Call The Midwife

I'm a big fan because there is nothing else like it, and despite the sugar as you say, there still are the grim realities of life in that part of London even in the so called swinging sixties.

My only gripe is the doctor and his 'wholesome' family. I almost thought he might be killed off to add some realism, as he seemed to be clutching his chest a lot. At least the older son was absent for the festivities.

Otherwise my eyes were wet at the birth of those babies which is always the point of the drama really.

I look forward to the new series now. I don't think I've missed an episode since the beginning!

Yes I watched it
I read the book many years ago
Always thought the series was a bit "saccharine" right from the start.
Back in the 70s I was a unmarried mother, although I was living with my baby's father, who had a good job, we had our own home and money wasn't a problem.
At my first ante natal appointment the midwives couldn't have been more rude and unkind. I was immediately sent to the social worker, who didn't understand why as I didn't need her help.
My future appointments weren't pleasant. The day after my son was born a very stern matron came up to me looked into his crib and loudly asked "are you keeping this child or putting him up for adoption"

All very different from episodes shown on Call the Midwife where they show nuns and midwives to show such compassion for young unmarried mums

But it's easy viewing

I agree, it’s a bit too much but I actually shed a tear when Reggie was still clutching his plant under the blanket.😭

Saccharine was the word, definitely.

How many more times will Nonnatus House be ‘on the brink’, but somehow keep going?

Jenny Agutter looks not much older than when it all started, obviously the religious life helps you keep your youth.

I qualified as a registered nurse in 1969 , so this is very much my era, but I do think the programme has sunk to saccharine levels too and perhaps it has had its day. I trained in Birmingham and remember visiting new mothers in really dreadful conditions in parts of the city, with no running water and outside toilets. So although the story line may be real, the "always happy" endings were, unfortunately not usual.