Introduction

Saint-Pierre, the CBC crime drama that hooked viewers with its blend of Newfoundland grit and French island charm, is back for Season 2. Filming kicked off in June 2025 in St. John’s, Newfoundland, and Saint-Pierre et Miquelon, a French territory just off Canada’s coast. The show, led by Allan Hawco as Inspector Donny “Fitz” Fitzpatrick and Josephine Jobert as Deputy Chief Geneviève “Arch” Archambault, became CBC’s top new series in 2024, pulling in massive viewership with its crime-of-the-week format and a gripping cemetery shootout cliffhanger. Why does this matter? It’s not just another cop show. The unique setting—a French archipelago with ties to Newfoundland—creates a fresh backdrop for storytelling, blending cultures and high-stakes crime. Think of it like Broadchurch meets Death in Paradise, but colder and with more fog. Fans on X are buzzing, with posts calling it “the best Canadian drama since Republic of Doyle.” Let’s break down what’s coming, how it’s being made, and why it’s worth your attention.

Why Saint-Pierre’s Setting Is a Star of the Show

The French islands of Saint-Pierre et Miquelon aren’t just a pretty backdrop—they’re a character. These tiny islands, a 90-minute ferry ride from Newfoundland, mix French culture (croissants, cobblestone streets) with Atlantic ruggedness. Allan Hawco discovered the location while scouting for Son of a Critch, and it clicked instantly. “I was moved by everything,” he told RANGE, recalling his first visit. The islands’ isolation makes them a believable hub for fictional international crime, despite their real-world low crime rate.

Filming there isn’t easy. The crew, sometimes 80 strong, takes over small communities, closing roads and filling limited hotel space. Hawco admitted to Saltwire, “I always feel terrible” about disrupting locals, but residents have been welcoming, even renting out their homes. Common mistakes? Underestimating logistics. One misstep—like not coordinating with locals—can halt production. The consequence? Delays or bad blood with the community, which Hawco’s team avoids by keeping a light footprint. The result is stunning cinematography—drone shots of colorful buildings and stormy coasts that make the show visually distinct.

Allan Hawco and Josephine Jobert’s Chemistry Drives the Show

The heart of Saint-Pierre is the dynamic between Hawco’s Fitz and Jobert’s Arch. Fitz, a Newfoundland cop exiled for digging into a corrupt politician, clashes with Arch, a Parisian transplant with her own secrets. Their chemistry was instant, Jobert told CBC, recalling their audition: “I went downstairs and was like, ‘Mom, Dad, I want this so badly.’” Hawco calls her “an absolute unicorn” for her professionalism and spontaneity.

Why does this matter? The duo’s tension—cultural, professional, and personal—grounds the show’s procedural format. They’re not just solving crimes; they’re navigating language barriers (Fitz’s French is shaky) and personal baggage. Mistakes here would be leaning too hard into clichés—like making Fitz a bumbling outsider. Instead, the writing keeps him sharp but flawed. If the chemistry faltered, the show would feel flat, but fan reviews on IMDb praise their “undeniable” spark. Season 2 promises deeper exploration of Arch’s vulnerability, per Jobert’s hopes in a TV, eh? interview.

Production Challenges and How They’re Tackled

Filming in Saint-Pierre et Miquelon and St. John’s is a logistical beast. Hollywood North Buzz reports Season 2 shoots in two blocks: June-July and September-November 2025. The remote location means tight schedules and limited resources. Hawco Productions, partnered with Fifth Season, manages this by planning meticulously—think military precision for road closures and ferry schedules.

Common pitfalls? Weather and language barriers. Atlantic storms can shut down outdoor shoots, and the bilingual setting requires careful scripting. Hawco, not a French speaker, leaned on Jobert for authenticity, though she jokingly told Saltwire his French “isn’t that good.” Ignoring these challenges risks rushed scenes or inauthentic dialogue, which fans notice. The payoff is a show that feels real, from Fitz’s Newfoundland slang to Arch’s Parisian edge. Locals’ support, like offering homes for crew, keeps production smooth.

Season 2’s Story: What to Expect

Season 1 ended with a cemetery shootout cliffhanger, leaving fans on X buzzing about who survived. Spoiler: Fitz and Arch are back, per Hollywood North Buzz. The show sticks to its crime-of-the-week format but promises a tighter overarching story, addressing IMDb critiques that Season 1’s main plot felt disjointed. Hawco and co-showrunner Robina Lord-Stafford told TV, eh? they’re “bursting with ideas” for new storylines, likely diving deeper into Fitz’s exile and Arch’s past.

Why does this matter? A stronger narrative arc could elevate Saint-Pierre from “comfort show” to must-watch drama. Mistakes to avoid: overstuffing episodes with subplots, which diluted Season 1 for some viewers. The consequence of getting it wrong? Losing audience trust, as seen in shows like Lost that fumbled their arcs. Expect more smuggling, murder, and international crime, set against the islands’ deceptive calm.

The Impact of Saint-Pierre on Canadian TV

Saint-Pierre isn’t just a hit—it’s a milestone for Canadian television. Hawco told RANGE that Canadian shows now compete globally, a far cry from Republic of Doyle’s early days when a million viewers was rare. Saint-Pierre’s first season was CBC’s most-watched new series in 2024, per TV, eh?, proving Canada can “punch above its weight.”

Why does this matter? It shows Canadian stories, especially from places like Newfoundland, resonate worldwide. Mistakes, like leaning too hard on stereotypes, could alienate international audiences. The show’s bilingualism and unique setting draw French and European viewers, per Hawco’s comments to CBC Arts. If mishandled, it risks feeling like a gimmick. The success lies in grounded storytelling—real characters, not caricatures—and a cast that includes James Purefoy and Benz Antoine alongside Hawco and Jobert.

How Saint-Pierre Balances Entertainment and Ethics

Crime dramas walk a tightrope between entertainment and responsibility. Saint-Pierre, set in a low-crime area, imagines high-stakes smuggling and corruption. This creative liberty risks glamorizing crime, a common critique of procedurals. Hawco told The Star they avoided Republic of Doyle’s comedic tone for a darker, more serious drama, which demands ethical care.

How do they do it? By grounding stories in character stakes—Fitz’s exile, Arch’s secrets—rather than sensationalizing violence. Mistakes, like graphic content for shock value, can turn off viewers, as seen in backlash to shows like The Following. Consequences? Losing the “comfort show” vibe IMDb reviewers love. The show’s bilingualism adds authenticity, but writers must avoid stereotypes about French or Newfoundland culture to keep trust.

FAQs

What is Saint-Pierre Season 2 about?
Season 2 follows Fitz and Arch as they tackle new crimes in Saint-Pierre et Miquelon, building on Season 1’s cliffhanger. Expect deeper dives into their personal lives and a tighter main plot, with smuggling and murder at the core. Filming runs June-July and September-November 2025 in Newfoundland and the French islands. Hawco and Lord-Stafford promise fresh storylines, per TV, eh?.

Why film in Saint-Pierre et Miquelon?
The islands’ unique French-Newfoundland blend makes them a perfect setting for international crime stories. Hawco discovered the location scouting for Son of a Critch, per RANGE. Its isolation and charm create a fresh backdrop, but logistics like weather and limited space challenge production. Locals’ support, like renting homes, helps.

How do Hawco and Jobert prepare for their roles?
Hawco draws on his Newfoundland roots for Fitz’s wit, while Jobert, a Parisian, grounds Arch’s strength in her own experiences. Their chemistry was instant, per CBC, but Hawco’s weak French required Jobert’s help for authenticity. Mistakes, like overplaying accents, could break immersion, so they focus on natural dialogue.

What makes Saint-Pierre different from other crime shows?
Its setting—a French territory near Canada—sets it apart, blending cultures and bilingualism. Unlike Republic of Doyle’s comedy, it’s a serious drama with high-stakes crime, per The Star. The cast, including James Purefoy, adds depth. Fans on IMDb call it a “comfort show” despite flaws in Season 1’s pacing.

Will Season 2 fix Season 1’s issues?
Season 1 faced criticism for a disjointed main plot, per IMDb. Hawco and Lord-Stafford plan a tighter arc, per TV, eh?, focusing on Fitz and Arch’s backstories. Ignoring this risks losing viewers, as seen in shows like Heroes. The cliffhanger’s resolution and new crimes aim to keep fans hooked.

Conclusion

Saint-Pierre Season 2 is shaping up to be a must-watch, building on its first season’s success as CBC’s top new show. Allan Hawco and Josephine Jobert’s chemistry, paired with the unique Saint-Pierre et Miquelon setting, makes it stand out in the crowded crime drama genre. Filming challenges, from weather to logistics, are met with careful planning and local support, ensuring stunning visuals and authentic storytelling. By addressing Season 1’s pacing issues and diving deeper into Fitz and Arch’s lives, the show aims to keep viewers glued. Want to know more about what’s coming? Share your thoughts below or check out CBC Gem for Season 1.