‘Call the Midwife’ season 4 official for PBS, even without Jessica Raine

While there has not been a whole lot said about “Call the Midwife” since the end of its third season in America, we do come bearing at least a little bit more news now from the TCA Summer Press Tour, which PBS was a part of today: The show will officially be back on the network in 2015.

It was confirmed that season 4 will premiere on Sunday, March 29, with the irony here being that we still do not know for sure when the series will premiere on the BBC in Great Britain. This will be the first season without star Jessica Raine, who departed to pursue other opportunities following the previous finale.

In a statement announcing this pickup news, PBS’ Chief Programming Executive and General Manager Beth Hoppe had the following to say:

“CALL THE MIDWIFE is a heartwarming journey that has also been a tremendous success for PBS, and we look forward to a remarkable Season 4 … CALL THE MIDWIFE has played a major role in cementing PBS as a destination for drama on Sunday nights, and we are pleased the relationship with our BBC and Neal Street partners will continue with gripping new stories on Season 4.”

While this is not a show that has necessarily become a smash hit on the network since it first aired there a la “Downton Abbey,” it has become a little bit of a sleeper sensation. The ratings are at least solid, and there is such an interest in British history that the show consistently has a loyal following.