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The Best Episodes of Call the Midwife

Every episode of Call the Midwife ranked from best to worst. Let's dive into the Best Episodes of Call the Midwife!

Binge this in 4d 2h•Peaking at 8.7/10

Drama following the lives of a group of midwives working in the poverty-stricken East End of London during the 1950s, based on the best-selling memoirs of Jennifer Worth.

Airs on
BBC One
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Episode Rankings

  1. #1 Fan Favorite
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    Call the Midwife Season 8 Episode 1 - Episode 1
    8.7/10(422 votes)

    #1 - Episode 1

    S8:E1

    Nonnatus House welcomes two new nuns. Valerie deals with a shocking case that arrives unexpectedly, and the other midwives must handle a complicated multiple birth.

    Director:Sydney Macartney
    Writer:Unknown

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  2. Call the Midwife Season 5 Episode 1 - Episode 1
    8.6/10(483 votes)

    #2 - Episode 1

    S5:E1

    When a baby is born with severe deformities of the kind later identified as caused by the drug thalidomide, the midwives find it difficult to handle the situation, and the baby's father rejects her completely, to his wife's dismay. Trixie's new sideline as a keep fit instructor brings her into conflict with Sister Julienne, and she also becomes suspicious of the relationship between Barbara and Tom. Rather than return to Wales as her mother wishes, Delia moves into Nonnatus House.

    Director:Sydney Macartney
    Writer:Unknown

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  3. Call the Midwife Season 6 Episode 2 - Episode 2
    8.5/10(434 votes)

    #3 - Episode 2

    S6:E2

    An explosion at the docks brings heartache to the people of Poplar, whilst Sister Ursula continues to ruffle feathers with her unpopular decisions.

    Director:Sheree Folkson
    Writer:Unknown

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  4. Call the Midwife Season 9 Episode 1 - Episode 1
    8.5/10(370 votes)

    #4 - Episode 1

    S9:E1

    Dr Turner and Nurse Crane must deal with an alarming outbreak of diphtheria. Fred finds an abandoned baby in a dustbin, and the team must help locate its mother.

    Director:Kate Cheeseman
    Writer:Heidi Thomas

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  5. Call the Midwife Season 10 Episode 6 - Episode 6
    8.5/10(295 votes)

    #5 - Episode 6

    S10:E6

    It’s September 1966, and at clinic Trixie is tasked with examining a desperate woman who is pregnant with her fifth child. Trixie learns that her patient’s personal life is far from stable, compelling her to speak out publicly. However, the results garner mixed reactions from Nonnatus House and the community. Dr Turner and Sister Frances are entrusted to help a mother-to-be who refuses medical care through her final weeks of pregnancy, and Nancy Corrigan reveals a secret about her background that could threaten her relationship with Sister Julienne and Nonnatus House.

    Director:Afia Nkrumah
    Writer:Andrea Gibb

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  6. Call the Midwife Season 11 Episode 1 - Episode 1
    8.5/10(322 votes)

    #6 - Episode 1

    S11:E1

    Demolition work in Poplar uncovers a long-buried secret that leads to a testing and emotional case for the team. Sister Julienne takes on a sensitive delivery.

    Director:Anne Tricklebank
    Writer:Heidi Thomas

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    7. Trending NowTRENDING NOW

    The 20 WORST Episodes of Call the Midwife

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  7. Call the Midwife Season 11 Episode 2 - Episode 2
    8.5/10(292 votes)

    #7 - Episode 2

    S11:E2

    At the monthly cytology clinic, Sister Frances comforts a young woman who is struggling with a life-changing diagnosis. Lucille supports a difficult mother.

    Director:Noreen Kershaw
    Writer:Nicola Wilson

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  8. Call the Midwife Season 11 Episode 3 - Episode 3
    8.5/10(293 votes)

    #8 - Episode 3

    S11:E3

    Shelagh organises a special celebration to mark 100 years since the Order first arrived in Poplar - although Sister Hilda feels that she should have been in charge of the festivities. Nancy tackles the plight of meths drinkers living rough in Poplar, and Nurse Crane treats a young singer who is torn between two very different futures.

    Director:Thomas Hescott
    Writers:Heidi Thomas, Jonathan Harvey

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  9. Call the Midwife Season 11 Episode 4 - Episode 4
    8.5/10(272 votes)

    #9 - Episode 4

    S11:E4

    Sister Hilda and Dr Turner support a young father with a lung condition whose wife is planning a home birth, and discover he is also coping with the repercussions of a past trauma. Cyril looks for a job that will put his qualifications to good use, a first-time mother struggles to bond with her daughter, and Fred comes up with a way to keep the wards cool during a summer heatwave.

    Director:David O'Neill
    Writer:Lena Rae

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  10. Call the Midwife Season 11 Episode 8 - Episode 8
    8.5/10(347 votes)

    #10 - Episode 8

    S11:E8

    Nonnatus House faces its darkest day after a tragic incident in the heart of Poplar. As the community rallies together, the team must overcome personal anguish to help the injured.

    Director:David Tucker
    Writer:Heidi Thomas

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  11. Call the Midwife Season 12 Episode 1 - Episode 1
    8.5/10(273 votes)

    #11 - Episode 1

    S12:E1

    April 1968. Racial tensions cast a shadow over Poplar, Nancy’s eyes are opened when she supports a dying woman, and Nonnatus House welcomes a new sister.

    Director:Sydney Macartney
    Writer:Heidi Thomas

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  12. Call the Midwife Season 12 Episode 2 - Episode 2
    8.5/10(229 votes)

    #12 - Episode 2

    S12:E2

    Sister Julienne helps care for a first-time mother who is going through a challenging diagnosis. Lucille struggles with her own health, and Poplar celebrates the Whitsun Maypole.

    Director:Sydney Macartney
    Writer:Lena Rae

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  13. Call the Midwife Season 12 Episode 3 - Episode 3
    8.5/10(221 votes)

    #13 - Episode 3

    S12:E3

    Sister Veronica is shaken when a mother reveals a terrible truth about her marriage, whilst Shelagh cares for a baby with a life-threatening condition and Nancy harbours a secret.

    Director:Sarah Esdaile
    Writer:Nicola Wilson

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  14. Call the Midwife Season 12 Episode 4 - Episode 4
    8.5/10(219 votes)

    #14 - Episode 4

    S12:E4

    The maternity home is thrown into chaos by an outbreak of gastroenteritis, and Nurse Crane fights to save her career. Meanwhile, Cyril encourages Reggie to seek help.

    Director:Corin Campbell-Hill
    Writer:Lucy Catherine

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  15. Call the Midwife Season 12 Episode 5 - Episode 5
    8.5/10(214 votes)

    #15 - Episode 5

    S12:E5

    A pregnant mother with a chronic heart condition falls unwell, Nancy grows suspicious of a young father’s erratic behaviour, and Matthew prepares for a visit from his father.

    Director:James Larkin
    Writer:Heidi Thomas

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  16. Call the Midwife Season 12 Episode 6 - Episode 6
    8.5/10(223 votes)

    #16 - Episode 6

    S12:E6

    Trixie supports an underage mother through a difficult time, Monica Joan welcomes an unusual guest to Nonnatus House, and Sister Veronica spearheads a new council initiative.

    Director:David Tucker
    Writer:Sally Abbott

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  17. Call the Midwife Season 12 Episode 7 - Episode 7
    8.5/10(209 votes)

    #17 - Episode 7

    S12:E7

    Poplar’s housing crisis deepens, bringing a sad case to the attention of the team, whilst a worrying disease outbreak directly impacts the residents of Nonnatus House.

    Director:Ruth Platt
    Writer:Lisa Holdsworth

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  18. Call the Midwife Season 5 Episode 5 - Episode 5
    8.4/10(458 votes)

    #18 - Episode 5

    S5:E5

    Turner and Shelagh are at the forefront of the advances in medical technology, and begin a campaign to ensure better respiratory health for their patients. However, Timothy fears their own lifestyle is not good for them and tries to encourage his parents to give up smoking. Violet injures her back and is forced to leave the shop in Fred's hands, a decision that strengthens their relationship but which proves to have other, unforeseen consequences. A new mother's past comes to light, with devastating repercussions for her family. Nurse Crane draws on her own experiences to help her.

    Director:Lisa Clarke
    Writer:Unknown

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  19. Call the Midwife Season 5 Episode 7 - Episode 7
    8.4/10(421 votes)

    #19 - Episode 7

    S5:E7

    The introduction of the contraceptive pill is welcomed by Dr Turner, but some of his colleagues are less keen on the idea. Patsy tries to help a bargee who wants to give birth among her own community rather than in a maternity ward. Nurse Crane deals with an emergency during a storm, and a familiar face returns to Nonnatus House - but has been changed by her time away.

    Director:Darcia Martin
    Writer:Unknown

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  20. Call the Midwife Season 6 Episode 6 - Episode 6
    8.4/10(401 votes)

    #20 - Episode 6

    S6:E6

    Valerie Dyer cares for a pregnant Somali woman and is shocked by aspects of this unfamiliar culture. The nuns and midwives try to provide the best care for Sister Mary Cynthia.

    Director:James Larkin
    Writer:Unknown

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  21. Call the Midwife Season 7 Episode 5 - Episode 5
    8.4/10(410 votes)

    #21 - Episode 5

    S7:E5

    Lucille must win the trust of a mother who is terrified of giving birth. Nurse Crane and Dr Turner are anxious to find a possible smallpox sufferer.

    Director:Rebecca Johnson
    Writer:Unknown

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  22. Call the Midwife Season 7 Episode 6 - Episode 6
    8.4/10(394 votes)

    #22 - Episode 6

    S7:E6

    Barbara gets involved with a recently widowed pregnant woman, and Sister Monica Joan has her cataract surgery.

    Director:Emma Sullivan
    Writer:Unknown

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  23. Call the Midwife Season 1 Episode 6 - Episode 6
    8.3/10(620 votes)

    #23 - Episode 6

    S1:E6

    When Chummy's imperious mother visits and disapproves of Peter Noakes, Chummy defies her mother and has her wedding on her own terms. Senile Sister Monica Joan is arrested for shoplifting.

    Director:Jamie Payne
    Writer:Heidi Thomas

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  24. Call the Midwife Season 2 Episode 1 - Episode 1
    8.3/10(593 votes)

    #24 - Episode 1

    S2:E1

    Jenny celebrates her birthday with Chummy and the girls, but soon after finds herself taking care of a patient in an abusive marriage.

    Director:Philippa Lowthorpe
    Writer:Unknown

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  25. Call the Midwife Season 3 Episode 4 - Episode 4
    8.3/10(568 votes)

    #25 - Episode 4

    S3:E4

    Jenny has an eventful few days, starting with a patient who as well as having herself to worry about, is also struggling to cope with her mother, an agoraphobic who hasn't been outside for at least 12 years. On top of that, Alec asks the midwife to accompany him to Brighton for the weekend, leaving her wondering if his intentions are strictly honourable. However, things soon take a tragic turn. Meanwhile, Shelagh joins the local choir to take her mind off her problems.

    Director:Juliet May
    Writer:Unknown

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Best Episodes Summary

"Episode 1" is the best rated episode of "Call the Midwife". It scored 8.7/10 based on 422 votes. Directed by Sydney Macartney and written by Unknown, it aired on 1/13/2019. This episode scored 0.1 points higher than the second highest rated, "Episode 1".