Filming Concludes for New Crime Drama Patience

Eagle Eye Drama (The Couple Next Door, Professor T, Hotel Portofino) has finished filming for the new crime drama Patience, which will air on Channel 4.

Starring Laura Fraser (Breaking Bad, Better Caul Saul) and Ella Maisy Purvis (Kind of Spark, Malpractice), the six-parter centers on Patience Evans, a young autistic woman who works in the criminal records department of the Yorkshire Police, cataloging and filing evidence from major cases.

The self-taught criminologist craves order and routine and has an instinctive eye for crime scenes. Detective Bea Metcalf is the first person to spot and utilize Patience’s talent, which opens the door to a whole new world for her. Outside of work, Patience attends a support group for autistic adults where they discuss the barriers in operating in a neurotypical world.

All neurodivergent characters in the series are played by neurodiverse actors, including the titular role of Patience, played by Purvis.

Patience is directed by Maarten Moerkerke (13 Commandments). The writing team, headed by Matt Baker (Hotel Portofino, Professor T, Suspect), includes Stephen Brady (Professor T), Sarah Freethy (The Porcelain Maker) and Daniella DeVinter (Before We Die season two), all of whom have personal experience related to autism. Jo McGrath and Walter Iuzzolino are executive producers for Eagle Eye Drama.

Patience is adapted from the original French series Astrid and Raphaelle and is a co-production of JLA Productions. It will be distributed worldwide by Beta Film and is being produced in association with Happy Duck Films. It is also supported by the Belgian Tax Shelter.

“Patience is full of intriguing mysteries and unusual crimes, but also looks at detective Bea Metcalf’s working relationship with a young woman who experiences life in a different way to her own, and also the friendship that develops between them,” Fraser said.

“I’m incredibly honored to bring Patience Evans to life in this groundbreaking drama,” said Purvis. “Audiences can look forward to an authentic representation of a young autistic woman that is written with nuance and detail but also that challenges the norms of the neurotypical world. Patience is a character full of depth, intelligence and an unwavering passion for justice, and I can’t wait for viewers to join her on this thrilling journey.”

“We are proud to be making a mainstream crime series built around an exceptional neurodivergent protagonist called Patience,” commented McGrath, chief creative officer at Eagle Eye Drama. “The character is beautifully brought to life by Ella Maisy Purvis, a compelling young actress who will captivate audiences. We’re delighted to be working with Channel 4, a broadcaster whose championing of diversity in all its forms has always been at the very heart of its DNA.”

Ben Wadey, commissioning executive for drama at Channel 4, added, “Patience is a captivating crime drama that not only delivers gripping mysteries but also offers a unique and authentic perspective on neurodiversity. Channel 4 is incredibly proud to champion this groundbreaking series, which celebrates the power of difference, offering viewers a fresh take on the crime genre.”