Channel 4 viewers ‘switch off’ minutes into Patience as they compare it with ‘superb’ drama
Channel 4’s new drama series Patience has sparked division among viewers following its second episode on Thursday night.
The six-part police series follows Patience Evans, an autistic woman played by Ella Maisy Purvis, who becomes instrumental in solving criminal cases.
The show centres on Detective Inspector Bea Metcalf (Laura Fraser), who recognises Patience’s unique insight and brings her into a frontline police team.
In the first two episodes, the pair investigate a suspicious death, with investigators convinced of third-party involvement.
However, the drama has received mixed reactions from audiences, with some praising its innovative approach while others have criticised it heavily on social media.
The primary criticism levelled at the show centres on its apparent similarity to French drama, Astrid.
“#Patience is a copy of the French drama, which is amazing. Astrid, Murder in Paris. While #Patience is okay, it’s a far cry from the original. Not very inventive of @Channel4,” one viewer wrote on X.
Another viewer questioned: “Did Channel 4 #Patience literally plagiarise the plot of episode 1 of #Astrid and somehow the character herself? Or am I bonkers?”
“Ah, I see Channel 4 is trying to do a pale imitation of France’s superb #AstridEtRaphaelle with #Patience. I think I’ll give it a miss. Can’t come up with your own ideas?” commented another disappointed audience member.
Some viewers noted they would continue watching despite the similarities, with one posting: “#Patience on Channel 4 started well but it seems very similar to the #WalterPresents French drama #Astrid Will stick with it for the York scenery.”
Several viewers reported switching off the programme after just minutes of watching.
“OMG, they’re literally the SAME STORIES? Yeah, no. Thought I’d give it 10 minutes. Awful. #Patience,” wrote one disgruntled viewer on social media.
Another viewer was equally quick to abandon the show, simply stating: “Lasted 10 minutes, I am off.”
The reactions came during Thursday night’s second episode, which continued to explore the investigation of a suspicious death.
Despite the criticism, some viewers have expressed strong support for the new drama.
“What an incredibly interesting and believable character Patience is. She’s got me hooked! Great acting by @ellamaisypurvis,” praised one enthusiastic viewer on social media.
The show itself is in fact an adaptation from Astrid, which Channel 4 has stated prior to the show’s debut.
It is also a co-production with the company behind the original French series, JLA Productions.
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The next episode of Patience promises new developments in the series.
According to the synopsis, viewers will see the team investigating a death at a museum, where a young woman is found dead among the dinosaur display.
The investigation will delve into “the shadowy world of fossil smuggling,” with Patience set to make a startling deduction.
GB News has reached out to Channel 4 for a comment.