Call the Midwife Season 13: Release, Cast & Where to Watch

Fans of the long-running British drama have plenty to celebrate with Call the Midwife Season 13. After the UK broadcast wrapped in March 2024, American viewers finally got their chance with a PBS premiere on March 17, 2024 — and the season delivers eight new episodes set in 1969. Whether you’ve been watching since Season 1 or just discovered the show, here’s everything you need to know about catching up or starting fresh.

Premiere Date (PBS): March 17, 2024 · Episodes: 8 · BBC Air Dates: January 7 to March 3, 2024 · Setting Year: 1969 · Network: BBC One / PBS

The table below summarizes key facts about Call the Midwife Season 13, including air dates and episode count.

What happens in series 13 of Call the Midwife?

Season 13 picks up in 1969 Poplar, East London, where the midwives of Nonnatus House face new challenges. A central storyline introduces a new midwifery training scheme that brings trainee nurses into the fold. Episode 1 follows the team as they begin this program while also assisting a mother with cerebral palsy through childbirth. The season weaves together multiple patient stories, including the ongoing presence of the Shining Tabernacle church community and a storyline centered on pregnant Edna.

The baby boom narrative continues as the series explores how the community grows and changes during this period. According to TV Guide, Episode 13.8 (the finale) features a request from the Turners, revelations about Millicent’s past, and Poplar’s Mother of the Year celebration. Creator Heidi Thomas returns as writer and overseer, with directors including Syd Macartney and David Tucker.

Key storylines

• New midwifery training scheme at Nonnatus House
• Home birth focus reflecting 1969 medical practices
• Assistance for mothers with disabilities
• Community and faith-based storylines with Shining Tabernacle

What is the Call the Midwife season 13 release date?

The UK broadcast ran first on BBC One, with the series premiere on January 7, 2024. The eight-episode season concluded on March 3, 2024, according to the Call the Midwife Wiki. US audiences had to wait until March 17, 2024, for the PBS premiere on WPBS-TV and the PBS Masterpiece Channel. According to Collider, PBS Passport members could stream episodes starting February 16, 2024 — 30 days before broadcast.

The PBS run extended longer than the UK version, with episodes airing Sundays from March 17 to May 5, 2024. This gave American viewers a more compressed weekly schedule after the longer UK run.

BBC airing schedule

• Series premiere: January 7, 2024
• Weekly BBC One broadcast
• Series finale: March 3, 2024

PBS premiere

• Episode 1 aired: March 17, 2024 at 8 p.m. ET
• Weekly on WPBS-TV and PBS Masterpiece
• PBS finale: May 5, 2024

Who is in the cast of Call the Midwife season 13?

The core cast returns for Season 13. Jenny Agutter continues as Sister Julienne, a role she’s held since Season 1. Helen George returns as Trixie Aylward, while Laura Main plays Shelagh Turner and Stephen McGann portrays Dr. Patrick Turner. Judy Parfitt remains in the cast as Sister Monica Joan.

Newcomers join the ranks of Nonnatus House. Renee Bailey plays Joyce Highland and Natalie Quarry portrays Rosalind Clifford, both appearing as trainee nurses in the new training program. According to Wide Open Country, the series also features returning actors Daniel Laurie as Reggie Jackson (debuted Season 6), Zephryn Taitte as Cyril Robinson, and Georgie Glen as Miss Higgins (both debuted Season 8).

Olly Rix appears in all of Season 13 as Matthew Aylward, despite earlier rumors suggesting his departure, according to Town & Country. This confirms Trixie’s husband remains part of the season.

Returning characters

• Jenny Agutter as Sister Julienne (Season 1)
• Helen George as Trixie Aylward (Season 1)
• Laura Main as Shelagh Turner
• Stephen McGann as Dr. Patrick Turner
• Judy Parfitt as Sister Monica Joan

Dr. Turner family

The Turner family remains central to the show. Dr. Patrick Turner and Shelagh Turner continue their roles as doctor and nun-turned-wife, with their son Timothy also appearing in the household.

New additions

• Renee Bailey as Joyce Highland (trainee nurse)
• Natalie Quarry as Rosalind Clifford (trainee nurse)

Where to watch Call the Midwife season 13?

US viewers can watch Call the Midwife Season 13 through PBS. Episodes aired Sundays at 8 p.m. ET on WPBS-TV and the PBS Masterpiece Channel. Streaming availability was limited to PBS.org and the PBS app, with episodes remaining available until May 28, 2024. PBS Passport members had early access to stream episodes starting February 16, 2024.

For UK viewers, BBC One aired the season with episodes available on BBC iPlayer after broadcast. The service typically makes episodes available for 30 days following their initial airing.

Streaming options

• PBS Masterpiece Channel (US)
• PBS.org and PBS app
• BBC iPlayer (UK)

PBS availability

The season aired exclusively on PBS in the United States. According to WPBS-TV’s station announcement, the premiere drew attention as “the critically acclaimed British drama” returned for its 13th season.

Netflix status

As of now, Call the Midwife is not available for streaming on Netflix in the US. The series remains primarily tied to PBS platforms. Previous seasons have appeared on Netflix internationally in some regions, but no confirmed plans exist for Season 13 on Netflix.

Is there a season 14 of Call the Midwife?

BBC confirmed Call the Midwife has been renewed for both Seasons 14 and 15 in February 2023, according to Town & Country. Production on Season 14 is reportedly underway, though PBS has not yet announced specific premiere dates for US audiences.

Helen George is reportedly set to return as Trixie Aylward in Season 14, though detailed storyline information remains under wraps. The show continues under creator Heidi Thomas’s guidance.

Season 14 details

• Production confirmed and reportedly in progress
• Helen George’s return reportedly confirmed
• Specific episode count to be announced

Trixie return

Reports indicate Trixie Aylward will appear in Season 14, though the full extent of her involvement remains unclear. Fans can expect Helen George to continue the role she has played since Season 1.

Season 15 outlook

BBC’s early renewal for both seasons signals confidence in the show’s continued viability. According to Wikipedia, 133 episodes have aired by the conclusion of Series 15, reflecting the show’s longevity as a cornerstone of Sunday night television.

For American fans who missed the UK broadcast, the PBS premiere on March 17, 2024, opened the door to eight new episodes set in 1969. Whether you stream through PBS Passport or catch the weekly broadcast, the wait is over. And with Seasons 14 and 15 already confirmed, there’s more Poplar to look forward to down the road.