PBS’s new series “Patience” brings something different to the table. The story follows Patience Evans, an autistic woman working in a police records office in York. She notices things others miss, and her skills become valuable to detectives working on tough cases. The casting of Ella Maisy Purvis, who is autistic herself, makes a real impact. She draws from her own experiences, which comes through in the way Patience prepares for conversations or reacts to loud, busy settings. The show also includes other neurodivergent actors, especially in group scenes, which helps the world of “Patience” feel more genuine.
Breaking Stereotypes and Showing Real Life
For a long time, television has leaned on the same few ideas when portraying autistic characters. They’re often written as the genius who struggles socially or the person who never quite fits in. “Patience” goes in a new direction. Patience is not a puzzle or a stereotype. She is allowed to be herself, with her own strengths, quirks, and sense of humor. Matt Baker, who leads the writing team, has spoken about wanting to move past the usual “nerdy” labels. He explained that their aim was to show neurodivergent people as part of everyday life, not as outsiders. The show even reworks characters from its French inspiration, making them feel more like real people.
The realism in “Patience” comes from more than just the casting. Purvis worked closely with the writers, sharing details from her own life that shaped how Patience responds to the world. For instance, you might see Patience quietly practicing what she wants to say before a phone call or feeling uneasy in a noisy environment. These moments reflect real experiences, not just scripted drama. The series also pays attention to autistic women, who are often overlooked or misunderstood. Through flashbacks, viewers see Patience as a child, facing confusion from adults who do not understand her behavior. Baker has said that having a woman with autism as the focus allowed the team to explore these topics in a way that feels new for the genre.
Why This Kind of Representation Matters
The way TV and movies show autistic people shapes how audiences think about autism. Honest portrayals can help break down old ideas and make space for more understanding. Temple Grandin once said, “I am different, not less.” After the first episode aired, a friend told me, “For the first time, I saw someone who thinks like me, not as a punchline, but as the hero.” That kind of moment matters. It helps people feel seen and changes the way stories are told.
No show can capture every neurodivergent experience, and there’s always room for more variety in media. Still, “Patience” is a step in the right direction. The series reminds us that neurodiversity is a natural and valuable part of being human. Watching Patience’s story just might help you see the world in a new way.
Citations
- Autism. (2023, February 19). Representation of autism in fictional media: A systematic review of media content and its impact on viewer knowledge and understanding of autism. SAGE Journals. http://journals.sagepub.com/doi/10.1177/13623613231155770
- Brill. (2021, August 3). Histrionics of Autism in the Media and the Dangers of False Balance and False Identity on Neurotypical Viewers. Journal of Disability Studies in Education, 2(1), 1-17. https://brill.com/downloadpdf/journals/jdse/2/1/article-p1_1.pdf
- Collider. (2025, June 13). ‘Patience’ Review: PBS’ Compelling Crime Drama Sets Itself Apart. https://collider.com/patience-review-pbs/
- Decider. (2025, June 16). ‘Patience’ PBS Review: Stream It Or Skip It? https://decider.com/2025/06/16/patience-pbs-review/
- Disability Scoop. (2025, June 10). PBS Series To Center On Autism. https://www.disabilityscoop.com/2025/06/10/pbs-series-to-center-on-autism/31486/
- Inclusive Teach. (2021, March 29). A Collection of Powerful Autism Quotes. https://inclusiveteach.com/2021/03/29/a-collection-of-powerful-autism-quotes/
- PMC. (2023, October 17). TV Series in Mainstream Media Depicting Autism and Self-Diagnosis of Autism in a General Population of Young Adults. https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC12069503/
- SAGE Journals. (2023, February 19). Representation of autism in fictional media: A systematic review of media content and its impact on viewer knowledge and understanding of autism. https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC10576905/
- TV Insider. (2025, June 16). What Is PBS’ ‘Patience’ Based on? https://www.tvinsider.com/1197587/what-is-pbs-patience-based-on-astrid-et-raphaelle/
- TV Insider. (2025, June 15). What Is PBS’s ‘Patience’ About? Ella Maisy Purvis’ Autistic Character. https://www.tvinsider.com/1197433/patience-pbs-episodes-autism-ella-maisy-purvis-laura-fraser/
- Brock Education Journal. (2014, October 9). Autism Spectrum Disorder in Popular Media: Storied Reflections of Societal Views. https://journals.library.brocku.ca/brocked/index.php/home/article/view/311
