Eagle Eye, PBS, Beta Align for New Crime Series

Eagle Eye Drama, PBS Distribution and Beta Film have teamed up for the new six-part crime series Patience.

Laura Fraser (Breaking Bad, Better Call Saul) stars as Detective Bea Metcalf, who forms an unlikely duo with young autistic police archivist Patience Evans, played by Ella Maisy Purvis (Kind of Spark, Malpractice). Their investigations unfold against the backdrop of the historic city of York.

The 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) leads the writing team and is joined by Stephen Brady (Professor T), Sarah Freethy (The Porcelain Maker) and Daniella DeVinter (Before We Die season two), all of whom have personal experience relating to autism. Jo McGrath and Walter Iuzzolino will executive produce for Eagle Eye Drama.

PBS Distribution holds the North American rights to Patience. The crime drama will launch in the U.S. 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.

Jo McGrath, CCO of Eagle Eye Drama, said: “Patience is a heartwarming 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 favorite detective series.”

“We are very energized to extend our wonderful, longstanding U.K. drama collaboration with Eagle Eye Drama and we are excited to bring Patience to the global audience,” added Oliver Bachert, chief distribution officer at Beta Film. “Patience is another very original take on the crime drama genre with a unique female twist—a whodunit 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.”