Photo: Call the Midwife BBC/NealStreetProductions

With series 12 of Call the Midwife just around the corner (premiering Sunday, March 19 on PBS) and series 13 wrapping filming this Spring, news out of the BBC that has the long-running series being renewed through 2026 (series 14 and 15) has cast, crew and fans around the world overjoyed.

While the first season was set in 1957, with Jessica Raine starring as new midwife Jenny Lee, the original narrative that was based on the memoirs of Jennifer Worth, who worked with the Community of St. John the Divine at their convent in the East End in London, ended with series 3.

Through the brilliant mind palace of creator Heidi Thomas, Call the Midwife has since extended far beyond that as seasons 13, 14 and 15 with take the bicycle-riding midwives of Nonnatus House into the 70s.

Helen George as Nurse Trixie Franklin in Call the Midwife. Photo: BBC/NealStreetProductions

Over the last 11 years, the drama has seen cast members come and go, but plenty of familiar faces are still kicking about, including Jenny Agutter (Sister Julienne), Judy Parfitt (Sister Monica Joan), Helen George (Trixie Franklin), Laura Main (Shelagh Turner), Stephen McGann (Dr Patrick Turner) and Cliff Parisi (Fred Buckle).

Call the Midwife creator/writer Heidi Thomas said of the news, “Call the Midwife is the pride and joy of all who work on it, but it’s our fantastic, loyal audience that matters most. We are a family behind the scenes, on the screen, and in front of the telly, and I’m thrilled that we’re all heading into the 1970’s together.”

Call the Midwife S12 premieres Sunday, March 19 at 8pET/7pCT on PBS.