BBC Announces Crookhaven: New Series from Death in Paradise Writer
What’s Crookhaven All About?
Crookhaven is an eight-part thriller set to hit BBC iPlayer and CBBC in early 2026. It’s adapted from J.J. Arcanjo’s popular book series and follows Gabriel, a 13-year-old pickpocket who’s so slick he gets caught. Instead of trouble, he’s sent to Crookhaven School, a hidden academy where young crooks from around the world learn wild skills: deception, forgery, “crimnastics” (like acrobatics for heists), and infiltration. The twist? They’re trained to use these talents for good, not crime. Gabriel butts heads with Penelope, the headmaster’s daughter and his rival, as they and eight diverse international students compete for the “Crooked Cup.” Things get intense when they uncover a mystery linking Penelope’s missing mom to Gabriel’s murky past, all while facing a creepy villain called The Nameless.
Why should you care? This show’s got Justin Young, a Death in Paradise writer, running the show, so expect sharp dialogue and clever plotting. Unlike Paradise’s sunny murders, Crookhaven is aimed at younger viewers—teens and tweens—but with crossover appeal for adults who loved His Dark Materials or Lockwood & Co. It’s tackling big ideas: trust, loyalty, and the blurry line between right and wrong. The BBC’s calling it a “quintessentially British” series with global potential, per Patricia Hidalgo, Director of BBC Children’s and Education. Fans on X are already hyped, with comments like “Amazing! Congratulations” and “Cannot wait!! This is wonderful news.” If you’re into stories that mix adventure, humor, and moral messes, this could be your next binge.
When and Where to Watch
You’ll need to wait until early 2026 to catch Crookhaven. It’s premiering on BBC iPlayer, with episodes also airing on CBBC for the kid crowd. Each of the eight episodes runs 45 minutes, perfect for a weekend dive. Filming starts in Northern Ireland in May 2025, backed by Northern Ireland Screen, so expect gritty, moody visuals—think rugged cliffs and misty forests. The BBC’s keeping the exact release date quiet for now, but they’ve promised more details later in 2025. Casting’s done, per J.J. Arcanjo’s comments, with an announcement coming soon. If you’re outside the UK, BBC Studios is handling international distribution, so it’ll likely hit streaming platforms or local networks eventually.
How They’re Making It Happen
Adapting Crookhaven from Arcanjo’s books is no small feat. The BBC’s teamed up with BBC Studios Kids & Family Productions and pulled together a stellar crew. Justin Young, who’s also written for Ripper Street and Holby City, is leading the adaptation, bringing his Death in Paradise knack for witty banter and twisty plots. Director Jon East (Killing Eve, Downton Abbey) is handling the visuals, while producer Leon McGeown-Fee (Dalgliesh, Hope Street) keeps things on track. Executive producer Mark Freeland (The Wrong Mans, Miranda) is ensuring the show’s got humor and heart.
Filming in Northern Ireland gives them raw, atmospheric landscapes to make Crookhaven School feel like a real, secretive world. The production’s working with BBC Children’s and Education to make it smart and accessible without being preachy. J.J. Arcanjo’s thrilled, saying, “We’ve created a fun family show filled with humour, heart and plenty of clever twists.” He’s been sitting on the news for two years, and his X post blew up: “I cannot wait for Gabriel Avery and his crew of kind-hearted crooks to be brought to life.” The books have sold in 16 languages, so there’s a global fanbase ready to tune in. The team’s aiming to keep the books’ fast-paced, layered vibe while making it pop on TV.
Why This Series Matters
A new series from the Death in Paradise team is a big deal. Paradise is a global powerhouse—series 14, which wrapped March 28, 2025, hit 5.89 million viewers at its lowest and peaked at 8.14 million in earlier seasons, licensed to over 230 territories. Crookhaven’s got that legacy to live up to, but it’s a different animal: younger, darker, and tied to a book series with fans who know every detail. It’s a chance to prove Justin Young can take the Paradise formula—sharp writing, likable characters, clever plots—and make it work in a new genre.
It’s also a bold move for BBC’s kids’ programming. Most shows for tweens stick to safe bets like superheroes or talking animals. Crookhaven takes risks with its premise—kids trained as crooks for good—and themes of trust and morality. If it lands, it could open the door for more daring family dramas. The BBC’s pushing it as a global export, with BBC Studios handling distribution, aiming for the reach of Doctor Who or Sherlock. Fans on X are already buzzing, with one saying, “The casting is going to be tricky to get just right because your characters live and breathe on the page.”
Common Mistakes in Launching a Series Like This
Launching a series like Crookhaven is tough, especially with the Death in Paradise name attached. Adapting a beloved book series adds extra pressure—fans are protective. Here’s where things can go wrong:
Straying from the source: Fans love Gabriel’s scrappy charm and Penelope’s sharp wit. If the show tweaks their stories or tone, readers will push back. The books balance fun and depth—losing that could make Crookhaven feel like a generic teen drama.
Casting flops: Casting’s done, but the announcement’s pending. Picking the right actors for Gabriel and Penelope is make-or-break. They need kids who nail the humor, rivalry, and emotional weight. A fan on X nailed it: “The casting is going to be tricky to get just right.” A weak cast can tank a show—think early Percy Jackson films, where fans hated the leads.
Pacing problems: The books are fast, with twists that hit hard. If the show drags out the mystery of Penelope’s mom or Gabriel’s past, viewers might bail. Eight episodes is a tight window, so filler’s not an option.
Tone issues: Crookhaven is for kids but needs adult appeal. Too childish, and it loses older viewers; too dark, and CBBC parents complain. The Sarah Jane Adventures got this balance right, but Torchwood’s early grit turned off some fans.
Justin Young’s Death in Paradise experience—juggling humor and mystery—gives him an edge. Jon East’s Killing Eve work means he can handle suspense and style. But they’ve got to stay true to the books while making it fresh for TV.
What Happens If They Get It Wrong?
Screwing up Crookhaven would hurt. Fans of the books are vocal—X posts show they’re protective, with comments like “Congratulations, wonderful news and what a series it’ll be.” A bad adaptation could turn them off fast, and negative buzz spreads like wildfire. It might dent J.J. Arcanjo’s book sales, which would be rough for an author whose series is in 16 languages. It could also make the BBC rethink risky kids’ series, sticking to safer bets like animated shows. Crookhaven’s premise is unique, and a flop could mean fewer bold stories.
The Death in Paradise brand’s on the line too. The show’s a juggernaut, surviving cast changes and snarky reviews (The Guardian once called it a “boring holiday timeshare”). Crookhaven’s tied to it through Justin Young, and a failure could make fans question whether the Paradise magic works elsewhere. Spin-offs like Beyond Paradise and Return to Paradise already stretched the brand—Crookhaven can’t be the one that breaks it. If it tanks, the BBC might hesitate to let Paradise writers branch out again.
How to Make Crookhaven a Success
So, how do they nail this? First, stay loyal to the books. Keep Gabriel’s quick wit and Penelope’s fierce edge. Don’t shy away from the moral questions—kids can handle nuance, and adults love it. Second, cast actors who feel real, not like polished child stars. Think Stranger Things kids, where everyone stands out. Third, keep the pace tight. The books don’t waste pages, so the show can’t afford slow episodes. Deliver payoffs—like The Nameless’s identity—without dragging.
Visually, lean into Northern Ireland’s rugged beauty. Make Crookhaven School feel alive, like a place hiding secrets. The “crimnastics” scenes need to look slick—cheap action will kill the vibe. Humor’s key too. Justin Young’s Death in Paradise scripts nail witty banter, so let Gabriel and Penelope trade barbs that make you laugh and wince. Finally, use the diverse cast. The international students give a chance to tell stories that resonate globally, crucial for a show aiming for worldwide reach.
Why Crookhaven Could Be a Game-Changer
Crookhaven isn’t just another series. It’s a shot at something fresh. Most kids’ shows play it safe with superheroes or talking animals, but this one’s about young people grappling with big ideas: Can you break rules for good? Who’s trustworthy when everyone’s a crook? That’s bold, and if the BBC pulls it off, it could hook a huge audience. Justin Young’s track record—crafting Death in Paradise characters like Neville Parker that fans adore—gives it a strong foundation.
The global angle’s a big deal. With students from all over, the show’s got diversity that feels natural, letting kids from different backgrounds see themselves. BBC Studios is pushing it internationally, and if it clicks, it could be the next Sherlock, with fans worldwide. The Death in Paradise connection is a booster—series 14 was the UK’s most-watched returning drama in 2024, with over 8 million viewers. Crookhaven could ride that wave while carving its own path.
Wrapping It Up
Crookhaven is shaping up to be a series worth watching. A school for kid crooks, a mystery with personal stakes, and the Death in Paradise team’s knack for smart storytelling—it’s got the ingredients for a hit. But it’s a tightrope walk. They’ve got to honor the books, nail the cast, and keep it snappy, or risk losing fans and fading out. If they get it right, it could be the show you’re raving about to everyone. Keep an eye on BBC iPlayer in early 2026, and maybe practice your pickpocketing skills while you wait. You never know when you’ll need to sneak into a secret school.
