Crookhaven Adaptation Coming BBC iPlayer

BBC Children’s and Education has commissioned Crookhaven, an eight-part adaptation of J.J. Arcanjo’s book series of the same name, for BBC iPlayer.

Created for television by Justin Young (Ripper Street, Death in Paradise, Sanditon), the series takes place at Crookhaven School, where high-achieving young crooks from around the world are secretly selected to hone their skills in disciplines such as deception, forgery and infiltration.

The story centers on pickpocketing genius Gabriel and his rival, the headmaster’s daughter Penelope, and follows a group of eight international students as they compete for the Crooked Cup. The group uncovers secrets that link Penelope’s missing mother with Gabriel’s own mysterious past, and they are forced to confront an enemy known as The Nameless.

BBC Studios Kids & Family Productions is set to begin filming for the series in Northern Ireland this summer. The series will then premiere on BBC iPlayer in early 2026.

“I have always aimed to excite and inspire the young readers who pick up my books, but also the parents and grandparents who journey with them to my worlds, and the TV series aligns perfectly with that,” Arcanjo said. “Together with BBC Children’s and Education, we have created a fun family show filled with humor, heart and plenty of clever twists. I cannot wait for Gabriel Avery and his crew of kind-hearted crooks to be brought to life and introduced to TV audiences around the world.”

Patricia Hidalgo, director of BBC Children’s and Education, commented, “Crookhaven is a thrilling mystery series which will keep audiences on the edge of their seats. Whilst it’s quintessentially British and targeting U.K. families, we know this homegrown drama is sure to be enjoyed by international audiences as we bring the best of U.K. creativity and BBC drama for children and families around the world.”