4. Call the Midwife
Number of seasons: 7 (so far)
Who it stars: Jennifer Agutta, Laura Main, Vanessa Redgrave, and Stephen McGann are among the lead cast.
What it’s about: As the title suggests, Call the Midwife takes you through the tales of a group of midwives. The twist is the show is set in the 1950s, showing you the life and times of midwives post-World War II Britain.
Call the Midwife doesn’t shy away from the topical stories of the time, bringing to life problematic pregnancies, the stigma against certain mothers, and back alley abortions. This is a stark reality told in an entertaining way, focusing on the cases of the week and the character development of the midwives and doctors.
Why watch it: When you want something that is meaningful and important Call the Midwife is the series to watch. The seven-season show (so far) has excellent character development and shocking storylines. It’s not afraid to show the real truths of the time period, truths that many people don’t want to admit happened.
If the period setting is one of the things you love about Outlander, it’s going to be what you love about Call the Midwife. You’ll also get females taking charge and caring for the sick, very much like Claire Fraser.
The series is also based on truth, adapted from Jennifer Worth’s memoirs. It adds an element of book adaptation, which is something you know sold you on Claire and Jamie’s tale.