he BBC’s emotional new drama, Babies, arrives on our screens tonight, and you might want to put it on your watchlist.

The series, described as a “compelling” and “urgent” love story, stars Siobhán Cullen (Bodkin) and Paapa Essiedu (Harry Potter) as a young couple on their heartbreaking journey to parenthood.

It’s safe to say viewers are in for a gripping watch. The series is penned and directed by Stefan Golaszewski, who is no stranger to bringing relatable and emotional dramas to our screens. His previous credits include the BAFTA-winning sitcoms Him & Her and Mum, as well as the relatable relationship drama Marriage. 

Keep reading to find out more…

man and woman outside doctor's office© BBC/Snowed-In/Amanda Searle
Paapa Essiedu and Siobhán Cullen star in the drama

What is Babies about?

The drama follows Lisa and Stephen, a couple in their 30s trying for a baby, as they face the unimaginable grief of pregnancy loss and navigate the strain it places on their relationship.

man and woman on bus© BBC/Snowed-In/Sam Taylor
The series follows Lisa and Stephen, a couple in their 30s trying for a baby

The series is described as a “warm and touching drama which explores the delicate tightrope of love and loss in a young couple’s desire to become parent”.

The synopsis continues: “Lisa and Stephen are dealing with the painful struggle of pregnancy loss while life continues around them. However, despite facing dark times of grief and loneliness, they are finding their way through it with a burning sense of hope, humour, and love, realising the strength of their relationship, which will ultimately bring them closer than ever.”

Meanwhile, Charlotte Riley (The Peripheral, Press) and Jack Bannon (Pennyworth, Pulse) play Amanda and Dave – a new couple navigating their own challenges and testing their compatibility.

Amanda (CHARLOTTE RILEY) in Babies© BBC/Snowed-In/Amanda Searle
Charlotte Riley plays Amanda in the show

The synopsis concludes: “Their complex relationship, set against Lisa and Stephen’s ongoing pregnancy journey, begins to expose cracks in Stephen and Dave’s long-standing friendship.”

Leading actress Siobhán drew on guidance from midwives as well as conversations with women in her life who had experienced pregnancy loss. “Many of them have gone through something similar to Lisa and they were very generous in sharing their experiences and the journey to becoming a parent,” she told the BBC.

Stephen (PAAPA ESSIEDU);Lisa (SIOBHÁN CULLEN) in Babies© BBC/Snowed-In/Amanda Searle
The series is available to stream on BBC iPlayer now

What are critics saying about the show?

The series has been met with positive reviews, with The Guardian describing the six-parter as a “beautiful drama,” while the Radio Times praised the leading performances as “heartbreaking” and hailed the show as a “masterclass”.

How to watch Babies

All six episodes of Babies are available to stream on BBC iPlayer now. Episode one airs on BBC One on Monday 30 March at 9pm.