BBC viewers were left “crying their eyes out” by the emotional Christmas special of an “underrated” drama that many believe “should have taken Mrs Brown’s Boys’ place in the TV schedule.” The December 25, 2025, episode of Call the Midwife—the long-running period drama set in 1960s Poplar—delivered a festive installment blending joy, loss, and resilience that struck a profound chord, earning widespread praise as “the most heartbreaking yet beautiful Christmas TV in years.” Fans flooded social media, with #CallTheMidwifeChristmas trending globally and over 1 million posts declaring it superior to lighter fare like Brendan O’Carroll’s sitcom.

The special, Season 14’s holiday episode, followed the Nonnatus House midwives amid 1969’s social changes. Highlights included Sister Julienne (Jenny Agutter) facing retirement doubts, Trixie (Helen George) returning from New York with marital strains, and a poignant storyline of a young mother losing her baby. The episode’s climax—a community carol service where grief turned to hope—left viewers devastated. “I was sobbing—pure heartbreak wrapped in love,” one tweeted (@MidwifeFanUK, 100k likes).

Critics hailed its depth: “Call the Midwife’s Christmas special is TV at its best—emotional without manipulation” (The Guardian). Comparisons to Mrs Brown’s Boys—a staple with slapstick humor—intensified: “Why schedule comedy when this masterpiece exists?” fans raged, suggesting the drama’s “real tears” deserved prime slot.

Creator Heidi Thomas: “Christmas is joy and sorrow intertwined—we honor both.” Cast like Agutter and George praised the “family” atmosphere.

As ratings soared (8 million viewers), Call the Midwife reminds: heartfelt storytelling endures. Underrated no more—this special redefined holiday TV.