In the ever-crowded landscape of British crime dramas, where shows like Broadchurch, Happy Valley, and Line of Duty have set impossibly high bars, a new contender has emerged that’s not just matching the giants but, according to some critics and fans, surpassing them. Patience, the gripping new series that premiered on PBS in the United States and Channel 4 in the UK, has quickly become a sensation. With a stellar 92% critics’ score on Rotten Tomatoes—equaling the acclaimed first season of Broadchurch—and viewers raving about its emotional depth and innovative storytelling, Patience is being hailed as a fresh take on the genre. But what makes this show stand out in a sea of detective procedurals? Let’s dive into the details of this neurodiverse mystery thriller that’s leaving audiences breathless and clamoring for more.
At its core, Patience follows the unlikely partnership between Detective Inspector Bea Metcalf, played by the versatile Laura Fraser (A Knight’s Tale, Breaking Bad), and Patience Evans, a brilliant but socially challenged criminal archivist portrayed by breakout star Ella Maisy Purvis (Heartstopper). Set against the picturesque yet shadowy backdrop of York, England, the series explores how these two women—one a seasoned, no-nonsense cop juggling personal demons, and the other an autistic young woman with an extraordinary knack for pattern recognition—team up to solve baffling crimes that have stumped the police force.
The plot kicks off when Bea stumbles upon Patience in the bowels of the Yorkshire Police records department. Patience, who has spent her days meticulously cataloging evidence, reveals herself as a self-taught criminologist with an uncanny ability to connect dots others miss. In the premiere episode, she links a seemingly straightforward suicide—a man who self-immolates after withdrawing £8,000 and discarding it—to a string of other “suicides” that don’t add up. This revelation propels Patience out of her comfort zone and into the chaotic world of active investigations, where her talents shine but her autism presents real challenges.
What sets Patience apart isn’t just its intriguing cases—ranging from a body vanishing from a morgue to a murder tied to fossil smuggling and even eco-terrorism—but its sensitive and authentic portrayal of autism. Purvis, who is autistic herself, brings a raw authenticity to the role, depicting Patience as someone who thrives on order, puzzles, and headphones to block out overwhelming stimuli, yet struggles with social cues, physical touch, and the unpredictability of fieldwork. The show doesn’t shy away from the burnout Patience experiences when pushed beyond her limits, nor does it reduce her to a stereotype. Instead, it weaves her neurodivergence into the narrative as a strength, much like how The Good Doctor or Sherlock have done, but with a more nuanced, female-centric lens.
Critics have praised this aspect profusely. One review noted that “although the focus on [Patience and Bea’s relationship] might come at the expense of other characters getting the development they deserve, Patience and Bea’s relationship is what leads the Season 1 finale to wrap up on a high note.” Another highlights the “thoughtful exploration of autism” and Purvis’s “wonderful first leading role,” emphasizing how the chemistry between the leads elevates the material. Other reviews echo this sentiment, with one calling it “a worthwhile addition to the crime drama ranks” that fits into the genre while offering something fresh through character-driven storytelling rather than convoluted plots.
The supporting cast adds layers to the ensemble. Mark Benton plays the affable yet skeptical DS Darren J. Bransford, providing comic relief and grounding the team dynamics. Ali Ariaie appears as a fellow officer, while recurring characters like Dr. Loretta Parsons offer insights into Patience’s world through her autism support group. These scenes, where group members discuss real-world challenges like disclosing diagnoses at work, add educational value without feeling preachy, though some critics have noted the dialogue can occasionally veer into “public information film” territory.
Patience is an adaptation of the acclaimed Franco-Belgian series Astrid et Raphaëlle, which has run for five seasons and explores similar themes with greater depth in character backstories and social awkwardness. Created by Laurent Burtin and Alexandre de Seguins, the British version, penned by Matt Baker (Hotel Portofino), condenses the formula into a tighter, six-episode first season. While some viewers familiar with the original lament the remake’s “rushed” feel and less empathetic portrayal—calling it a “poor imitation”—others appreciate it as a standalone piece, especially for its York setting, which is rarely featured in crime dramas. Filming primarily occurred in Belgium in 2024, with exterior shots in York to capture the city’s historic charm, from dinosaur displays in museums to shadowy bus rides.
Production-wise, Patience is a co-venture between Eagle Eye Drama, PBS Distribution, Beta Film, and Belgium’s Happy Duck Films, with support from the Belgian Tax Shelter. It premiered on Channel 4 on January 8, 2025, with all episodes dropping immediately on their streaming platform, allowing for binge-watching. In the US, it arrived on PBS in June 2025, quickly gaining traction. The show’s renewal for a second season was announced before its US debut, with filming commencing in May 2025 and Jessica Hynes (Doctor Who, Bridget Jones) joining the cast, promising expanded storylines.
Reception has been overwhelmingly positive, though not without caveats. On Rotten Tomatoes, the series holds a 92% critics’ score based on early reviews, with an 82% audience score—figures that rival Broadchurch‘s peak. Fans on social media and IMDb describe it as “intense” and “emotionally devastating,” with one viewer noting, “I didn’t expect to cry over a murder mystery, but Patience hit me like a freight train.” Advocacy groups have commended the authentic casting and depiction of autism, stating it shows “people on the spectrum can be complex, emotional, and heroic.” However, detractors point to plot holes, like a hotel maid escaping questioning due to language barriers, and argue the adaptation doesn’t delve as deeply as the original into neurodivergence.
Comparisons to Broadchurch are inevitable and flattering. Both feature dysfunctional detective duos—David Tennant and Olivia Colman in Broadchurch, Fraser and Purvis here—tackling small-town mysteries with emotional undercurrents. But while Broadchurch thrives on community grief and shocking twists, Patience excels in quieter, reflective moments, focusing on personal growth and acceptance. As one review puts it, it’s “cozy” in its vision of a world where differences are understood and valued, without the blanket-and-tea discussions typical of cozier mysteries like Midsomer Murders. Viewers who enjoy Vera or Shetland will find familiar comforts, but with a modern twist on inclusivity.
The series also touches on broader themes, like ADHD in Bea’s son and the ethics of neurodivergence in high-stakes jobs. Episodes blend humor—such as Patience’s unexpected Spanish translation skills aiding a Belize-linked clue—with tension, like her being questioned as a suspect after a personal connection to a victim. The finale teases unresolved arcs, building anticipation for Season 2.
In a genre often criticized for formulaic plots, Patience stands out by prioritizing character over convolution. It’s not revolutionary in its mysteries, but its heartfelt exploration of autism, stellar performances, and atmospheric setting make it a must-watch. As autism representation in media remains scarce, especially for women, Patience breaks barriers, proving that diversity can drive compelling narratives. With Season 2 on the horizon, this British import—available on PBS and Channel 4 streaming (and potentially Netflix in select regions, as some reports suggest)—is poised to become a staple. If you’re tired of predictable procedurals, give Patience a shot; it might just restore your faith in the genre.
