The Return of One Born Every Minute
One Born Every Minute is set to make a triumphant return to Channel 4, seven years after it was initially axed. This observational documentary series has captivated audiences for over a decade, following the emotional and intimate journeys of maternity wards from 2010 to 2018. Now, a new generation of viewers will have the opportunity to witness the raw and unpredictable moments of childbirth in 12 brand-new episodes. These episodes will be filmed later this year and are scheduled to air on E4.
The show previously filmed at Princess Anne Hospital in Southampton before moving to The Women’s Hospital in Edgbaston for its final two series. However, the program was shelved in 2019 due to a significant drop in viewership, with only 600,000 people tuning in compared to five million when it first launched. Despite this setback, the series is now making a comeback to capture the evolving family dynamics, advancements in maternity care, and the real-life challenges faced by NHS staff in 2026.
Once again, the series will be filmed using fixed-rig cameras to follow the unfiltered experiences of expectant families and the medical teams who support them. Staying true to its original format, One Born Every Minute will continue to focus on the labor and birth processes in delivery rooms during this life-changing period.
Vivienne Molokwu, Senior Commissioning Editor, Reality & Entertainment, and Commissioning Lead for E4, expressed her excitement about the return: “Nearly 10 years on, we feel very privileged to once again follow the journey that parents embark on as they welcome their babies to the world. We know the roller coaster of emotions that this period brings is something that will really resonate with the E4 audience, and we cannot wait for our viewers to see how the digital age has reshaped how families navigate this stage of life.”
Will Rowson, Co-Creative Director at show producers Dragonfly TV, added: “There’s such affection for One Born Every Minute. In the years it’s been away, so much around pregnancy and maternity care has changed, making this an exciting moment to reimagine the show.”
The show, which focuses on the activities of maternity units, previously won a BAFTA for best factual series. In addition to over 91 episodes of the UK edition, the documentary series has also spawned American and French versions of the show. With its return, One Born Every Minute is set to once again provide a compelling and emotional look into the world of childbirth and family life.
