The beloved BBC period drama Call the Midwife has long captivated audiences with its heartfelt storytelling, rich historical context, and unforgettable characters. As Season 15, set to premiere in early 2026, films in the sweltering UK heat of July 2025, a behind-the-scenes moment has sparked a frenzy among fans. Georgie Glen, the fan-favorite actress who plays the prim and proper Miss Millicent Higgins, shared a playful video on the show’s official Instagram, showcasing a Marilyn Monroe-inspired look that’s as cheeky as it is iconic. Captioned “Hottest day of the year on set!🥵☀️ Here’s Miss Higgins doing her best Marilyn Monroe impression in front of the cast fan cooler,” the clip captures Glen channeling the Hollywood legend’s sultry charm, complete with a flowing skirt and a coy pose. This lighthearted glimpse into the set’s camaraderie, combined with the show’s evolving narrative, has fans buzzing about what Season 15 holds. This article offers a detailed analysis of this viral moment, its ties to the series’ themes, the cultural significance of Marilyn Monroe’s influence, and how Call the Midwife continues to balance historical drama with modern appeal as it moves into the 1970s.

The Viral Moment: Georgie Glen’s Marilyn Monroe Impression

On July 1, 2025, the official Call the Midwife Instagram account shared a 30-second video that set social media ablaze. In it, Georgie Glen, clad in Miss Higgins’ signature 1970s attire—a neatly pressed blouse and skirt—stands in front of a large fan on the set, battling what was reported as the UK’s hottest day of the year. With a mischievous grin, Glen lets her skirt flutter upward, mimicking Marilyn Monroe’s iconic subway grate scene from The Seven Year Itch (1955). The caption reads, “Hottest day of the year on set!🥵☀️ Here’s Miss Higgins doing her best Marilyn Monroe impression in front of the cast fan cooler…” Fans flooded the comments with praise, with remarks like “Oh cheeky Miss Higgins but cool too” and “The content Instagram was built for,” reflecting the joy this playful moment brought.

The video, filmed during a break in production at Longcross Studios in Surrey, showcases Glen’s humor and the cast’s camaraderie. As Miss Higgins, a no-nonsense secretary at Nonnatus House, Glen typically embodies restraint and professionalism, making this lighthearted nod to Monroe’s glamorous sensuality a delightful contrast. The fan cooler, a practical necessity on a sweltering set, became a prop for this impromptu homage, highlighting the show’s ability to find humor amid the grind of filming. As Collider reported, “Spirits were up as the future of Call the Midwife looks positive,” with this behind-the-scenes glimpse reinforcing the cast’s familial bond.

This moment isn’t just a fun aside; it ties into the broader evolution of Call the Midwife as it enters the 1970s, a decade of cultural upheaval and changing gender norms. Marilyn Monroe, a symbol of 1950s and early 1960s femininity, represents a bridge between the show’s earlier seasons and its new era, where characters like Miss Higgins begin to embrace more liberated expressions of self. The Monroe-inspired look, though playful, underscores the series’ knack for weaving historical context with modern relatability, a hallmark that has kept it a global hit for over a decade.

The Context: Call the Midwife Season 15 and the 1970s Shift

Call the Midwife, created by Heidi Thomas and based on Jennifer Worth’s memoirs, has chronicled the lives of midwives and nuns in London’s East End since its 2012 debut. Starting in 1957, each season advances a year, with Season 15 set in 1971, marking the show’s entry into a vibrant new decade. The series, produced by Neal Street Productions, has tackled issues like poverty, immigration, and medical advancements, earning critical acclaim for its emotional depth and historical accuracy. As of August 2025, it has aired 123 episodes across 14 seasons, with Season 15 and a two-part Christmas special in production, ensuring its place on screens until at least 2026.

Season 15 promises to delve deeper into the social changes of the 1970s, including the rise of hospital births and NHS reforms, which challenge the midwives of Nonnatus House. The show’s Instagram teased “distant troubles, wild celebrations, new beginnings, sad reunions, and a few sore heads” for the Christmas special, set partly in Hong Kong, suggesting a blend of global and local narratives. This aligns with the series’ history of addressing contemporary issues, from the Thalidomide tragedy in Season 5 to racial integration in Season 7, always through the lens of Poplar’s tight-knit community.

Miss Higgins, introduced in Season 8, has become a beloved character for her sharp wit and hidden warmth. Georgie Glen, a Scottish actress known for roles in Waterloo Road and Les Misérables, brings depth to Higgins, who evolves from a stern administrator to a figure of quiet compassion. Her Marilyn Monroe moment, while lighthearted, reflects the loosening social constraints of the 1970s, where women like Higgins could express playfulness without sacrificing authority. This ties into the season’s broader themes, as characters navigate shifting gender roles and personal freedoms.

Marilyn Monroe’s Cultural Significance in Call the Midwife

Marilyn Monroe, born Norma Jeane Mortenson in 1926, remains an enduring icon of beauty, vulnerability, and rebellion. Her role in The Seven Year Itch, particularly the subway grate scene, cemented her as a sex symbol, but her influence extended beyond glamour. As Wikipedia notes, Monroe was “an emblem of the era’s sexual revolution,” challenging 1950s conservatism with her unapologetic femininity. By 1971, her legacy was still potent, especially in the UK, where her films inspired women embracing newfound freedoms.

In Call the Midwife, Monroe’s influence resonates as a symbol of transformation. The show’s earlier seasons, set in the 1950s and 1960s, coincided with Monroe’s peak fame, and Season 15’s 1971 setting captures a moment when her image was being reinterpreted through a feminist lens. Glen’s playful imitation, with a skirt billowing like Monroe’s iconic white dress, is a nod to this cultural shift. It’s fitting for Miss Higgins, whose character arc reflects subtle empowerment— from a buttoned-up secretary to someone comfortable enough to joke on set. As one Instagram fan commented, “Miss Higgins channeling Marilyn is so cheeky but cool too,” highlighting how this moment bridges the character’s reserved nature with a playful nod to a liberated icon.

The Monroe reference also connects to the show’s recurring use of pop culture to ground its historical setting. Previous seasons featured music like Tommy Steele’s “Elevator Rock” and references to 1960s trends, and Season 15’s 1970s backdrop likely incorporates similar touches. The behind-the-scenes video suggests a lighter tone amid the season’s heavier themes, reflecting Call the Midwife’s balance of drama and humor.

Standout Plot Points: What to Expect in Season 15

While specific Season 15 plot details remain under wraps, promotional materials and cast interviews offer clues about its direction. The season, set in 1971, continues to explore the midwives’ challenges as hospital births rise, straining Nonnatus House’s resources. The Christmas special, partly set in Hong Kong, introduces a “mercy mission” for senior staff, leaving younger midwives to manage Poplar’s demands. This global subplot, as HELLO! reported, promises “distant troubles” and “new beginnings,” suggesting a narrative that stretches beyond the East End.

Key returning characters include Jenny Agutter as Sister Julienne, Judy Parfitt as Sister Monica Joan, Helen George as Trixie Franklin, Laura Main as Shelagh Turner, Stephen McGann as Dr. Patrick Turner, and Cliff Parisi as Fred Buckle. Georgie Glen’s Miss Higgins is expected to play a pivotal role, with her administrative skills anchoring Nonnatus House amid chaos. The show’s Instagram hinted at “sad reunions” and “sore heads,” pointing to emotional storylines, possibly involving Trixie’s personal struggles or Sully’s health, given past cliffhangers.

The Marilyn Monroe moment, while a behind-the-scenes gem, reflects Season 15’s lighter side. Filming updates from Radio Times describe a set “full of loveable actors,” with Glen’s playful act showcasing the cast’s ability to find joy despite grueling conditions. This aligns with the show’s history of balancing heavy topics—like Season 13’s cerebral palsy and TB storylines—with moments of levity, such as Sister Monica Joan’s quirky wisdom or Fred’s comedic antics.

Speculated plot points for Season 15 include:

Maggie’s Legal Battle: Drawing from Season 14’s themes of workplace challenges, Maggie may face professional hurdles as a female neurosurgeon, echoing real-world gender struggles of the 1970s.

Cal and Maggie’s Romance: Their slow-burn relationship, teased in Season 14, likely deepens, with Chad Michael Murray hinting at “hurdles” that test their bond.

Sully’s Health Crisis: Following Season 14’s fire, Sully’s survival may lead to health-related drama, impacting Maggie’s reconciliation efforts.

Community Resilience: The Hong Kong mission and Poplar’s evolving demographics could introduce new characters, reflecting the 1970s’ multicultural shifts.

These threads promise the emotional depth fans expect, with the Monroe-inspired moment offering a glimpse of the cast’s ability to keep spirits high.

Comparisons to Virgin River: A Shared Emotional Core

Sullivan’s Crossing and Virgin River, both based on Robyn Carr’s novels, share a DNA of small-town romance and healing. Like Mel Monroe in Virgin River, Maggie Sullivan flees a big-city crisis for a rural refuge, finding love and community. However, Sullivan’s Crossing distinguishes itself with its “coming home” narrative, as Maggie reconciles with her past rather than starting anew. The Nova Scotia setting, with its rugged coastline, contrasts Virgin River’s lush California forests but serves a similar role as a restorative backdrop.

Both shows feature slow-burn romances—Mel and Jack in Virgin River, Maggie and Cal in Sullivan’s Crossing—and ensemble casts that flesh out their communities. Sullivan’s Crossing’s Indigenous representation and Canadian identity add unique flavor, as does its focus on familial reconciliation over Virgin River’s romantic focus. Fans on Reddit note, “Sullivan’s Crossing feels like Virgin River but with a stronger family vibe,” though some critique its “sappier” moments compared to Virgin River’s tighter pacing.

Reception and Cultural Impact

Sullivan’s Crossing has soared on Netflix, hitting the U.S. Top 10 within weeks of its July 2025 debut. Season 3, slated for August 11, follows CTV’s strong ratings, with Season 2 as Canada’s top drama of 2023-24. Rotten Tomatoes reports an 82% critic score, with The New York Times calling it “a cozy escape” and Paste Magazine praising its “predictable but heartfelt” storytelling. Audience scores average 7.2/10 on IMDb, with fans lauding the scenery and cast but noting occasional “cartoonish” plot points, like Maggie’s impromptu surgery.

Social media buzz, amplified by posts like “Sullivan’s Crossing is my new Virgin River fix!” on X, highlights its appeal as comfort TV. The Indigenous narratives, via the Cranebears, resonate for addressing Canada’s history thoughtfully, as Carr noted: “They added depth I wish I’d included.” The series taps into the romance genre’s resurgence, alongside Bridgerton and Sweet Magnolias, offering a female-led story of empowerment and second chances.

Behind the Scenes: Crafting a Canadian Gem

Produced by Reel World Management, CTV, and Fremantle, Sullivan’s Crossing benefits from Roma Roth’s vision. Filming in Nova Scotia’s Halifax and Peggy’s Cove adds authenticity, with the coastline as a “character,” per Variety. Challenges included adapting the Colorado setting and navigating the 2023 writers’ strike, but Roth’s use of Canadian talent ensured continuity. The cast’s preparation—Kohan studying neurosurgery, Murray delving into Cal’s psyche—enhances the performances, while Carr’s involvement as a consultant kept the adaptation faithful yet fresh.

Why Sullivan’s Crossing Is Unmissable

Sullivan’s Crossing is a heartfelt triumph, blending Virgin River’s romance with a Canadian soul. Its themes of healing, love, and community, set against Nova Scotia’s stunning vistas, make it a perfect binge. Maggie’s journey, the cast’s chemistry, and emotional peaks like the Season 2 finale deliver a cozy yet powerful drama. Stream Seasons 1 and 2 on Netflix, with Season 3 dropping August 11, 2025, and let Timberlake’s magic sweep you away.