Poster for Call the Midwife

Call the Midwife (2012) Parents Guide: Is the series OK for kids?

Age Rating, Sex, Violence & Language

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.

TV-PG • 2012 • 15 seasons

7.5
200+
Average rating by Bontent members
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Age
10+

Set in London's East End from the 1950s onward, this long-running drama is beloved for its compassionate tone but earns its rating with frank depictions of medical realities and mature social issues. The primary reason for caution is the consistent, sometimes bloody and intense, portrayal of childbirth, surgical procedures, and medical emergencies, which can be emotionally stressful to watch. The series also unflinchingly tackles heavy… Sign up for the full guide

Cast

Vanessa Redgrave
Vanessa Redgrave
Helen George
Helen George
Jenny Agutter
Jenny Agutter
Judy Parfitt
Judy Parfitt
Cliff Parisi
Cliff Parisi
Stephen McGann
Stephen McGann
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Is Call the Midwife appropriate for kids?

Set in London's East End from the 1950s onward, this long-running drama is beloved for its compassionate tone but earns its rating with frank depictions of medical realities and mature social issues. The primary reason for caution is the consistent, sometimes bloody and intense… Read more — free account

Content severity in Call the Midwife Sign up for season-by-season breakdown

Substances Strong 6/10
Language Mild 2/10
Sex/Nudity Strong 6/10
Violence/Gore Strong 6/10
Mature Themes Intense 8/10

Sex and nudity in Call the Midwife

Sexual content is not explicitly shown, but implied or discussed in the context of midwifery. This includes scenes of married couples showing affection or implying intimacy. The introduction of the contraceptive pill in the final episode brings discussions about women's reproductive health and changing societal norms. Childbirth scenes depict mothers in various states of undress, but are handled respectfully and medically. There is a storyline involving a young man with learning difficulties who is implied to have…

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Violence and gore in Call the Midwife

Violence is generally mild, primarily involving the medical realities of childbirth which can be intense and graphic (e.g., blood, medical instruments, difficult deliveries). An explosion at the docks results in visible injuries and distress among the community. One scene depicts a physical altercation between two women which is brief and not graphic. Domestic strife and historical abuse are discussed but not graphically shown.

Language in Call the Midwife

Mild infrequent language is present, consistent with the series' overall tone. Words like 'ass' or 'whore' may be heard in context, usually spoken by characters experiencing distress or referring to harsh realities of their lives, but are not used frequently or gratuitously.

Mature themes in Call the Midwife

This season tackles significant mature themes, including the devastating long-term effects of thalidomide on children and families, mental health struggles (such as Sister Mary Cynthia's anxiety and depression, leading to her institutionalization), disability, grief, poverty, social change (like the availability of contraception), and medical ethics. Prejudice against various groups, including a Somali woman and a family with a child with learning difficulties, is also explored.

Scary moments in Call the Midwife

No standout scary moments have been catalogued for Call the Midwife yet. Because this title is recommended for younger kids, sign up to get community-flagged jump scares, tense scenes, and startling imagery as parents submit them.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Is Call the Midwife appropriate for kids?

Bontent's parent guide suggests Call the Midwife is best for ages 10+. It's rated TV-PG. Set in London's East End from the 1950s onward, this long-running drama is beloved for its compassionate tone but earns its rating with frank depictions of medical realities and mature social issues. The primary reason…

What age rating does Call the Midwife have?

Call the Midwife is rated TV-PG. Bontent's independent parent guide recommends it for ages 10+.

What is Call the Midwife about?

Set in London's East End from the 1950s onward, this long-running drama is beloved for its compassionate tone but earns its rating with frank depictions of medical realities and mature social issues. The primary reason for caution is the consistent, sometimes bloody and intense, portrayal of childbirth, surgical…

How many seasons does Call the Midwife have?

Call the Midwife has 15 seasons covered in this parent guide. Sign up to see a season-by-season breakdown.

Is there sex or nudity in Call the Midwife?

Our reviewers didn't note meaningful sexual content across Call the Midwife.

How violent is Call the Midwife?

Violence isn't a standout concern across Call the Midwife per our reviewers.

Is the language in Call the Midwife appropriate for kids?

Strong language isn't flagged across Call the Midwife.

Are drugs, alcohol, or smoking shown in Call the Midwife?

Drug, alcohol, and smoking depictions are minimal across Call the Midwife.

What mature themes appear in Call the Midwife?

Heavy thematic material isn't a defining feature of Call the Midwife.

Where can I read the full Call the Midwife parent guide?

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