BBC’s Crookhaven: New Thriller from Death in Paradise Writer Justin Young
BBC’s Crookhaven: New Thriller from Death in Paradise Writer Justin Young
What’s the Deal with Crookhaven?
Crookhaven is an eight-episode series adapted from J.J. Arcanjo’s best-selling book series, which has sold in 16 languages worldwide. The story follows Gabriel, a 13-year-old pickpocketing genius who gets caught and, instead of punishment, is recruited by the mysterious Caspian Crook to join Crookhaven School. This isn’t your typical school—it’s a hidden academy where high-achieving young crooks from across the globe hone skills like deception, forgery, infiltration, and “crimnastics” (think acrobatics for heists). The twist? They’re trained to use these talents for noble causes, not crime. Gabriel clashes with Penelope, the headmaster’s daughter and his archrival, as they and eight diverse international students compete for the “Crooked Cup.” The plot thickens when they uncover dark secrets tying Penelope’s missing mother to Gabriel’s shadowy past, all while facing a terrifying enemy called The Nameless.
This isn’t just a kids’ show—it’s a coming-of-age drama diving into big ideas like trust, loyalty, and the blurry line between right and wrong. The BBC calls it “quintessentially British” but with global appeal, targeting teens and families while aiming to hook adults who loved His Dark Materials or Lockwood & Co. Fans are already hyped, with X posts like “Amazing! Congratulations” and “Cannot wait!! This is wonderful news.” J.J. Arcanjo’s thrilled, saying, “We’ve created a fun family show filled with humour, heart and plenty of clever twists.” Justin Young, known for Death in Paradise episodes like “Murder on Mosquito Island,” is adapting it, and his track record makes this a must-watch.
When and Where It’s Happening
You’ll need to wait until early 2026 to binge Crookhaven. It’ll premiere on BBC iPlayer and air on CBBC, with eight 45-minute episodes. Filming kicks off in May 2025 in Northern Ireland, supported by Northern Ireland Screen, so expect moody, rugged visuals—think misty cliffs and shadowy forests. The exact premiere date’s still TBD, and the cast hasn’t been announced, but Arcanjo confirmed on X that casting’s done, with news coming soon. Internationally, BBC Studios is handling distribution, so it’ll likely pop up on platforms like PBS or BritBox outside the UK. If you’re a Death in Paradise fan, you’re used to this—series 14 wrapped on March 28, 2025, and series 15 is filming now for a Christmas special in December 2025 and a full run in January 2026.
How They’re Making It Happen
Adapting Crookhaven is a big undertaking. Turning a beloved book series into TV means keeping fans happy while making it work for the screen. The BBC’s pulling out all the stops, with BBC Studios Kids & Family Productions leading the project. Justin Young, who’s written five Death in Paradise episodes and worked on Ripper Street and Sanditon, is adapting the books, bringing his knack for witty dialogue and clever plots. He’s teamed up with director Jon East (Killing Eve, Downton Abbey), who’s got a sharp eye for suspense, and producer Leon McGeown-Fee (Dalgliesh, Hope Street). Executive producer Mark Freeland (The Wrong Mans, Miranda) is on board to keep the humor and heart intact.
They’re shooting in Northern Ireland, which gives them raw, atmospheric landscapes to bring Crookhaven School to life as a secretive, almost magical place. The production’s under BBC Children’s and Education, so it’s designed to be smart without talking down to its younger audience. Arcanjo’s been involved, sharing on X that he’s waited two years to announce this: “Gabriel & my whole crew of good-hearted crooks are coming to your screens soon!” The books’ global reach—16 languages—means there’s a built-in fanbase ready to tune in. The team’s aiming to capture the books’ fast pace and layered characters while making it visually gripping for TV.
Why This Series Matters
Crookhaven isn’t just another BBC drama—it’s a bold swing. Most kids’ shows stick to safe bets like superheroes or animated adventures, but this one dives into moral gray areas: Can you break rules for good? Who do you trust when everyone’s a crook? That’s rare for CBBC, and it’s why the BBC’s banking on it. Justin Young’s Death in Paradise connection is a big draw—series 14 was the UK’s most-watched returning drama in 2024, peaking at over 8 million viewers and licensed to 230 territories. His ability to craft episodes like “Beyond the Shining Sea” that balance humor, mystery, and character drama gives Crookhaven a shot at crossing over from kids to adults.
The show’s diversity is another strength. With eight international students, it’s got a global vibe that lets kids from different backgrounds see themselves on screen. BBC Studios is pushing it worldwide, and if it clicks, it could be the next 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.” The Death in Paradise brand adds trust—despite a dip to 5.89 million viewers at its lowest in series 14, it’s still a juggernaut. Crookhaven could tap into that fanbase while carving out its own space with a younger, edgier vibe.
Common Mistakes in Adaptations Like This
Adapting a book series like Crookhaven is tricky, especially with Justin Young’s Death in Paradise cred raising the bar. Fans of Arcanjo’s books are protective—X posts show they’re thrilled but nervous about casting and fidelity. Here’s where things could go wrong:
Straying from the source: The books are loved for Gabriel’s scrappy charm and Penelope’s sharp wit. If Young changes their essence or softens the moral complexity, fans will push back. The books balance fun and depth—losing that could make Crookhaven feel like a generic teen show. Think Percy Jackson films, where fans hated the altered plot.
Casting missteps: The cast hasn’t been announced, but picking the right actors for Gabriel and Penelope is critical. They need kids who can handle humor, rivalry, and emotional weight. An X post nailed it: “The casting is going to be tricky to get just right.” A bad cast can sink a show—look at Artemis Fowl’s flop.
Pacing problems: The books are fast-paced, with twists that land hard. If Young drags out the mystery of Penelope’s mom or Gabriel’s past, viewers might tune out. Eight episodes is a tight window, so filler’s a killer. His Dark Materials season 1 kept the book’s momentum; season 3 stumbled with slower pacing.
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 nailed this balance, but Torchwood’s early grit turned off some fans. Young’s Paradise scripts juggle humor and stakes well, but this is a new challenge.
Young’s got the skills—his Death in Paradise episodes like “Switcharoo” show he can weave tight, fun stories. Jon East’s Killing Eve work means he can handle suspense. But they’ve got to stay true to the books while making it pop on screen.
What Happens If They Botch It?
Messing up Crookhaven would hurt. Fans are vocal—X posts like “Congratulations wonderful news and what a series it’ll be” show they’re invested. A bad adaptation could turn them off, and negative buzz spreads fast on platforms like X. It might hit Arcanjo’s book sales, which would be rough for an author with a global reach in 16 languages. The BBC could also rethink risky kids’ dramas, sticking to safer bets like animated shows. Crookhaven’s premise—kids using crime skills for good—is bold, and a flop could mean fewer unique stories.
The Death in Paradise brand’s at stake too. The show’s a titan, surviving cast changes and snarky reviews (The Guardian called it a “boring holiday timeshare” in 2021). Young’s tied to its success, and a Crookhaven failure could make fans question whether Paradise writers can branch out. Spin-offs like Beyond Paradise and Return to Paradise already stretched the brand—Crookhaven can’t be the one that breaks it. A flop might make the BBC hesitant to hand Paradise writers new projects, which would disappoint fans craving fresh stories.
How to Make Crookhaven a Hit
So, how does the team nail this? First, stay loyal to the books. Keep Gabriel’s quick wit and Penelope’s fierce smarts. Don’t shy away from the moral questions—kids can handle nuance, and adults love it. Second, cast actors who feel real, not like Disney Channel clones. Think Stranger Things kids, where every character pops. 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—bad action will kill the vibe. Humor’s key too. Young’s Death in Paradise scripts nail witty banter (think Neville Parker’s awkward charm), so let Gabriel and Penelope spar in ways that make you laugh and root for them. Finally, use the diverse cast. The international students give a chance to tell stories that hit globally, which is huge for a BBC show aiming for worldwide reach.
Why Crookhaven Could Be Huge
Crookhaven has the potential to shake things up. Most kids’ shows stick to predictable formulas, but this one’s about young people grappling with trust and morality in a world of crooks. That’s fresh, and if Young pulls it off, it could pull in a massive audience. His Death in Paradise track record—writing episodes that draw millions—gives it a strong foundation. The show’s diversity, with students from all over, makes it relatable to kids worldwide, letting them see themselves in the story. BBC Studios is pushing it globally, and if it lands, it could be the next Sherlock, with fans everywhere.
The Death in Paradise connection is a boost. Series 14 was a monster, the UK’s most-watched returning drama in 2024 with over 8 million viewers. Crookhaven can tap into that fanbase while offering something new. Patricia Hidalgo, Director of BBC Children’s and Education, said, “We know this homegrown drama is sure to be enjoyed by international audiences.” If the team keeps the books’ spirit and delivers on the twists, it could be the show you’re texting your friends about.
Wrapping It Up
Crookhaven is shaping up to be a thriller you won’t want to miss. A secret school for kid crooks, a mystery with high stakes, and Justin Young’s Death in Paradise knack for clever storytelling—it’s got all the pieces for a hit. But it’s a tightrope walk. They’ve got to honor the books, cast it perfectly, and keep it snappy, or they risk losing fans and fading out. Filming starts in May 2025 in Northern Ireland, with a premiere on BBC iPlayer in early 2026. Keep an eye out, and maybe practice your lockpicking skills—you might need them to sneak into Crookhaven School.
