Crookhaven (TV series)
2026 British television series
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
Crookhaven is a British television drama series based on a book series of the same name by JJ Arcanjo. Set in a secret school for aspiring crooks, the show follows the adventure of young pickpocket Gabriel Avery. The series premiered on 22 March 2026 on BBC One, CBBC and BBC iPlayer.[1] It was reportedly renewed for a second series ahead of the premiere.[2]
| Crookhaven | |
|---|---|
| |
| Genre | Drama |
| Created by | Justin Young |
| Based on | Crookhaven the School for Thieves by JJ Arcanjo |
| Written by | Justin Young |
| Directed by |
|
| Starring |
|
| Country of origin | United Kingdom |
| Original language | English |
| No. of series | 1 |
| No. of episodes | 8 |
| Production | |
| Executive producers |
|
| Producer | Leon McGeown-Fee |
| Editor | |
| Running time | 43–45 minutes |
| Production company | BBC Studios Kids & Family |
| Original release | |
| Network | BBC One |
| Release | 22 March 2026 – present |
Synopsis
Gabriel Avery, a young pickpocket, is recruited to study at the Crookhaven School, which aims to train their students in crooked skills but guide them to use their skills for good. He finds himself among eight new recruits at the school, one of whom is his arch-rival Penelope, the daughter of the headmaster Caspian Lockett. The new recruits compete to be the best of the year and win the coveted Crooked Cup. However, nothing is as it appears in the school, and along the way Gabriel discover something surprising about himself, and has to confront a dangerous enemy called The Nameless who posed a threat to the school.[3]
Cast and characters
Main
- Lucas Leach as Gabriel Avery
- Carmel Laniado as Penelope Lockett
- Dougray Scott as Caspian Lockett
- Amari Bacchus as Ade Okoro
- Sani Thabo as Ede Okoro
- Aerona Shi as Jia Ou
- Leila Khan as Amira Dhawan
- Charlie Mann as Edgar Delacombe
Supporting
- Rowan McIntosh as Dorian McArthur
- Tipper Seifert-Cleveland as Nicki
- Anna-Sophia Eden as Isabella
- Alex Mugnaioni as Diego Velasquez
- Keith Allen as Erasmus Sisman
- Keith Singleton as Mickey
- Julie Hesmondhalgh as Grandma Sue
- Claire Forlani as Carmen
- Ti Barbosa as Leon
- Genesis Lynea as Whisper
- Imran Yusuf as Mister Khan
- Miltos Yerolemou as Mister Palumbo
- Naomi Wirthner as Matilda Jericho
- Celinde Schoenmaker as Miss Friedrich
- Emily Maitlis (voice) as Miss Clarke
- Tobias Jowett as Ishaan
- Arthur Darvill as The Leopard
- Edwin Flay as Mr. Mercier
Production
Crookhaven was commissioned by Sarah Muller, Senior Head of Commissioning 7+, BBC Children's and Education, and created by Justin Young who adapted for television the book series of the same name by JJ Arcanjo.[4] Crookhaven was produced by BBC Studios Kids & Family for the BBC with support from Northern Ireland Screen.[5]
The series was filmed mostly around County Down and Belfast in Northern Ireland, with additional scenes shot in London. The Clandeboye Estate in County Down served as the Crookhaven School, with the Helen's Tower in its ground the scene of challenges.[6][7] Filming started in May and continued into the summer of 2025.[8][9]
Episodes
| No. overall | No. in series | Episode | Directed by | Written by | Original release date [a] |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 1 | "Word to the Wise" | Jon East | Justin Young | 22 March 2026 |
| 2 | 2 | "The Break-In" | Jon East | Justin Young | 22 March 2026 |
| 3 | 3 | "Full Disclosure" | Jon East | Justin Young | 29 March 2026 |
| 4 | 4 | "The Crooked Network" | Jon East | Justin Young | 29 March 2026 |
| 5 | 5 | "The Shilling Test" | Jamie Magnus Stone | Lou Ramsden | 5 April 2026 |
| 6 | 6 | "Crooxeat" | Jamie Magnus Stone | Sumerah Srivastav | 5 April 2026 |
| 7 | 7 | "The Trials" | Jamie Magnus Stone | Justin Young | 12 April 2026 |
| 8 | 8 | "Masquerade" | Jamie Magnus Stone | Justin Young | 12 April 2026 |