These poignant and lightly humorous episodes are based on Jennifer Worth’s memoirs about midwifery in East London in the 1950's. The nurses and nuns that run Nonnatus House are well developed, and I especially adore nurse Chummy Browne’s fish out of water storylines. Sister Monica Jean’s aging-but -still -feisty storyline is also very affecting. The plots of some of the episodes can get a little heavy since we are dealing with 1950’s obstetrics and gynecology, so be prepared for messy births, unhealthy mothers and children, and frank discussion of Catholicism vs. birth control. I discovered this series by looking for something similar to Downton Abbey, without being as much of a soap opera. If you’re a fan of period pieces with lots of heart, try the first season of Call the Midwife.