'Groundbreaking' One Born Every Minute to return after almost 10 years – and there's good and bad news
It was originally axed by Channel 4 in 2018
One Born Every Minute is returning to TV almost 10 years after its original run ended on Channel 4. However, it’s coming with a change you may not like.
Channel 4 has produced some of the best documentaries, whether it’s 24 Hours in Police Custody or Catching a Killer, or films like Molly vs the Machines and Dogging Tales.
One Born Every Minute is arguably its most iconic show. The “fly-on-the-ward” docu-series, chronicling the highs and lows of a maternity ward, achieved record-high ratings throughout its 2010-2018 tenure.
As viewership started to slip, it was axed after 11 series. Soon, it’ll return… but not on Channel 4.
One Born Every Minute announces return on E4 years after it was cancelled
One Born Every Minute is returning with 12 new episodes. However, the series will air on E4, not Channel 4.
It’s unclear exactly why it’s moved to E4. Its relaunch could be used to assess demand and whether it could return to Channel 4.
“A new generation of viewers will be able to follow the intimate, emotional journey of childbirth in 12 new episodes,” a Channel 4 press release reads.
“This latest series returns to capture modern Britain, highlighting evolving family dynamics, advances in maternity care, and the real-life challenges faced by NHS staff in 2026. The series will bring fresh stories, diverse voices, and a contemporary perspective to the timeless experience of childbirth.”
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Don’t expect many other changes, beyond its new channel. It’ll still be a “fixed rig” multi-camera series that “stays true to its original format”.
Fans ‘can’t wait’ for One Born Every Minute return
The news has been met with plenty of excitement. “I can’t wait I absolutely love one born every minute I watch all the old ones over and over again,” one user commented.
“Brilliant news, love this show,” another wrote, in between all of the comments from fans tagging their friends and family.
In a statement, Vivienne Molokwu, Senior Commissioning Editor, Reality & Entertainment and Commissioning Lead for E4, said: “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 rollercoaster 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 Dragonfly TV, also said: “There’s such affection for One Born Every Minute, and we’re thrilled to return to it. 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 for an E4 audience.”
When is One Born Every Minute coming back?
New episodes of One Born Every Minute will be filmed later this year.
This could indicate a late 2026 release, or it may not be released until sometime in 2027.
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