CROOKHAVEN: BBC ANNOUNCES DRAMA ADAPTATION OF HIT JJ ARCANJO'S BOOK SERIES

BBC Children’s and Education has commissioned Crookhaven, an action-packed 8x45-minute TV adaptation of J.J. Arcanjo’s hit book series, which has sold globally in 16 languages across the world, and has been created for television by Justin Young (Ripper Street, Death In Paradise, Sanditon).

The thrilling family adventure series is set at mysterious Crookhaven School where high achieving young crooks from across the world are secretly selected to hone their skills in disciplines such as Deception, Crimnastics, Forgery and Infiltration, learning how to use their skills for good and to do what is right in their own way.

Centred around pickpocketing genius Gabriel and his archrival, headmaster’s daughter Penelope, the series follows a group of eight very different, young international students as they compete for the coveted Crooked Cup.

In a school where every teacher is a crook and traitors lurk around every corner, no-one is entirely who they seem to be as the gang uncover the dark secrets that link Penelope’s missing mother with Gabriel’s own mysterious past and confront a terrifying enemy - The Nameless.

A coming-of-age drama full of exciting twists and turns, Crookhaven is about finding your place in the world, learning who you can trust and the very nature of right and wrong.

Author J.J. Arcanjo, says: “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. Together with BBC Children’s and Education we have created a fun family show filled with humour, 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 BBC Children’s and Education says: “Crookhaven is a thrilling mystery series which will keep audiences on the edge of their seats. Whilst it’s quintessentially British and targeting UK families, we know this homegrown drama is sure to be enjoyed by international audiences as we bring the best of UK creativity and BBC drama for children and families around the world”

Produced by BBC Studios Kids & Family Productions, Crookhaven shoots in Northern Ireland this summer and is set to premiere on BBC iPlayer in early 2026.