Crookhaven (TV series)
A secret school for aspiring crooks.
Crookhaven is a British TV drama adapted from J. J. Arcanjo's book series. The story takes place at a hidden school for would-be criminals, centering on young pickpocket Gabriel Avery. It debuted on 22 March 2026 across BBC One, CBBC, and BBC iPlayer. A second series was ordered by the BBC in July 2026.
Gabriel Avery, a skilled young thief, gets invited to attend Crookhaven School, where students learn crooked trades but are encouraged to use them for good. He joins eight other new recruits, including his fierce rival Penelope, whose father Caspian Lockett runs the school. The newcomers compete for the year's top honour, the Crooked Cup. But the school hides many secrets, and Gabriel uncovers a startling truth about himself while facing a dangerous enemy called The Nameless, which threatens the entire institution.
The main cast includes Lucas Leach as Gabriel, Carmel Laniado as Penelope, and Dougray Scott as Caspian Lockett, alongside Amari Bacchus, Sani Thabo, Aerona Shi, Leila Khan, and Charlie Mann. Supporting roles feature Rowan McIntosh, Tipper Seifert-Cleveland, Anna-Sophia Eden, Alex Mugnaioni, Keith Allen, Keith Singleton, Julie Hesmondhalgh, Claire Forlani, Ti Barbosa, Genesis Lynea, Imran Yusuf, Miltos Yerolemou, Naomi Wirthner, Celinde Schoenmaker, Emily Maitlis (voice), Tobias Jowett, Arthur Darvill, and Edwin Flay.
The series was commissioned by Sarah Muller, Senior Head of Commissioning 7+ at BBC Children's and Education, and created by Justin Young, who adapted J. J. Arcanjo's books for television. BBC Studios Kids & Family produced it for the BBC with support from Northern Ireland Screen. Filming took place mostly in County Down and Belfast, Northern Ireland, with additional scenes in London. The Clandeboye Estate in County Down stood in for Crookhaven School, and Helen's Tower on the estate was used for challenge scenes. Production began in May 2025 and continued through the summer. The BBC ordered a second series in July 2026.
The first series aired on 22 March 2026.
- Genre
- Television drama series
- Based on
- Book series by J. J. Arcanjo
- Premiere date
- 22 March 2026
- Network
- BBC One, CBBC, BBC iPlayer
- Created by
- Justin Young
- Filming location
- County Down and Belfast, Northern Ireland; London
Quick Facts
- Genre
- Drama
- Creator
- Justin Young
- Based On
- Crookhaven the School for Thieves · J. J. Arcanjo
- Director
- Jon East / Jamie Magnus Stone
- Starring
- Lucas Leach / Carmel Laniado / Dougray Scott / Amari Bacchus / Sani Thabo / Aerona Shi / Leila Khan / Charlie Mann
- Composer
- Katie Richardson
- Country
- United Kingdom
- Language
- English
- Num Series
- 1
- Num Episodes
- 8
- Executive Producer
- Mark Freeland · Justin Young / Amy Buscombe
- Producer
- Leon McGeown-Fee
Facts from the source article.
Lore & Background
Crookhaven follows Gabriel Avery, a young pickpocket recruited to study at the Crookhaven School, which trains students in crooked skills but guides them to use those skills for good. Gabriel is among eight new recruits, including his arch-rival Penelope, daughter of headmaster Caspian Lockett. The recruits compete for the Crooked Cup while uncovering secrets about the school and confronting a dangerous enemy called The Nameless.
The series was commissioned by Sarah Muller, Senior Head of Commissioning 7+, BBC Children's and Education, and created by Justin Young. It was produced by BBC Studios Kids & Family with support from Northern Ireland Screen. Filming took place mostly around County Down and Belfast, with the Clandeboye Estate serving as the Crookhaven School and Helen's Tower used for challenge scenes. Filming began in May and continued into summer 2025.
The first series premiered on 22 March 2026. In July 2026, the BBC commissioned a second series.
Reader's Guide
Crookhaven represents a notable addition to BBC children's programming, adapting a popular book series into a television drama. Its premiere across BBC One, CBBC, and BBC iPlayer on 22 March 2026 signaled a multi-platform release strategy. The series was commissioned by Sarah Muller, Senior Head of Commissioning 7+, BBC Children's and Education, and created by Justin Young. Production by BBC Studios Kids & Family, with support from Northern Ireland Screen, highlights regional film investment. The casting includes Lucas Leach as Gabriel Avery, Carmel Laniado as Penelope Lockett, and Dougray Scott as Caspian Lockett, among a large ensemble. The show's premise—a school for young crooks taught to use their skills for good—offers a moral twist on the heist genre. The early renewal for a second series in July 2026 indicates positive reception. The series was filmed at the Clandeboye Estate in County Down, using Helen's Tower as a set piece. The show's legacy will depend on its continued run and cultural impact, but its initial commission and renewal mark it as a significant BBC children's property.
Did You Know?
- Crookhaven is based on a book series by J. J. Arcanjo.
- The series premiered on 22 March 2026 on BBC One, CBBC and BBC iPlayer.
- Filming took place mostly around County Down and Belfast in Northern Ireland.
- The BBC commissioned a second series in July 2026.
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