Why CBC’s Saint-Pierre Is Your Next Binge-Worthy Crime Drama 300x250

Discover why CBC’s Saint-Pierre, a gripping police procedural set in a French island, hooks viewers with its unique setting and stellar cast. Read now!

Introduction

Let’s talk about Saint-Pierre, the new Canadian police procedural that’s got everyone buzzing on CBC Gem. If you’re into crime dramas with a fresh twist, this show might just be your next obsession. Set on the tiny French territory of Saint-Pierre and Miquelon, just off Newfoundland’s coast, it’s not your typical cop show. The series follows Inspector Donny “Fitz” Fitzpatrick, played by Allan Hawco, who’s exiled from Newfoundland for digging too deep into a politician’s dirty dealings. 

He’s paired with Deputy Chief Geneviève “Arch” Archambault, portrayed by Joséphine Jobert, a Parisian cop with her own mysterious reasons for being on the island. Together, they tackle crimes that shatter the island’s idyllic vibe. With a second season already greenlit for 2026, Saint-Pierre is making waves as CBC’s top new series of 2025, and for good reason. Let’s break down why this show stands out, what it gets right, and where it stumbles.

A Unique Setting That Steals the Show

The French islands of Saint-Pierre and Miquelon aren’t exactly household names for most Canadians, let alone global audiences. That’s what makes Saint-Pierre so intriguing. The show’s setting—a quaint, European-flavored archipelago just a 1.5-hour ferry ride from Newfoundland—feels like a character in itself. Allan Hawco, the series’ co-creator and star, stumbled upon the location while scouting for another project, Son of a Critch, and realized it was a goldmine for storytelling. The islands’ history as a Prohibition-era smuggling hub, with ties to gangsters like Al Capone, adds a gritty backdrop to the show’s fictional crimes.

Why does this matter? The setting gives Saint-Pierre a fresh edge in a crowded genre. Unlike generic urban cop shows, the windswept cliffs and colorful streets create a vibe that’s both cozy and eerie. But it’s not perfect. Some critics, like those at The Globe and Mail, argue the show doesn’t fully lean into the islands’ unique culture, treating it more as a backdrop than a core element. Common mistakes in filming on location—like overusing drone shots for aesthetics—can make it feel touristy. If the show doesn’t dig deeper into the local flavor in season two, it risks losing what makes it special.

The Chemistry Between Fitz and Arch

The heart of Saint-Pierre is the dynamic between Fitz and Arch. Allan Hawco’s Fitz is a gut-driven, rough-around-the-edges Newfoundlander, while Joséphine Jobert’s Arch is analytical, detail-oriented, and guarded about her past. Their clashing styles—his intuition versus her evidence-based approach—create tension that’s fun to watch. By episode two, “Kill Lil,” you see them spar over a Bastille Day assassination plot, with Fitz chasing hunches and Arch demanding hard proof. Fans on X have praised their chemistry, with one post calling it “a perfect mix of grit and charm” (@beatricecolbran, July 17, 2025).

Why does this work? The opposites-attract trope is old, but Hawco and Jobert make it feel fresh. Jobert, known from Death in Paradise, brings a sharp edge to Arch, while Hawco’s weathered charm grounds Fitz. The mistake some shows make is forcing romance too soon, but Saint-Pierre lets their partnership grow organically. If the writers push them into a cliché love story, it could cheapen the dynamic. For now, their slow-burn friendship is a highlight.

A Formulaic Yet Entertaining Plot Structure

Saint-Pierre follows a classic “crime of the week” format, with episodes like “Queen Bee” (a murder of a nature group leader) and “The Bogman Cometh” (an archaeologist’s death at a dig site). Each 44-minute episode delivers a self-contained mystery while teasing an overarching plot involving organized crime. IMDb reviews note that the show doesn’t reinvent the genre, with some calling it “formulaic but fun” (IMDb, Jan 6, 2025). Episode six, however, seems to be a turning point, with viewers saying it breaks from clichés and hints at deeper stakes.

Here’s the deal: the episodic structure makes it easy to binge, especially on CBC Gem, where all of season one is free to stream. But the reliance on familiar tropes—like the fish-out-of-water cop or the quirky small-town murder—can feel repetitive. Writers need to balance the standalone cases with the bigger conspiracy to keep viewers hooked. If they lean too heavily on predictable plots, the show could lose its spark. Season two’s promise of “new storylines” suggests they’re aware of this risk.

Stellar Cast Elevates the Material

The cast is a big reason Saint-Pierre shines. Allan Hawco, a Canadian TV veteran from Republic of Doyle, brings a relatable weariness to Fitz, though some Reddit users have called his performance “wooden” (u/Fnrjkdh, Jan 7, 2025). Joséphine Jobert, fresh off Death in Paradise, steals scenes with her nuanced take on Arch. Supporting players like James Purefoy as the enigmatic Gallagher, Benz Antoine as Chief Inspector Marcus Villeneuve, and Erika Prevost as Patty add depth. Purefoy, in particular, hints at a larger villainous role that could unfold in season two.

Why does the cast matter? A strong ensemble can carry even a predictable script. The mistake some shows make is underusing supporting characters, but Saint-Pierre gives each player moments to shine, like Prevost’s Patty openly flirting with Fitz. If the writers don’t flesh out these side stories, the show could feel one-dimensional. The diverse cast also reflects the islands’ cultural mix, which adds authenticity.

Challenges of Filming in a Remote Location

Filming in Saint-Pierre and Miquelon wasn’t easy. With a population of just 6,000, the islands had limited infrastructure for a major production. Hawco Productions filled both local hotels and relied on residents to house crew members. Benz Antoine noted the locals’ enthusiasm, saying, “It was all new to them” (CBC, Jan 6, 2025). The show’s authenticity—no sets, just real locations—makes every episode feel like a mini-vacation to the island.

But here’s the catch: remote filming can lead to logistical nightmares. Weather, limited resources, and cultural differences likely posed challenges. If the production team didn’t respect local customs or over-relied on generic visuals, they risked alienating viewers. Season two’s spring filming schedule suggests they’ve learned to navigate these hurdles, but maintaining authenticity will be key to keeping the show’s charm.

What Critics and Fans Are Saying

Saint-Pierre has a mixed but mostly positive reception. It’s CBC’s most-watched new series of 2025, with strong viewership across Canada (TV, eh?, May 1, 2025). Fans on Reddit love the “gritty yet cozy” vibe and Jobert’s performance, with one user saying, “It’s like Death in Paradise but colder and tougher” (r/DeathInParadiseBBC, Jan 8, 2025). Critics, however, aren’t all sold. The Globe and Mail called it “generic and goofy,” arguing it squanders the unique setting (Jan 4, 2025). IMDb reviews give it a 3/5 for season one, praising the cast but wanting more originality.

What’s the takeaway? The show’s a hit with casual viewers but needs to take risks to win over critics. Ignoring the islands’ history or leaning on clichés could turn off discerning fans. Season two has a chance to address these critiques by diving deeper into the setting and characters.

FAQs

What is Saint-Pierre about?

Saint-Pierre is a Canadian police procedural on CBC Gem, following Inspector Donny “Fitz” Fitzpatrick (Allan Hawco), exiled to the French islands of Saint-Pierre and Miquelon after uncovering corruption. He teams up with Deputy Chief Geneviève “Arch” Archambault (Joséphine Jobert) to solve crimes like murders and smuggling. The show blends episodic mysteries with an overarching conspiracy, set against a unique French-Canadian backdrop.

Why is the setting of Saint-Pierre unique?

The show is set in Saint-Pierre and Miquelon, a French territory near Newfoundland with a population of just 6,000. Its history as a smuggling hub during Prohibition adds intrigue. Unlike typical urban settings, the islands’ quaint streets and rugged cliffs create a fresh, almost European vibe that sets Saint-Pierre apart from other cop dramas.

Who are the main actors in Saint-Pierre?

The series stars Allan Hawco as Fitz, Joséphine Jobert as Arch, and James Purefoy as Gallagher. Supporting cast includes Benz Antoine (Marcus Villeneuve), Erika Prevost (Patty), and Jean-Michel Le Gal (Renuf). Their chemistry, especially between Hawco and Jobert, drives the show’s appeal.

Is Saint-Pierre worth watching?

If you enjoy crime dramas like Death in Paradise or Republic of Doyle, Saint-Pierre is a solid pick. Its unique setting and strong cast make it binge-worthy, though some find its plots predictable. With season two confirmed for 2026, it’s a good time to catch up on CBC Gem.

How can I watch Saint-Pierre outside Canada?

Saint-Pierre streams free on CBC Gem in Canada, but international viewers may need a VPN like NordVPN to access it. Check CBC’s website for updates on global distribution through FIFTH SEASON, as season two may expand availability.

Conclusion

Saint-Pierre is a refreshing take on the police procedural, blending a unique French island setting with a compelling cast led by Allan Hawco and Joséphine Jobert. Its mix of cozy mysteries and gritty undertones hooks viewers, even if it doesn’t always break new ground. The show’s success as CBC’s top new series of 2025 proves its appeal, but season two needs to dig deeper into the islands’ culture and shake up the formula to keep fans coming back. Binge season one on CBC Gem now, and let us know your thoughts in the comments!