Eagle Eye Drama, PBS Distribution, and Beta Film announced their partnership on the new crime series “Patience” (6x1h), which is being produced in Belgium before moving to York later this spring. Beta Film will distribute it worldwide, and PBS Distribution holds the North American rights to the series. The six-hour crime drama will launch in the US 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.
Jo McGrath, CCO of Eagle Eye Drama, said: “‘Patience’ is a heart-warming 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 UK drama collaboration with Eagle Eye Drama, and we are excited to bring ‘Patience’ to the global audience,” added Oliver Bachert, Chief Distribution Officer, Beta Film. “‘Patience’ is another very original take on the crime drama genre with a unique female twist – a whodunnit 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.”
“Patience” is the latest project of Beta Film’s collaboration with Eagle Eye Drama, previously bringing three seasons each of “Professor T,” starring Ben Miller (“Bridgerton,” “Death in Paradise”), and “Hotel Portofino,” starring Natascha McElhone (“Ronin,” “Californication,” “Halo”), to the international market. Most recently, “The Couple Next Door”, starring Sam Heughan (“Outlander”, “Suspect”) and Eleanor Tomlinson (“The Outlaws”, “Poldark”), became Channel 4’s biggest scripted streaming launch ever.
In the series, Laura Fraser (“Breaking Bad”, “Better Call Saul”) portrays Detective Bea Metcalf, who forms an unlikely duo with Ella Maisy Purvis’ (“Kind of Spark”, “Malpractice”) young autistic police archivist Patience Evans. Their investigations unfold against the marvelous backdrop of the historic city of York. The six-part 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”) heads up the writing team. He is joined by Stephen Brady (“Professor T”), Sarah Freethy (“The Porcelain Maker”), and Daniella DeVinter (“Before We Die S2”), all of whom have personal experience relating to autism. Jo McGrath and Walter Iuzzolino will Executive Produce for Eagle Eye Drama.