Saint-Pierre Season 2: Inside the CBC Cop Drama’s Filming

Explore Saint-Pierre Season 2’s filming in Saint-Pierre et Miquelon and Newfoundland. Learn about the cast, unique setting, and production challenges. Read now!

Introduction

Saint-Pierre, the Canadian cop drama that hooked viewers with its remote French island setting and gritty crime stories, is back for Season 2, with filming kicking off in June 2025 in Saint-Pierre et Miquelon and St. John’s, Newfoundland. Starring Allan Hawco as Inspector Donny “Fitz” Fitzpatrick and Joséphine Jobert as Deputy Chief Geneviève “Arch” Archambault, the show blends a unique cultural backdrop with intense police procedural drama. Why does this matter? The series, CBC’s top new show of 2025 per Numeris TV Meter, uses its isolated setting to amplify tension, making it a standout in the genre. Season 2, set to premiere in winter 2026, promises more episodes and deeper character arcs. Let’s break down what’s happening on set, why the location is key, and how the team pulls it off, based on recent reports and cast insights.

Why Saint-Pierre et Miquelon Is the Perfect Setting

The French archipelago of Saint-Pierre et Miquelon, just 45 km off Newfoundland, is more than a backdrop—it’s a character in Saint-Pierre. With only 6,000 residents and a history of smuggling from Prohibition to WWII, the islands offer a mix of quaint charm and dark secrets. A 2025 CBC Life article quotes Allan Hawco saying the islands’ isolation and French-Canadian blend make it “perfect for the story.” Filming there, though, isn’t easy. The 90-minute ferry from Fortune, Newfoundland, or a nine-hour flight from Paris limits access, per Deadline.

Why it matters: The remote setting shapes the show’s mood, isolating characters and heightening stakes. How’s it done? Crews film on rugged coastlines and cobblestone streets, capturing the islands’ raw beauty. Mistakes? Overusing the scenery as a gimmick could dilute the story, but the team keeps it integral to the plot. If they ignored the location’s history, the show would lose its unique edge.

Filming Challenges in a Remote Location

Filming in Saint-Pierre et Miquelon and St. John’s presents logistical hurdles. Hollywood North Buzz reports Season 2’s production is split into two blocks: June-July and September-November 2025. The islands’ small size—242 square kilometers—means limited accommodations. CBC Life notes that both local hotels were booked, with the crew staying with locals. Weather’s another issue; the North Atlantic’s unpredictable storms can delay shoots, as seen in Season 1’s choppy ferry scenes.

How do they manage? The team plans around weather, using indoor sets in St. John’s for flexibility. Mistakes happen when productions underestimate remote logistics—think delayed equipment or crew burnout. Saint-Pierre avoids this by leveraging local knowledge, like hiring residents as extras. If they didn’t, costs would skyrocket, and authenticity would suffer. The result? A visually stunning series that feels lived-in, not staged.

The Chemistry of Hawco and Jobert’s Crime-Solving Duo

Allan Hawco’s Fitz, a Newfoundland cop exiled for exposing corruption, and Joséphine Jobert’s Arch, a Parisian transplant with her own secrets, are the heart of Saint-Pierre. A CBC article highlights their contrasting styles—Fitz’s gut-driven instincts versus Arch’s analytical precision. Their chemistry, noted in a Tom’s Guide review, elevates the show beyond typical procedurals. Season 1’s cliffhanger, a cemetery shootout, sets up Season 2’s deeper exploration of their partnership.

Why it matters: Their dynamic drives the narrative, making cases personal. How’s it done? Hawco and Jobert draw on real cultural differences—Newfoundland’s rugged warmth versus French reserve—to build tension. Mistakes, like forcing romance too soon, could cheapen their arc. If the writers lean too generic, the duo’s spark fades. Season 2’s extra episodes promise more focus on their evolving trust, keeping viewers hooked.

Crafting Compelling Crime Stories

Saint-Pierre thrives on its crime puzzles, from assassinations to decapitations, as seen in Season 1 episodes like “Kill Lil” and “Off With His Head” (Tom’s Guide). The writers, led by Allan Hawco, Robina Lord-Stafford, and Perry Chafe, use the islands’ smuggling history to craft fresh cases. A CBC article notes the real Saint-Pierre has low crime, so the show amps up the drama with fictional mobsters and secrets.

How’s it done? Each episode starts with a core crime, layered with misdirection and local flavor. Mistakes? Recycling tired tropes, like the “outsider cop” cliché, risks boring fans. The team avoids this by tying cases to the islands’ history, like Bastille Day plots. If they ignored the setting, the show would feel like any cop drama. Season 2’s 12 episodes, up from 10, give more room for complex mysteries.

The Role of Local Culture in the Show

The islands’ French-Canadian culture—think patisseries, wine, and Bastille Day festivals—shapes Saint-Pierre’s vibe. Joséphine Jobert told CBC Life the French elements felt like home, but the isolation added a unique twist. Locals, used as extras, bring authenticity, per CBC. The show also nods to history, like rum-running crates hidden in walls, adding depth.

Why it matters: Culture grounds the show, making it more than a generic procedural. How’s it done? The team researches local traditions, like filming at Notre-Dame-des-Marins on Île aux Marins. Mistakes, like stereotyping the French or ignoring Newfoundland ties, could alienate viewers. If they got it wrong, the show would lose its distinct flavor. The result is a rich, immersive world that feels real.

Production and Global Appeal

Saint-Pierre is a joint effort by Hawco Productions and Fifth Season, with global distribution pushing its reach. Deadline notes it was a MIPCOM Hot One in 2024, with Season 2 set for CBC and CBC Gem in winter 2026. The show’s success—CBC’s top new series of 2025—comes from its universal themes of exile and partnership paired with a niche setting.

How’s it done? The team balances local authenticity with broad appeal, using directors like T.J. Scott for cinematic flair. Mistakes, like overemphasizing global markets at the expense of local details, could dilute the show’s charm. If they leaned too commercial, it’d lose its edge. Fifth Season’s distribution ensures it reaches fans on platforms like BritBox or Acorn, though no U.S./U.K. dates are confirmed.

FAQs

When does Saint-Pierre Season 2 premiere?
Season 2 premieres in winter 2026 on CBC and CBC Gem, with 12 episodes, two more than Season 1. Filming began in June 2025 in Saint-Pierre et Miquelon and St. John’s, per Deadline. The extra episodes allow deeper character arcs and more complex cases.

Where is Saint-Pierre Season 2 filmed?
Filming takes place in Saint-Pierre et Miquelon and St. John’s, Newfoundland, across two blocks: June-July and September-November 2025 (Hollywood North Buzz). The islands’ isolation and French-Canadian culture add authenticity, though weather and logistics pose challenges.

Who stars in Saint-Pierre Season 2?
Allan Hawco plays Fitz, Joséphine Jobert is Arch, with James Purefoy as Sean Gallagher, plus Benz Antoine and Erika Prevost. Their chemistry, especially Hawco and Jobert’s, drives the show, per Tom’s Guide. Casting errors could weaken the dynamic, but the team nails it.

Why is the setting of Saint-Pierre unique?
Saint-Pierre et Miquelon, a French archipelago off Newfoundland, blends European charm with North Atlantic ruggedness. Its history of smuggling adds depth, per CBC Life. Ignoring this could make the show generic, but the team uses it to craft a distinct vibe.

How does Saint-Pierre balance culture and crime?
The show weaves French-Canadian traditions, like Bastille Day, into its crime stories, using locals as extras for authenticity (CBC). Stereotyping or ignoring the culture would alienate viewers, but the team grounds the drama in real island history.

Conclusion

Saint-Pierre Season 2, filming now in Saint-Pierre et Miquelon and St. John’s, builds on its breakout first season with a richer story and two extra episodes, set for CBC and CBC Gem in winter 2026. Allan Hawco and Joséphine Jobert’s dynamic, the islands’ unique French-Canadian culture, and clever crime puzzles make it a must-watch. The remote setting, while tough to film in, adds a layer of authenticity that sets it apart from typical cop dramas. From logistical challenges to cultural depth, the team’s careful work ensures a gripping experience. Catch up on Season 1 on CBC Gem and share your thoughts on what Fitz and Arch will face next