Saint-Pierre: CBC’s Crime Drama Spotlights a French Island

Explore Saint-Pierre, CBC’s hit crime drama set on the French island near Newfoundland, starring Allan Hawco and Joséphine Jobert. Binge now on CBC Gem!

Introduction

Saint-Pierre on CBC is the kind of show that sneaks up on you. It’s a police procedural, sure, but it’s set on the tiny French territory of Saint-Pierre and Miquelon, a place most Canadians didn’t even know existed. Picture this: a rugged Newfoundland cop, Donny “Fitz” Fitzpatrick (Allan Hawco), gets exiled to this French island after poking his nose into a politician’s shady business. 

There, he’s paired with Deputy Chief Geneviève “Arch” Archambault (Joséphine Jobert), a sharp Parisian with her own secrets. Together, they tackle crimes that shatter the island’s postcard-perfect vibe. The show’s a hit—CBC’s top new series of 2025, with season two already confirmed for 2026. After catching the premiere at a Scotiabank Theatre screening, I’m hooked. Here’s why Saint-Pierre is worth your time, what it does well, and where it could stumble, plus a peek at the real island it’s putting on the map.

The French Island Setting That Sets It Apart

Saint-Pierre and Miquelon, a French collectivity just 25 km off Newfoundland’s Burin Peninsula, is practically a character in the show. With a population of about 6,000, it’s a quirky mix of French culture—think baguettes and euros—and Atlantic ruggedness. The islands’ history as a Prohibition-era smuggling hub (rum-running for Al Capone, no less) gives the show a gritty edge. Filming on location, as noted by CBC, uses real streets and cliffs, not sets, making every scene feel alive. Posts on X rave about the “foggy, windswept vibes” (@shagbark_hick, Nov 21, 2023).

Why’s this matter? The setting makes Saint-Pierre stand out in a sea of generic cop shows. It’s not Toronto or New York—it’s a French island in North America. But the show sometimes skims over the local culture, like Basque and Breton influences, which could add depth. If season two doesn’t weave in more of the islands’ unique history, it risks feeling like a missed opportunity.

Fitz and Arch’s Dynamic Drives the Show

The chemistry between Allan Hawco’s Fitz and Joséphine Jobert’s Arch is electric. Fitz is a gut-driven, slightly messy cop from Newfoundland, while Arch is a by-the-book Parisian with a mysterious past. In episode one, “Pilot,” they clash over a smuggling case, with Fitz chasing hunches and Arch demanding evidence. By episode three, “The Bogman Cometh,” they’re starting to gel, solving an archaeologist’s murder. Fans on X call their partnership “a perfect balance of grit and charm” (@beatricecolbran, Jul 17, 2025).

This matters because a strong duo can carry a show. Hawco, a Republic of Doyle veteran, brings a weathered charm, while Jobert, from Death in Paradise, adds nuance. The mistake some shows make is rushing the leads into romance, but Saint-Pierre keeps it professional, letting trust build slowly. If the writers force a love story, it could ruin the vibe. For now, their dynamic is a reason to keep watching.

Episodic Mysteries With a Bigger Plot

Saint-Pierre sticks to a “crime of the week” format, with cases like a Bastille Day assassination in “Kill Lil” or a nature group leader’s death in “Queen Bee.” Each 44-minute episode wraps up neatly but ties into a larger conspiracy involving organized crime. IMDb reviews give it a 3/5, calling it “fun but familiar” (Jan 6, 2025). The show’s strength is its bingeability—season one’s free on CBC Gem—but it can feel formulaic. Episode six, though, shakes things up with a cliffhanger that hints at bigger stakes.

Why’s this a draw? The episodic structure makes it easy to jump in, perfect for casual viewers. But leaning too hard on tropes like the exiled cop or quirky small-town murders can get old. The writers need to balance standalone cases with the overarching plot to keep things fresh. If they don’t, season two could lose momentum.

A Cast That Elevates the Script

The ensemble is a standout. Allan Hawco’s Fitz is relatable, though some Reddit users call him “a bit stiff” (u/Fnrjkdh, Jan 7, 2025). Joséphine Jobert’s Arch steals the show with her layered performance. Supporting players like James Purefoy as the shady Gallagher, Benz Antoine as Chief Inspector Marcus Villeneuve, and Erika Prevost as the flirty Patty add flavor. Purefoy’s role, especially, teases a bigger villain arc for season two, which CBC confirmed will start filming in spring 2026.

A strong cast matters because it can make even a predictable script shine. The mistake would be sidelining supporting characters, but Saint-Pierre gives them moments, like Patty’s banter with Fitz. If the writers don’t develop these side stories, the show could feel flat. The diverse cast also mirrors the islands’ French-Acadian-Basque mix, adding authenticity.

Filming Challenges in a Tiny French Territory

Filming in Saint-Pierre and Miquelon, with its 6,000 residents and limited infrastructure, was no small feat. Hawco Productions filled both local hotels and relied on residents to house crew, per CBC (Jan 6, 2025). The real locations—cobblestone streets, rugged cliffs—give the show a raw, authentic feel. Benz Antoine said locals were thrilled to be part of it, noting, “It was all new to them.”

This matters because authenticity sets Saint-Pierre apart. But remote filming brings risks: bad weather, limited resources, and cultural missteps. If the production didn’t respect local customs or overused pretty drone shots, it could alienate viewers. Season two’s spring filming schedule suggests they’ve got a handle on logistics, but they’ll need to keep the island’s unique vibe front and center.

Real-Life Saint-Pierre and Miquelon

The show’s spotlight on Saint-Pierre and Miquelon is a tourism boost for the islands. A 1.5-hour ferry from Fortune, Newfoundland, gets you there, with tickets at 45 EUR one-way (SPM Ferries). The islands, home to 5,819 people as of 2022, rely on fishing and tourism, with France subsidizing 70% of supplies, per Britannica. Their history—swapped between France and Britain, a smuggling hub during Prohibition—adds intrigue. X posts highlight the “French vibe” with “baguettes and foggy coasts” (@shagbark_hick, Nov 21, 2023).

Why’s this cool? The show introduces a hidden gem most Canadians miss. But if it doesn’t showcase local culture—like Basque festivals or the 12km sand isthmus connecting Miquelon and Langlade—it risks feeling generic. Visitors should book ferries early, as summer slots fill fast.

H2: What Fans and Critics Think

Saint-Pierre is a hit, topping CBC’s 2025 viewership charts. Reddit fans love the “cozy yet gritty” feel, comparing it to Death in Paradise but “colder” (r/DeathInParadiseBBC, Jan 8, 2025). Critics are split: The Globe and Mail called it “generic and goofy” (Jan 4, 2025), while TV, eh? praised its “unique setting” (May 1, 2025). X users are hooked, with one calling it “a procedural I actually enjoy” (@MR_STiXX, Jul 20, 2025). The show’s 3/5 IMDb rating reflects its broad appeal but room for growth.

This matters because fan buzz drives viewership, but critical feedback shapes the show’s future. If season two doesn’t address calls for more originality, it could lose steam. For now, it’s a solid binge for crime drama fans.

FAQs

What is Saint-Pierre about?

Saint-Pierre is a CBC police procedural set on the French islands of Saint-Pierre and Miquelon. Allan Hawco plays Fitz, a Newfoundland cop exiled for exposing corruption, who teams up with Joséphine Jobert’s Arch to solve crimes like murders and smuggling. The show mixes episodic mysteries with a larger conspiracy, set in a unique French-Canadian locale. Season one’s free on CBC Gem.

Why is Saint-Pierre and Miquelon a unique setting?

These French islands, just 25 km from Newfoundland, have a population of 5,819 and a history as a smuggling hub. Their European vibe—euros, baguettes, French laws—sets them apart. The show uses real locations, not sets, but needs to dive deeper into Basque and Breton culture to avoid feeling like a generic backdrop.

Who stars in Saint-Pierre?

Allan Hawco (Fitz), Joséphine Jobert (Arch), and James Purefoy (Gallagher) lead, with Benz Antoine, Erika Prevost, and Jean-Michel Le Gal in support. Hawco and Jobert’s chemistry is a highlight, though some find Hawco’s acting stiff. The diverse cast reflects the islands’ cultural mix.

How can I visit Saint-Pierre and Miquelon?

Take a 1.5-hour ferry from Fortune, Newfoundland (45 EUR one-way, SPM Ferries). Book early, especially in summer. Flights via Air Saint-Pierre from Montreal, Halifax, or St. John’s are another option. Bring a passport, euros, and expect a 30-minute time zone shift from Newfoundland.

Is Saint-Pierre worth watching?

If you like Hudson & Rex or Death in Paradise, Saint-Pierre delivers with its unique setting and strong cast. It’s not groundbreaking, but it’s easy to watch. Some find the plots predictable, so season two needs to take risks. Stream it free on CBC Gem and decide for yourself.

How accurate is the show’s portrayal of the islands?

The show captures the islands’ rugged beauty and French vibe but skims over cultural details like Basque festivals or the Prohibition-era history. Filming on location adds authenticity, but overusing scenic shots can feel touristy. Season two could improve by showcasing local life more.

Conclusion

Saint-Pierre is a gem for crime drama fans, blending a unique French island setting with a solid cast led by Allan Hawco and Joséphine Jobert. Its episodic mysteries and slow-burn conspiracy make it binge-worthy, though it risks feeling formulaic without bolder plots. The real Saint-Pierre and Miquelon—6,000 residents, a smuggling past, and a 1.5-hour ferry from Newfoundland—gets a well-deserved spotlight. Season two, set to film in 2026, has a chance to dig deeper into the islands’ culture. Catch season one on CBC Gem, and share your thoughts below!