Patience: Everything You Need to Know

In search of a little mystery and crime? Look no further – Patience is the latest thrilling drama from PBS, adapted from the critically acclaimed French television series, Astrid. Set in York, England, the show centers on the unlikely partnership between Detective Inspector Bea Metcalf, a seasoned, devoted investigator, and Patience Evans, an autistic woman who works in the Criminal Records Office. 

A Sneak Peek

When Bea takes notice of Patience’s astute puzzle-solving talents, she’s eager to bring Patience under her wing. Throughout the season, Patience helps the police tackle a series of challenging cases by bringing her unique insight into crime fighting.

When Does Patience Premiere?

True crime enthusiasts and mystery fans alike, mark your calendars for the premiere of Patience on Sunday, June 15 at 8/7c. 

How to Watch Patience

Season 1 of Patience will stream on PBS and the PBS app.

What is Patience About

Patience Evans has always been a bit different. She views the world in a unique way because she has a special gift – she is autistic. But her life is about to change forever. 

Patience works in the Police Criminal Records Office where she comes across Detective Inspector Bea Metcalf. Bea quickly notices that Patience makes connections in cases that other people don’t. Bea wants Patience on her team, not realizing that a change in routine could be destabilizing for Patience. 

As Bea learns more about Patience’s traumatic upbringing and how autism affects her life, the two women form an unlikely friendship and a formidable partnership.

Spoiler Alert: The following section contains spoilers about events in Patience. Click or tap the grayed area to reveal the text.

Patience and Astrid 

Patience is an English adaptation of the French show Astrid and is produced by Eagle Eye Drama in association with Channel 4. Eagle Eye Drama was formed by Walter Iuzzolino, Jo McGrath, and Jason Thorp, the same three founders and creative team behind the global drama company Walter Presents and Astrid.

Stream Seasons 1-4 of Astrid on PBS and the PBS App.

Meet the Cast 

Patience Evans

Patience Evans (played by Ella Maisy Purvis) works in the Police Criminal Records Office in York. As an autistic individual, Patience appreciates a lifestyle suited around structure and routine. When she’s not working, she finds comfort in listening to classical music and tending to her pet lizard. 

However, there’s nothing Patience finds more tempting than solving a good puzzle. When DI Bea Metcalf recognizes Patience’s knack for identifying patterns in investigative cases, Patience is drawn into the chaotic world of procedural police work. 

Starring in her first leading role, the 22-year-old actress Ella Maisy Purvis is proud to portray a neurodivergent character on the big screen as she is also on the autism spectrum herself.  

In an interview with The Hollywood Reporter, Purvis described her experience working on the show, stating, “​​No spoilers, but Patience also has a romantic [storyline]. I don’t think we’ve seen that [on-screen] with genuine care and understanding because often, autistic women are infantilized. And [Patience is] not treated like a child. She’s an adult woman with a job. I thought that was really fantastic.”

Patience is based on the character Astrid (played by Sara Mortensen) in the show Astrid. 

DI Bea Metcalf

Leading her division is Detective Investigator Bea Metcalf (played by Laura Fraser). Bea is a devoted, seasoned police officer who pours all of her effort into her work. However, with the demands that come from her job, Bea sometimes struggles to balance her family life with work responsibilities. Nevertheless, she remains devoted to her young son, Alfie, who frequently has a hard time at school.

Unlike many of her colleagues, DI Metcalf recognizes a brilliance and uniqueness to Patience. When she discovers Patience’s ability to make connections in cases that other people don’t, Bea is eager to recruit the young woman, and together, the odd-couple make a formidable, crime-solving team.

Bea is based on the character Raphaëlle Coste (played by Lola Dewaere) in the show Astrid. 

DS Jake Hunter

Acting as Metcalf’s right-hand man is DS Jake Hunter (played by Nathan Welsh). Reliable and pragmatic, Jake assists Bea with an array of testing cases. While Jake is a team player, he is initially skeptical of Bea’s idea to bring Patience onto the team as he fears Patience doesn’t have what it takes to carry out her responsibilities.

Jake is based on the character Nicolas (played by Benoit Michel) in the show Astrid.

Billy Thompson

Billy Thompson (played by Connor Curren) is the leader of York’s support group for autistic adults. Personable and thoughtful, Billy provides encouragement and advice to the group’s members, including Patience. Billy is always willing to lend a helping hand to Patience when she needs assistance solving her cases.

Elliot is based on the character William (played by Jean-Benoît Souilh) in the show Astrid.

Douglas Gilmor

Douglas Gilmor (played by Adrian Rawlins) is a retired DCI and godfather to Patience. Having known Patience her entire life, Douglas is naturally protective of her. When DI Metcalf approaches Douglas with the idea of having Patience join the investigation team, he is initially apprehensive of the idea – but in the end, encourages Patience to pursue her calling.

Douglas is based on the character Alain (played by Geoffroy Thiebaut) in the show Astrid.

Catch the premiere of Patience on June 15, 2025 at 8/7c.