Patience is a six-part Channel 4 crime drama about a neuro-divergent, self-taught criminologist working within the Yorkshire Police. It’s adapted from the French series Astrid, and follows Patience Evans (played by Ella Maisy Purvis), a young autistic woman who works within the criminal records department of the Yorkshire Police.
Her talent for problem-solving and deconstructing crime scenes is soon spotted by detective Bea Metcalf (played by Breaking Bad star Laura Fraser), who takes her under her wing.
Filmed mostly in York, northern England (and some scenes in Belgium), the series is produced by Eagle Eye Drama and features neuro-diverse actors in neuro-divergent roles, including the titular Patience.
Here’s everything you need to know…
Patience release date
The first episode of Patience airs on Wednesday, January 8 at 9pm on Channel 4 with the second episode airing on Thursday, January 9 at 9pm. Episodes will then air weekly in the same slots.
The series will be released as a boxset from 10pm on Wednesday 8 on Channel4.com.
Patience plot
Patience Evans (Ella Maisy Purvis) loves the structure, solitude and routine of her job within Yorkshire Police’s criminal records department, as she’s tasked with cataloging and filing evidence in major cases. An astute self-taught criminologist, she can piece together clues and unravel mysteries that seem unfathomable to her peers ‒ a skill which is spotted by detective inspector Bea Metcalf (Laura Fraser).
When Bea recognizes Patience’s instinctive eye at crime scenes and aptitude for problem-solving, she gives her a career-defining opportunity within her department. But can Patience's sessions at a support group for autistic adults help her smash through barriers in this neuro-typical working world?
Patience cast interviews
Before playing the titular Patience Evans, Ella Maisy Purvis starred in ITV drama Malpractice, BBC’s A Kind of Spark and Netflix rom-com Heartstopper. The London-born star also trained as a classical ballet dancer before retraining as an actor.
“‘Patience has a fantastic ability to recognise patterns, and criminology and forensics are her special interests," Ella tells What to Watch. "She can see and solve things in different ways. So when she notices something in Bea's case, she pushes her in the right direction and they end up becoming a team.
"Patience has created a life for herself that’s very safe, but she’s pushed out of her comfort zone," Ella continues. "I think a lot of autistic women grow up being pulled, pushed and bent into shape to fit a mould that slots as best it can into the rest of society. With Patience, her journey allows her to do what she needs and wants rather than being terrified to speak up for herself."
Laura Fraser is best known for playing Lydia in Breaking Bad and its spin-off Better Call Saul. She also starred in fantasy series Neverwhere, 2001 films A Knight's Tale and Vanilla Sky, plus BBC Three series Lip Service. The Scottish star’s credits also include BBC series The Missing and One of Us, as well as ITV drama The Loch.
"I’ve done so many crime dramas, but I thought the crimes were really interesting in this show, and almost Agatha Christie-ish," says Laura. "But I wanted to do this because I wanted to work with autistic people, and I thought the authentic casting made it fresh and different.
"Bea is also going through her own journey as her 11-year-old son is possibly ADHD or autistic, but she’s in denial about it," Laura explains. "She finds being a detective easier than being a mother, but as she becomes closer with Patience and softens into acceptance, she develops more of an understanding of her son.
"I think the series will increase understanding and compassion for anyone watching as well," Laura adds. "It shows that there’s nothing wrong [with neurodivergence], it’s just a different way of thinking."
The cast also includes Ali Ariaie (Doctor Who, The Great) and Nathan Welsh (Trying, The Ledge).
Is there a trailer for Patience?
Yes! Here it is below...
Patience arrives on Channel 4 from January 8 at 9pm.
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