A new British drama titled “Patience” is making waves on PBS, combining crime mysteries with authentic representation of neurodiversity. This engaging series stars Laura Fraser as Detective Inspector Bea Metcalf and Ella Maisy Purvis as Patience Evans, a character on the autism spectrum. The unique partnership between a dedicated investigator and a Criminal Records Office employee delves into some fascinating crime-solving adventures reminiscent of Netflix’s “Dept. Q.”
“Patience” is currently airing new episodes every Sunday on PBS and can also be streamed via the PBS app. The show’s narrative centers on Patience Evans, who possesses a distinctive outlook on the world. While working as a researcher/archivist, she quickly captures Bea’s attention with her remarkable pattern recognition skills, leading the detective to recruit her for solving complex cases within the York Police.
Ella Maisy Purvis, in her first leading role, embraces the significance of her character’s storyline. She highlights its relevance in representing autistic women as complete adults with careers and romantic lives, rather than as infantilized figures. This portrayal provides a refreshing and thoughtful take on neurodiversity on screen.
“Patience” is actually an adaptation of the French series “Astrid,” which has enjoyed a successful run since its debut in 2019. The new series consists of six episodes in its first season, all filmed in the charming city of York, England. The first episode premiered on June 15, 2025, with subsequent episodes airing weekly.
Fans can anticipate a second season, which promises to explore both Patience’s work style under new management and the development of her relationships, indicating a continued commitment to intricate storytelling and character depth.
This series not only entertains but also fosters empathy and understanding towards individuals on the autism spectrum, highlighting their strengths and contributions.