London/Munich 27 February 2024. Eagle Eye Drama, PBS Distribution, and Beta Film are delighted to announce their partnership on new crime series Patience (6x1h), for which cameras are now rolling on the sets in Belgium before moving to York later this spring. Internationally acclaimed Laura Fraser (Breaking Bad, Better Call Saul) portrays Detective Bea Metcalf, who forms an unlikely duo with Ella Maisy Purvis’ (Kind of Spark, Malpractice) young autistic police archivist Patience Evans. Their investigations unfold against the marvellous backdrop of the historic city of York.

Patience is the latest project of Beta Film’s longstanding collaboration with Eagle Eye Drama, previously bringing three seasons each of audience favorite Professor T, starring Ben Miller (Bridgerton, Death in Paradise), and Hotel Portofino, starring Natascha McElhone (Ronin, Californication, Halo), to the international market. Most recently, The Couple Next Door, starring Sam Heughan (Outlander, Suspect) and Eleanor Tomlinson (The Outlaws, Poldark), became Channel 4’s biggest scripted streaming launch ever.

Jo McGrath, CCO of Eagle Eye Drama, says: “Patience is a heart-warming crime drama with a compelling central character who has her own perplexing mystery to unravel. Featuring fascinating crimes in memorable locations, Patience’s unique perspective enables her to piece together clues in a way others simply cannot. Written, and directed by a very experienced team with a proven track record in delivering successful crime dramas, Patience is sure to become your new favourite detective series.”

“We are very energized to extend our wonderful, longstanding UK drama collaboration with Eagle Eye Drama and we are excited to bring Patience to the global audience,” adds Oliver Bachert, Chief Distribution Officer, Beta Film. “Patience is another very original take on the crime drama genre with a unique female twist – a whodunnit and entertainment for all crime fans, featuring the perfect cast combining acclaimed and fresh actors, who form an authentic duo dealing with knotty and unusual cases.”

The six-part series is directed by Maarten Moerkerke (13 Commandments) and is adapted from the original French series “Astrid and Raphaelle”. Matt Baker (Hotel Portofino, Professor T, Suspect) heads up the writing team. He is joined by Stephen Brady (Professor T) Sarah Freethy (The Porcelain Maker) and Daniella DeVinter (Before We Die S2), all of whom have personal experience relating to autism. Jo McGrath and Walter Iuzzolino will Executive Produce for Eagle Eye Drama.

Patience Evans works in the criminal records department of Yorkshire Police, cataloguing and filing the evidence produced during major cases. A young autistic woman, she craves routine and order, relishing the solitude and structure her job provides but she yearns for more. A brilliant, self-taught criminologist, Patience has an instinctive eye for crime scenes and a passion for problem-solving. Detective Bea Metcalf is the first person to spot and utilize her talent, which opens a door into a whole new world for Patience.  Patience attends regular support group for autistic adults where they discuss their problems operating in a neuro-typical world and how best to navigate it. All neuro-divergent characters within the series will be played by neuro-diverse actors, including the title role of Patience.

PBS Distribution holds the North American rights to Patience. The six-hour crime drama will launch in the US on PBS and will be available to stream on the PBS Masterpiece Prime Video Channel and branded PBS platforms, including PBS.org and the PBS App.

Patience will be distributed worldwide by Beta Film. The series is being produced in association with Happy Duck Films and is supported by the Belgian Tax Shelter.