‘Call the Midwife’ Season 15 Premieres Early on PBS Passport: 1971 Poplar Returns with Heart and History

By Sophia Chen, Arts & Entertainment Correspondent New York – February 24, 2026

North American fans of the cherished British period drama Call the Midwife received an early holiday gift this week. Season 15 is now streaming exclusively for PBS Passport members, with episodes dropping Fridays starting February 20, 2026—more than a month before the official broadcast premiere on Sunday, March 22, 2026, at 8/7c.

The early-access rollout allows Passport subscribers to immerse themselves in the new season immediately, watching ahead of the weekly Sunday airings on local PBS stations. Once an episode debuts on broadcast television, it transitions to free on-demand availability via PBS.org and the PBS app (available through June 9, 2026). Passport-exclusive early episodes will eventually be removed from the streaming service after their broadcast debut, encouraging members to savor the head start.

cdalondon.com

Call The Midwife – S15 – CDA

Set against the backdrop of 1971 East London, Season 15 captures a pivotal moment in social history as the Women’s Liberation movement gains momentum. The dedicated midwives and nuns of Nonnatus House embrace themes of empowerment and equality while facing the era’s medical and societal challenges head-on. Storylines tackle serious issues including premature births, the lingering effects of slavery, carbon monoxide poisoning, male breast cancer, child abuse, lupus, and tuberculosis—always with the series’ signature blend of compassion, realism, and emotional resonance.

digitalspy.com

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The full ensemble returns to deliver the heartfelt performances that have made Call the Midwife a PBS cornerstone. Helen George reprises her role as the elegant and principled Trixie Franklin (née Aylward), whose journey continues to evolve.

whattowatch.com

Helen George: Trixie is back in Call the Midwife, but she’s ‘aghast’ at all the changes | What to Watch

Stephen McGann is back as the steadfast Dr. Patrick Turner, with Laura Main as his supportive wife Shelagh. Jenny Agutter returns as the compassionate Sister Julienne, Linda Bassett as the pragmatic Nurse Phyllis Crane, and Judy Parfitt as the wise and eccentric Sister Monica Joan.

The younger generation of midwives also shines: Megan Cusack as the warm Rosalind Clifford, Natalie Quarry as the determined Joyce Highland, and Zephryn Taitte in key supporting roles. The season promises richer character development, meaningful reunions, and deeply moving personal arcs that highlight the unbreakable bonds within the Nonnatus community.

whattowatch.com

Call the Midwife season 15: cast, plot, latest news and all we know | What to Watch

PBS describes the new season as “heartfelt, dramatic, and emotion-filled,” emphasizing how the midwives navigate changing times with unwavering dedication to their patients. The opening episode sees Nurse Crane, Trixie, Rosalind, and Joyce attending a women’s liberation meeting, setting the tone for explorations of gender roles, autonomy, and progress. Subsequent stories balance high-stakes medical cases with tender moments of human connection, reminding viewers why the series has endured for over a decade.

televisionacademy.com

Call the Midwife’s Labor of Love | Television Academy

Since its 2012 premiere—adapted from Jennifer Worth’s bestselling memoirs—Call the Midwife has captivated audiences with its authentic depiction of midwifery, historical detail, and ability to address difficult subjects with grace and empathy. Produced by Neal Street Productions for the BBC and co-produced in the U.S. by PBS, the show consistently ranks among public television’s top performers.

thetottenhamindependent.co.uk

BBC Call The Midwife: Real story of Nonnatus House | Tottenham Independent

The early Passport release has already generated buzz among subscribers, with social media filled with praise for the convenient binge option. “Finally—early access means I can watch without waiting!” one viewer posted. Others expressed excitement for specific character arcs and the season’s timely themes of women’s rights and community support.

For non-Passport viewers, the traditional weekly broadcasts begin March 22, with episodes streaming free shortly after airing. Whether catching up early or savoring the Sunday tradition, Season 15 invites audiences back to Poplar for another chapter of care, courage, and connection.

Which Nonnatus House favorite are you most eager to follow this season? The midwives are ready to deliver.