call the Midwife” has you interested in the often overlooked (or simply untold) role of women in history and social change, this podcast will help you catch up. Each episode tells the life story of one remarkable woman, from birth to death, often highlighting how important and significant these women were to their communities and the world at large.
Midnight Radio
This work of fiction is inspired by both the old-fashioned radio broadcasts of the 1950s and the small-town life that once reigned around them. It’s both a ghost story and a love story, a light, nostalgic journey that celebrates and explores the joys of community while telling the heartbreaking story of two women separated by more than just time.