Josephine Jobert’s New Detective Drama Saint-Pierre: What to Know

Introduction

Josephine Jobert, best known for her role as DS Florence Cassell in the BBC’s Death in Paradise, has moved on to a new detective drama called Saint-Pierre. Fans of her work on the sun-soaked, fictional island of Saint Marie are buzzing about her latest project, which swaps the Caribbean for the chilly, picturesque French territory of Saint-Pierre et Miquelon, just off Canada’s Newfoundland coast. This isn’t just another cozy mystery series—it’s a fresh take on the police procedural genre, with Jobert stepping into the shoes of Deputy Chief Geneviève “Arch” Archambault. The show, which premiered on CBC on January 6, 2025, has already sparked excitement, with a second season confirmed in May 2025. Why does this matter? For fans, it’s a chance to see Jobert in a more serious, layered role, and for entertainment journalists, it’s a case study in how actors transition between major projects. Let’s break down what Saint-Pierre is all about, from its setting to its cast and what makes it different from Death in Paradise.

What Is Saint-Pierre About?

Saint-Pierre is a Canadian police procedural set in the French territory of Saint-Pierre et Miquelon, a lesser-known archipelago near Newfoundland. The show follows Deputy Chief Geneviève “Arch” Archambault (Jobert), a Parisian transplant with mysterious reasons for being on the island, and Royal Newfoundland Constabulary Inspector Donny “Fitz” Fitzpatrick (Allan Hawco), who’s exiled there after digging into a politician’s shady dealings. The duo, with their clashing policing styles, tackle crimes that lurk beneath the island’s quaint, touristy facade. Think murders, conspiracies, and secrets washing up on those scenic shores.

Why it matters: The setting itself is a draw—Saint-Pierre et Miquelon is a real place, unlike the fictional Saint Marie of Death in Paradise. This grounds the show in a unique cultural blend of French and Canadian influences, which adds depth to the storytelling. How it’s done? The show leans on a “crime of the week” format but weaves in an overarching narrative about Arch and Fitz’s personal lives. Common mistakes? Some viewers on IMDb note the early episodes rely on predictable mystery tropes, like guessing the culprit too soon. If done poorly, this risks losing audiences who want fresh plots. But by episode six, reviews suggest the show finds its footing, balancing episodic cases with character growth.

Josephine Jobert’s New Role as Arch

Jobert’s character, Geneviève “Arch” Archambault, is a far cry from the warm, approachable Florence Cassell. Arch is a Parisian detective with a sharp edge, described as headstrong and private about her reasons for being in Saint-Pierre. In a November 2024 Instagram post, Jobert shared a glimpse of herself in a hazmat suit at a crime scene, hinting at the gritty cases Arch tackles. She’s paired with Allan Hawco’s Fitz, and their chemistry—tense at first, then collaborative—drives the show.

Why this matters: Jobert’s shift to a more serious role shows her range, appealing to fans who want to see her stretch beyond Death in Paradise’s lighter tone. How it’s done? She embodies Arch with a professional yet guarded demeanor, as seen in behind-the-scenes shots where she’s dressed in a sleek beige coat or tactical gear. Mistakes to avoid: Actors transitioning to new roles risk being typecast, and Jobert’s Q&A comments in September 2024 suggest she’s consciously moving on from Florence, saying, “It’s time to move on.” If she leans too hard into a similar character, she could alienate fans expecting something new. The consequence? A failure to establish Arch as a distinct character could limit her career growth.

How Saint-Pierre Compares to Death in Paradise

Fans of Death in Paradise might wonder how Saint-Pierre stacks up. Jobert herself addressed this in a September 2024 Instagram Q&A, noting that Saint-Pierre is “more serious” than the lighthearted, colorful vibe of her former show. While Death in Paradise thrives on its tropical setting and quirky humor, Saint-Pierre dives into darker, more complex crimes with a colder, Atlantic backdrop. The show’s bilingual French-English dynamic also sets it apart, reflecting the real cultural mix of Saint-Pierre et Miquelon.

Why it matters: This shift caters to audiences craving depth over cozy escapism. How it’s done? The show uses its setting to explore themes of isolation and cultural clashes, with Arch and Fitz’s differing approaches highlighting this. Common mistakes? Some Reddit users felt early episodes mimicked Death in Paradise too closely, risking a lack of originality. If the show doesn’t carve out its own identity, it could struggle to retain viewers. That said, its renewal for a second season in 2025 suggests it’s gaining traction.

The Cast and Creative Team

Beyond Jobert, Saint-Pierre boasts a strong ensemble. Allan Hawco, known for Jack Ryan, plays Fitz, bringing a rugged, regretful energy to the exiled inspector. James Purefoy (Sex Education) adds gravitas, though his role is less detailed in early reports. The show, created by Perry Chafe, Allan Hawco, and Robina Lord-Stafford, is produced by Fifth Season for global distribution, with a 10-episode first season.

Why this matters: A talented cast and experienced team signal ambition, aiming to compete in the crowded detective drama market. How it’s done? The creators lean on the chemistry between Jobert and Hawco, as seen in a November 2024 trailer where their characters spar before teaming up. Mistakes to avoid: Overloading the show with too many characters can dilute focus, a criticism leveled at similar procedurals. If the writing doesn’t balance the ensemble, secondary characters like Purefoy’s could feel underused, frustrating viewers.

Why the Setting of Saint-Pierre et Miquelon Stands Out

The French territory of Saint-Pierre et Miquelon isn’t just a backdrop—it’s a character in itself. This remote archipelago, with its foggy shores and small population, contrasts with the sunny Caribbean of Death in Paradise. The show uses its unique French-Canadian culture to add authenticity, from bilingual dialogue to local customs. A Reddit post praised the setting as a “hidden gem,” noting its potential to draw viewers intrigued by its obscurity.

Why it matters: A fresh setting can elevate a familiar genre. How it’s done? The show integrates local details, like the islands’ fishing history, into its crimes, as seen in the trailer’s coastal crime scenes. Common mistakes? Failing to authentically represent the locale could alienate viewers familiar with the area. If the show leans too hard into generic “island” vibes, it risks losing its unique appeal, turning off fans who want something new.

Challenges and Reception

Saint-Pierre has faced mixed feedback. IMDb reviews give it an 8.1 rating, with some calling it a “comfort show” for its charismatic leads and cozy mysteries. Others, however, criticized its early reliance on clichéd plots, with one user noting, “It’s not fun guessing who did it 15 minutes in.” The show reportedly redeems itself by episode six, leaning into character-driven stories. Its renewal for a second season, announced in May 2025, suggests confidence from CBC and fans alike.

Why this matters: Audience reception shapes a show’s future, especially for a new series. How it’s done? The creators seem to adjust pacing and depth in later episodes, responding to early critiques. Mistakes to avoid: Ignoring feedback about predictable plots could cap the show’s potential. If it doesn’t innovate, it risks fading in a competitive genre. The consequence? Losing viewers to established hits like Death in Paradise or Shetland.

FAQs

What is Josephine Jobert’s role in Saint-Pierre?

Jobert plays Deputy Chief Geneviève “Arch” Archambault, a Parisian detective in the French territory of Saint-Pierre et Miquelon. She’s a headstrong officer with a mysterious past, teaming up with Allan Hawco’s Fitz to solve crimes. Her role is more serious than her Death in Paradise character, Florence Cassell.

How does Saint-Pierre differ from Death in Paradise?

Saint-Pierre is a darker, more serious police procedural set in the real French territory of Saint-Pierre et Miquelon, unlike the fictional, sunny Saint Marie. Jobert noted in a 2024 Q&A that it leans away from Death in Paradise’s lighthearted tone, focusing on complex crimes and character depth.

When and where can I watch Saint-Pierre?

The show premiered on CBC and CBC Gem on January 6, 2025. International broadcast details are still pending, but some Reddit users suggest using a VPN to access CBC Gem outside Canada. It’s also available for purchase on Apple TV and YouTube.

Is Saint-Pierre renewed for a second season?

Yes, Saint-Pierre was renewed for a second season, with principal photography starting in May 2025, as announced on the show’s Instagram. Fans on Reddit and Instagram expressed excitement, with comments like “Loved the first season!”

Will Josephine Jobert return to Death in Paradise?

Jobert has said she’s unlikely to return as Florence Cassell, stating in a 2024 Q&A, “It’s time to move on.” She’s focused on new projects like Saint-Pierre and Concordia, an AI surveillance drama. Her exit in season 13 was final, alongside Ralf Little’s Neville Parker.

Conclusion

Saint-Pierre marks an exciting new chapter for Josephine Jobert, trading the tropical charm of Death in Paradise for the moody, intricate world of Saint-Pierre et Miquelon. With her role as Geneviève “Arch” Archambault, Jobert is carving out a new space in the detective drama genre, backed by a solid cast and a unique setting. The show’s blend of bilingual culture, complex characters, and evolving mysteries makes it worth watching, though it’s not without early hiccups. For fans and entertainment journalists, it’s a chance to see how a beloved actor transitions to fresh challenges. Curious about Saint-Pierre? Check it out on CBC Gem or share your thoughts in the comments