10 Heartwarming Period Dramas Like ‘Call the Midwife’ to Binge-Watch Now
10 Heartwarming Period Dramas Like 'Call the Midwife' to Binge-Watch Now
For many television viewers, Call the Midwife isn’t just a period drama; it’s a comforting weekly ritual. Its unique blend of heartwarming human stories, resilient female characters, and a poignant look at post-war East London has cemented its place as a beloved staple. The series masterfully balances the hardships of the era with an unwavering sense of hope, community, and the quiet heroism of everyday lives. If you find yourself yearning for more narratives that explore compassion, social change, and the enduring power of connection, you’re in luck. There’s a rich tapestry of other period dramas that evoke the same gentle charm and profound emotional depth. We’ve curated a list of 10 exceptional shows that share Call the Midwife’s spirit, perfect for your next binge-watching session.
The enduring appeal of ‘Call the midwife’ and its genre siblings
What makes Call the Midwife so incredibly captivating? It’s more than just its meticulous historical detail or its portrayal of the evolving medical practices of the 1950s and 60s. The show truly shines in its exploration of human resilience, the unbreakable bonds of sisterhood and community, and its compassionate approach to often difficult social issues. Viewers are drawn to its authentic characters who face life’s challenges with courage and grace, finding joy and connection amidst poverty and change. The series reminds us of the importance of empathy, support, and the fundamental human need to care for one another. This deep-seated warmth and focus on community and character-driven storytelling are precisely what define the other period dramas that will fill the void once you’ve caught up with Nonnatus House.
Echoes of community and resilience in bygone eras
Carrying forward the torch of heartwarming community spirit and strong character development, several other series offer a similar escape. These shows often explore simpler times, focusing on the everyday lives of people striving to build connections and overcome adversity in their respective historical settings.
- Lark Rise to Candleford: Set in the late 19th century, this charming BBC series beautifully depicts the intertwining lives of two Oxfordshire communities – the humble hamlet of Lark Rise and the more affluent market town of Candleford. Through the eyes of young Laura Timmins, it explores themes of social change, class differences, and the enduring power of friendship and family. Its gentle humor and endearing characters make it an instant comfort watch.
- The Durrells: Based on Gerald Durrell’s Corfu trilogy, this sun-drenched series transports viewers to the 1930s as a quirky English family relocates to the Greek island. Full of eccentric characters, stunning scenery, and delightful animal encounters, it’s a story about finding one’s place, embracing the unexpected, and the unbreakable bonds of family, even when they drive each other mad.
- All Creatures Great and Small (2020 series): A delightful modern adaptation of James Herriot’s beloved books, this show follows a young vet in 1930s Yorkshire. With its picturesque landscapes, charming animal stories, and a wonderful ensemble cast, it captures the essence of community, compassion, and the quiet dignity of rural life. It shares Call the Midwife’s knack for combining gentle humor with profound emotional moments.
Beyond the immediate neighborhood: tales of growth and transformation
While some dramas root themselves in familiar village life, others expand their scope to explore individual journeys of self-discovery and societal transformation, all while maintaining that characteristic heartwarming touch. These stories often feature spirited protagonists navigating new worlds and challenging conventions.
- Anne with an E: A visually stunning and emotionally rich adaptation of Anne of Green Gables, this series delves deeper into Anne Shirley’s journey as an imaginative orphan who finds a home on Prince Edward Island in the late 19th century. It tackles complex themes like identity, prejudice, and finding your voice, all wrapped in a narrative of fierce love and unwavering hope.
- Cranford: Featuring an ensemble of Britain’s finest actresses, this delightful adaptation of Elizabeth Gaskell’s novels paints a vivid picture of a small, gossipy Cheshire town in the 1840s. It beautifully portrays the lives of its predominantly female inhabitants, their friendships, rivalries, and resilience in the face of change, offering both humor and pathos.
- The Paradise: Set in the late 1800s, this series follows Denise Lovett, a young woman from the countryside who finds work in the first department store in England. It’s a tale of ambition, romance, and the dawn of modern consumerism, seen through the eyes of a determined and intelligent woman navigating a world of opportunities and challenges.
Here’s a quick glance at some of these heartwarming period dramas:
| Show Title | Setting | Key Themes | Why you’ll love it (like CTM) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Lark Rise to Candleford | Late 19th Century English Countryside | Community, social change, friendship | Gentle pace, endearing characters, strong female bonds |
| The Durrells | 1930s Corfu, Greece | Family, adaptation, nature, eccentricity | Warmth, humor, finding home, character-driven storytelling |
| All Creatures Great and Small | 1930s Yorkshire Dales, England | Community, compassion, rural life, quiet heroism | Heartwarming animal stories, charming characters, empathy |
| Anne with an E | Late 19th Century Prince Edward Island, Canada | Identity, imagination, belonging, social justice | Strong female lead, emotional depth, overcoming adversity |
| Cranford | 1840s Cheshire, England | Community, tradition vs. change, female friendships | Ensemble cast, gentle humor, poignant human stories |
| The Paradise | Late 19th Century England (department store) | Ambition, romance, class, societal change | Strong female protagonist, period detail, human drama |
Courage, compassion, and change in compelling historical narratives
Finally, we round out our list with shows that, while perhaps focusing on different scales of historical impact, still resonate with the same themes of courage, compassion, and the human spirit adapting to change, much like the midwives of Poplar.
- Victoria: This lavish series chronicles the early reign of Queen Victoria, from her ascension to the throne to her marriage to Prince Albert. It humanizes the monarch, showing her struggles with duty, love, and leadership. Viewers will appreciate the focus on a strong female figure navigating a male-dominated world, much like the Nonnatus House sisters.
- Gentleman Jack: Based on the real diaries of Anne Lister, a remarkable landowner and industrialist from 19th-century Yorkshire, this show is a powerful and witty portrayal of a woman defying societal expectations. Her pursuit of love, business, and an unconventional life is both inspiring and deeply moving.
- Upstairs Downstairs (2010 series): A revival of the classic series, this version is set shortly after World War II, much like Call the Midwife, and depicts the lives of both the aristocratic family and their servants at 165 Eaton Place. It provides a fascinating glimpse into class dynamics, social change, and personal struggles during a pivotal historical period.
- When Calls the Heart: Set in a small coal-mining town on the Canadian frontier in the early 20th century, this series follows a young teacher who leaves her privileged life to teach in a rustic community. It’s a story of hope, resilience, and the building of a new life through faith, friendship, and strong community bonds, echoing the warmth found in Poplar.
If you’re a devoted fan of Call the Midwife, the good news is that the heartwarming world of period dramas is vast and welcoming. From the sun-drenched shores of Corfu to the bustling streets of Victorian England and the rugged Canadian frontier, these 10 series offer a similar blend of compelling historical settings, richly drawn characters, and narratives that celebrate community, resilience, and the indomitable human spirit. Whether you crave tales of strong women, charming village life, or stories that illuminate the everyday struggles and triumphs of bygone eras, there’s a perfect binge-watch waiting for you. Dive in and discover your next favorite escape, where compassion and connection are always at the heart of the story.
Related posts
Image by: cottonbro studio
https://www.pexels.com/@cottonbro