Is Saint-Pierre too dark for Death in Paradise fans? Find out!
Discover why Saint-Pierre, the new CBC police procedural set in Saint-Pierre and Miquelon, is 2025’s hottest crime drama. Read now!
Introduction: A Crime Show Unlike Any Other
If you’re a fan of crime dramas, you’ve probably binged Death in Paradise or Shetland and thought you’d seen every twist an island setting can offer. Then along comes Saint-Pierre, a new CBC police procedural that dropped on January 6, 2025, and it’s shaking things up.
Set on the tiny French territory of Saint-Pierre and Miquelon, just off Newfoundland’s coast, this show isn’t your typical cop drama. It’s got a rugged, quirky island vibe, two clashing detectives with killer chemistry, and crimes that feel ripped from a smuggler’s playbook.
Why does this matter? Because Saint-Pierre blends French-Canadian culture with high-stakes mysteries, making it a fresh addition to the genre. Think The Mallorca Files but colder, moodier, and with a fish-out-of-water Newfoundland cop named Fitz who sleepwalks in his underwear. Let’s break down why this show is worth your time, how it stands out, and what happens if it doesn’t live up to the hype.
What Makes Saint-Pierre and Miquelon the Perfect Crime Drama Setting?
The first thing that hits you about Saint-Pierre is its setting. Saint-Pierre and Miquelon, a French archipelago 30 kilometers off Newfoundland, is a real place with about 5,000 residents, Euro currency, and a history of smuggling from Prohibition to World War II. It’s like a slice of France dropped in the North Atlantic, and the show leans into this hard.
The islands’ colorful streets, foggy harbors, and isolated vibe—captured beautifully by cinematographer Ian Vatcher—make every episode feel like a mini-vacation with a side of murder.
Why it matters: This isn’t just a pretty backdrop. The islands’ remoteness and international status (part of the EU, not Canada) make them a believable hub for crimes like drug running or human trafficking, which the show fictionalizes to great effect. Allan Hawco, who stars as Fitz and co-created the series, said the setting’s “magic” inspired the whole project after he scouted it for Son of a Critch.
How it’s done: The show uses real exterior shots of Saint-Pierre, with scenes on police boats and in local pubs to ground the story. For example, episode two features Bastille Day celebrations, weaving in cultural details like French music and fireworks alongside a murder mystery.
Mistakes to avoid: Some critics, like J. Kelly Nestruck at The Globe and Mail, argue the show doesn’t dig deep enough into the islands’ unique culture, treating it as a backdrop rather than a character. If you’re watching, don’t expect a history lesson—focus on the vibe, not the details.
Consequences: If the setting feels underused, you might feel cheated, especially if you’re drawn to shows like Death in Paradise that embrace their locale. But the island’s charm still hooks you, even if it’s not the star it could be.
Fitz and Arch: The Detective Duo You Didn’t Know You Needed
The heart of Saint-Pierre is its leads: Donny “Fitz” Fitzpatrick (Allan Hawco) and Geneviève “Arch” Archambault (Joséphine Jobert). Fitz is a Newfoundland cop exiled for exposing a politician’s corruption, while Arch is a Parisian transplant running the local police. Their chemistry is electric, but it’s not the usual “will-they-won’t-they” trope. They’re equals, each a Sherlock to the other’s Holmes, as co-showrunner Robina Lord-Stafford puts it.
Why it matters: Their dynamic drives the show. Fitz’s gut-driven style clashes with Arch’s evidence-based approach, leading to banter and tension that feel real. For instance, in episode two, they bicker over a mysterious body found during Bastille Day, but their differences make them stronger.
How it’s done: Hawco and Jobert met during filming, mirroring their characters’ uneasy start. Jobert, known from Death in Paradise, brings a badass edge to Arch, while Hawco’s Fitz is a flawed, sleepwalking mess with a dark past. Their real-time bonding translates onscreen, especially as Arch warms to Fitz’s skills.
Mistakes to avoid: Don’t expect instant buddy-cop vibes. The show takes time to build their trust, and rushing that arc would feel fake. Some fans on X have noted the slow burn, with one saying, “Fitz and Arch are fire, but give it a few episodes!”
Consequences: If you bail early, you’ll miss their partnership clicking. By the season one finale, they’re saving their chief’s life in a graveyard cliffhanger, proving they’re unstoppable together.
How Saint-Pierre Balances Crime, Culture, and Character
Saint-Pierre isn’t just about solving murders—it’s about the clash of French and Canadian cultures. Fitz, a Newfoundlander who doesn’t speak French, feels like an outsider in a squad room where everyone’s fluent. Arch, a Parisian, is equally out of place but hides it behind confidence. This cultural tension adds depth to the weekly cases, which range from cult leader killings to decapitations.
Why it matters: The cultural mix makes Saint-Pierre stand out in a crowded genre. It’s not just another Law & Order. The show uses the islands’ history—think bootlegging and smuggling—to craft believable crimes, like international drug routes that Fitz suspects involve corruption.
How it’s done: Episodes blend local flavor (French pubs, Euro currency) with gritty cases. For example, a local bartender who “spills tea” while pouring pints helps solve crimes, grounding the drama in community quirks.
Mistakes to avoid: Don’t expect every episode to dive deep into culture. Some, like Nestruck, call it “generic” for leaning on case-of-the-week formulas over cultural nuance. If you want more depth, pair the show with a quick Wikipedia read on Saint-Pierre’s history.
Consequences: If the show feels too formulaic, you might lose interest. But its character-driven moments, like Fitz’s sleepwalking revealing his trauma, keep you hooked.
The Challenges of Making a Show Like Saint-Pierre
Creating Saint-Pierre wasn’t easy. Hawco, Lord-Stafford, and Perry Chafe built the show from scratch, inspired by Hawco’s visit to the islands. They had to balance authenticity (filming on location) with the demands of a weekly procedural. The result is a show that’s visually stunning but sometimes plays it safe with clichés.
Why it matters: Understanding the production helps you appreciate the effort. Hawco’s team used real Saint-Pierre locations, not sets, which adds authenticity but limits budget flexibility.
How it’s done: The writers’ room focused on character backstories—like Fitz’s undercover trauma and Arch’s mysterious reasons for being on the island—to anchor the cases. They also cast diverse actors like Benz Antoine and Erika Prevost to flesh out the station.
Mistakes to avoid: Don’t assume it’s all gritty realism. The show leans into “goofy” moments, like Fitz sleepwalking or a young cop ogling him, which can feel jarring if you want dark drama.
Consequences: If the tone feels uneven, you might struggle with the lighter bits. But fans on X praise the mix, with one saying, “It’s like Republic of Doyle but moodier—love it!”
Why Saint-Pierre’s Success Signals 2025 TV Trends
Saint-Pierre was CBC’s most-watched new series in its first season, earning a second season for 2026. This success points to a 2025 trend: niche settings and diverse casts are winning viewers. Shows like Allegiance and Wild Cards also got renewed, showing Canada’s appetite for homegrown procedurals.
Why it matters: The show’s popularity reflects a shift toward stories that blend local flavor with universal themes. Its French-Canadian mix and flawed characters (like Fitz’s baggage) resonate with audiences tired of glossy Hollywood fare.
How it’s done: CBC markets Saint-Pierre heavily on CBC Gem, making it free to stream in Canada. Social media buzz, like X posts about Fitz and Arch’s chemistry, fuels its viral appeal.
Mistakes to avoid: Don’t overlook the streaming angle. If you’re outside Canada, check Tom’s Guide for ways to watch, as CBC Gem is region-locked.
Consequences: If you miss the streaming window, you’ll be stuck waiting for season two spoilers on X. Stay current to join the fan debates!
FAQs
What is Saint-Pierre about, and why should I watch it?
Saint-Pierre follows Fitz, a Newfoundland cop exiled to the French islands of Saint-Pierre and Miquelon, where he teams with Arch to solve crimes. Watch it for its unique setting, strong chemistry, and gritty cases that mix cultural clashes with murder mysteries.
How does Saint-Pierre compare to Death in Paradise?
Both are island-based procedurals with outsider cops, but Saint-Pierre has a darker tone and focuses on French-Canadian tensions. Unlike Death in Paradise’s sunny vibe, it’s moodier with complex characters like sleepwalking Fitz.
Where can I stream Saint-Pierre?
In Canada, stream it free on CBC Gem or watch on CBC TV Mondays at 9 p.m. ET. Outside Canada, check Tom’s Guide for VPN options to access CBC Gem.
Why is the setting of Saint-Pierre and Miquelon unique?
The islands are a French territory near Newfoundland, with a smuggling history and Euro currency, making them a perfect backdrop for international crime stories.
Does Saint-Pierre have a season two?
Yes, CBC renewed it for a second season, set to premiere in winter 2026, following its first-season success.
Conclusion: Don’t Sleep on Saint-Pierre
Saint-Pierre is more than a cop show—it’s a love letter to a quirky French island and a showcase for two flawed, fascinating detectives. Its setting, chemistry, and high-stakes crimes make it a standout in 2025’s TV lineup. Whether you’re into the cultural clashes, Fitz’s sleepwalking antics, or Arch’s badass vibe, there’s something here for every crime drama fan. Stream it on CBC Gem, join the X debates, and let us know your favorite episode in the comments!
