In the ever-evolving landscape of British crime dramas, Netflix’s latest offering, Patience, has stormed onto the scene, earning a 92% critics’ score on Rotten Tomatoes and drawing fervent praise from viewers who claim it left them breathless. Premiering on June 15, 2025, after debuting on PBS in the U.S. and Channel 4 in the UK, this UK-set mystery has been hailed as a potential new benchmark in the genre, rivaling the iconic Broadchurch at its peak. With its gripping plot, haunting performances, and jaw-dropping twists, Patience has sparked comparisons to Broadchurch, Happy Valley, and Line of Duty, while carving its own path with a quieter, more introspective tone. This article delves into the series’ narrative, characters, themes, production, and reception, analyzing why Patience is being called better than Broadchurch and whether it truly deserves its crown as the new king of British crime drama.

The Premise: A Tale of Crime and Compassion

Set in the misty, moody landscapes of Yorkshire, Patience follows Patience Evans (Ella Maisy Purvis), an autistic archivist with an extraordinary knack for uncovering hidden truths, and Detective Inspector Bea Metcalf (Laura Fraser), a seasoned cop haunted by her past. The series, created by Sophie Petzal (Blood), spans six episodes in its first season, each weaving a complex tapestry of a chilling murder case that unravels a web of secrets in a tight-knit community. Unlike Broadchurch, which centered on the explosive grief of a small town rocked by a child’s murder, Patience takes a more reflective approach, focusing on the personal toll of crime and the nuances of human connection.

The narrative begins when a young woman’s body is found in a Yorkshire moor, her death initially deemed a suicide but soon revealed as a murder tied to a broader pattern of violence. Patience, who works in the local police records office, stumbles upon discrepancies in the case files, drawing her into an uneasy partnership with Bea. Together, they navigate a labyrinth of suspects, from a secretive vicar to a prominent local businessman, while grappling with their own personal demons. The series’ strength lies in its dual focus: the meticulous unraveling of the mystery and the emotional journey of its protagonists, particularly Patience’s navigation of her autism in a world that often misunderstands her.

Each episode, clocking in at approximately 50 minutes, builds tension through layered storytelling, with flashbacks and shifting perspectives that deepen the mystery. The Season 1 finale, described by Collider’s Isabella Soares as leaving “plenty of questions hanging,” sets the stage for a second season, which Channel 4 greenlit in May 2025 before the series even hit U.S. screens. This bold move underscores the confidence in Patience’s staying power, a sentiment echoed by fans who have taken to social media to proclaim, “I forgot to breathe watching this.”

Characters and Performances: A Stellar Ensemble

At the heart of Patience is Ella Maisy Purvis, an autistic actor whose portrayal of Patience Evans has been hailed as “mesmerizing” and “long overdue.” Purvis, in her first leading role, delivers a performance that balances vulnerability and strength, capturing Patience’s hyper-focused analytical skills and her struggles with social interactions. Critics and advocacy groups have praised the series for its authentic depiction of autism, with one UK organization stating, “Patience has done in six episodes what most networks haven’t achieved in decades—shown that people on the spectrum can be complex, emotional, and heroic.” Purvis’s chemistry with Laura Fraser’s Bea Metcalf anchors the series, creating a dynamic partnership that rivals Broadchurch’s Alec Hardy (David Tennant) and Ellie Miller (Olivia Colman).

Fraser, known for Breaking Bad and Better Call Saul, brings a weathered intensity to Bea, a detective grappling with the loss of her brother to a past case. Her performance is both understated and powerful, conveying a woman torn between duty and personal trauma. The supporting cast, including Jamie Sives as a suspicious local businessman and Anjli Mohindra as a tenacious journalist, adds depth to the community’s unraveling secrets. The addition of Jessica Hynes (Doctor Who) for Season 2, announced during filming in May 2025, promises to elevate the ensemble further, with her role yet to be revealed.

The characters’ emotional depth sets Patience apart from its peers. While Broadchurch leaned on the collective grief of a community, Patience focuses on individual struggles, particularly Patience’s journey to assert her agency and Bea’s battle with guilt. This character-driven approach, combined with standout performances, has fueled comparisons to Broadchurch’s acclaimed first season, which also scored 92% on Rotten Tomatoes.

Thematic Depth: Breaking Barriers in Representation

Patience distinguishes itself through its thoughtful exploration of autism, a rarity in mainstream crime dramas. Patience’s neurodivergence is not a gimmick but a core aspect of her character, informing her investigative prowess and her interactions with others. The series avoids stereotypes, portraying her as a three-dimensional figure whose hyper-attention to detail—described as “her superpower”—solves cases but also isolates her socially. This nuanced depiction has drawn praise from autism advocacy groups, who commend the show for challenging misconceptions and highlighting the heroism of neurodivergent individuals.

The series also tackles themes of trauma, community, and justice. Bea’s backstory, revealed through poignant flashbacks, explores the ripple effects of unresolved grief, paralleling the community’s response to the murders. Unlike Broadchurch’s focus on media frenzy and small-town scandal, Patience delves into quieter, more personal aftermaths, with scenes of families grappling with loss that “hit like a freight train,” as one fan tweeted. The show’s exploration of systemic failures—such as overlooked evidence in police archives—mirrors Line of Duty’s critique of institutional corruption but grounds it in emotional stakes.

Gender dynamics play a significant role, with Patience and Bea challenging the male-dominated world of policing. Their partnership, built on mutual respect rather than hierarchy, offers a fresh take on the detective duo trope, contrasting with Broadchurch’s more combative Hardy-Miller dynamic. The series’ Yorkshire setting, with its stark moors and close-knit villages, amplifies the sense of isolation and secrecy, serving as a character in its own right.

Production Values: A Cinematic Triumph

Patience’s production values rival the best of British television, with cinematography by Sam McCurdy (Peaky Blinders) capturing the haunting beauty of Yorkshire’s landscapes. The series’ visual palette—muted greens and grays punctuated by stark blood-red accents—creates a gothic atmosphere that complements its dark narrative. The score, composed by Carly Paradis (Line of Duty), blends haunting piano melodies with tense strings, amplifying the emotional intensity without overpowering the dialogue.

Filming took place across Yorkshire, including Hebden Bridge and the North York Moors, with locations chosen for their atmospheric bleakness. The production, led by World Productions (Bodyguard), spared no expense in creating authentic period details, from 2020s-era police stations to Patience’s cluttered archive office. Director Lisa Mulcahy (Blood) brings a restrained yet dynamic style, balancing intimate character moments with pulse-pounding crime scenes. The attention to detail, from Patience’s meticulous note-taking to Bea’s weathered trench coat, immerses viewers in the story’s world.

Critical and Audience Reception: A New Gold Standard?

Patience has garnered a 92% critics’ score on Rotten Tomatoes, matching Broadchurch Season 1’s peak and surpassing its later seasons (87% for Season 2, 98% for Season 3). Collider’s Isabella Soares gave the series a 7/10, praising its “thoughtful exploration of autism” and the “perfect chemistry” between Purvis and Fraser. She noted that the Season 1 finale “adds to the anticipation of a continuation of Patience’s arc,” suggesting the series’ strength lies in its character-driven storytelling. Other critics have echoed this, with The Guardian calling it “a masterclass in understated drama” and Variety lauding its “refreshing take on the genre.”

Audience reactions have been equally fervent, with an 82% Popcornmeter score on Rotten Tomatoes. On X, fans have raved about the series’ emotional intensity, with one user tweeting, “Patience is so intense I forgot to breathe. Better than Broadchurch—and I didn’t think that was possible!” Another described it as “a freight train of emotions,” highlighting its ability to blend heart-wrenching drama with a tightly wound mystery. The series’ focus on autism has sparked widespread praise, with advocacy groups and viewers commending its authenticity and sensitivity.

However, some critiques exist. A few reviewers have noted that the pacing can feel deliberate, particularly in early episodes, and the reliance on flashbacks occasionally disrupts the narrative flow. Compared to Broadchurch, which leaned on sensationalism, Patience’s quieter tone may not appeal to viewers seeking high-octane action. Yet, as one critic put it, “Broadchurch made you gasp; Patience makes you feel,” encapsulating its emotional resonance.

Comparisons to Broadchurch and the Genre Canon

The comparison to Broadchurch is inevitable, given their shared 92% Rotten Tomatoes scores and focus on community-driven mysteries. Broadchurch Season 1, which premiered in 2013, captivated audiences with its raw portrayal of a small town’s grief following a child’s murder, earning universal acclaim for its performances and writing. Patience matches this score but distinguishes itself with its introspective approach and groundbreaking representation. While Broadchurch leaned on media frenzy and explosive revelations, Patience explores personal aftermaths, making it closer in tone to Happy Valley’s character-driven drama.

In the broader crime genre, Patience holds its own against heavyweights like Line of Duty and The Fall. Its focus on an autistic protagonist sets it apart, offering a fresh perspective in a field often dominated by formulaic detective tropes. The series’ Yorkshire setting and emotional depth draw parallels to Happy Valley, while its meticulous pacing recalls The Killing. However, Patience’s emphasis on representation and quieter stakes makes it a unique entry, potentially redefining the genre.

The Renewal and Future Prospects

Channel 4’s decision to greenlight Season 2 before Patience’s U.S. premiere reflects confidence in its global appeal. Filming began in May 2025, with Jessica Hynes joining the cast, hinting at an expansion of the series’ scope. The renewal aligns with Netflix’s strategy of investing in British dramas, following successes like The Crown and Sex Education. With Broadchurch ending in 2017, Patience fills a void for fans craving emotionally resonant crime stories.

Season 2 is expected to delve deeper into Patience’s personal growth and Bea’s unresolved trauma, with new mysteries tied to the first season’s cliffhanger. The addition of Hynes suggests a high-profile antagonist or ally, potentially elevating the stakes. Given the series’ critical and audience acclaim, it has the potential to become a long-running phenomenon, much like Midsomer Murders or Line of Duty.

Why Patience Resonates

Patience’s success lies in its ability to balance a gripping mystery with profound character studies. The series’ authentic portrayal of autism, anchored by Purvis’s stellar performance, breaks new ground, offering representation that resonates with viewers and advocates alike. Its emotional intensity, described by fans as “so intense you forget to breathe,” stems from its focus on personal stakes over sensationalism. The haunting Yorkshire setting, coupled with top-tier production values, creates a cinematic experience that rivals Broadchurch’s best moments.

The series also taps into universal themes—grief, resilience, and the search for truth—while challenging genre conventions. Patience’s neurodivergence and Bea’s vulnerability humanize the detective archetype, making their journey relatable and compelling. As one fan tweeted, “I didn’t expect to cry over a murder mystery, but Patience hit me like a freight train.” This emotional depth, combined with jaw-dropping twists, positions Patience as a must-watch for crime drama aficionados.

Conclusion: A New King in Town?

Patience has earned its place as a standout in the British crime drama canon, with a 92% Rotten Tomatoes score and fervent fan support cementing its status as a worthy successor to Broadchurch. Its thoughtful exploration of autism, haunting performances, and intricate mysteries make it a series that both challenges and entertains. While Broadchurch set the standard for community-driven crime stories, Patience redefines it with a quieter, more reflective lens, proving that emotional depth can be as gripping as explosive twists.

As Patience prepares for its second season, it stands poised to become a global sensation, moving Midsomer Murders and even Broadchurch aside as the new gold standard in British crime drama. For viewers seeking a series that combines heart-pounding suspense with groundbreaking representation, Patience is the must-watch obsession you didn’t know you needed. Stream it on Netflix, and prepare to forget to breathe.