Crookhaven: The BBC’s New Thriller from Death in Paradise
What’s Crookhaven About?
Crookhaven is an eight-episode thriller hitting BBC iPlayer and CBBC in early 2026. It’s based on J.J. Arcanjo’s book series and centers on Gabriel, a 13-year-old pickpocket who’s so good he gets caught. Instead of jail, he’s sent to Crookhaven School, a hidden academy where kids from around the world learn skills like deception, forgery, “crimnastics” (think heist-ready acrobatics), and infiltration. The catch? They’re training to use these talents for good, not crime. Gabriel locks horns with Penelope, the headmaster’s daughter and his rival, as they and eight other international students compete for the “Crooked Cup.” Things get messy when they uncover a mystery linking Penelope’s missing mom to Gabriel’s shady past, all while facing a creepy villain called The Nameless.
Why’s this worth caring about? It’s got Justin Young, a Death in Paradise writer, at the helm, so expect sharp dialogue and clever plotting. Unlike Paradise’s cozy murders, Crookhaven targets younger viewers—teens and tweens—but with enough depth to pull in adults who loved His Dark Materials or Lockwood & Co. It’s diving into big questions: Can you do bad things for good reasons? Who do you trust when everyone’s a crook? The BBC’s pitching it as “quintessentially British” with global appeal, per Patricia Hidalgo, Director of BBC Children’s and Education. Fans are already buzzing on X, with posts like “This is going to be epic!” and “Cannot wait!” If you’re into stories that mix adventure, humor, and moral tangles, this could be your next obsession.
When and Where to Catch It
You’ll have to hold tight until early 2026 for Crookhaven. It’s dropping on BBC iPlayer, with episodes also airing on CBBC for kids. Each of the eight episodes runs 45 minutes, built for a weekend binge. Filming kicks off in Northern Ireland in May 2025, backed by Northern Ireland Screen, so expect moody, rugged visuals—think misty forests and jagged cliffs. The BBC’s keeping the exact premiere date and cast quiet for now, but they’ve promised more details later in 2025. If you’re outside the UK, BBC Studios is handling international distribution, so it’ll likely pop up on streaming platforms or local networks eventually.
How They’re Pulling It Off
Turning Crookhaven into a TV show is a big gamble. Adapting a book series with a loyal fanbase is like juggling torches—you’ve got to keep readers happy while making it work for the screen. The BBC’s gone all-in, partnering with BBC Studios Kids & Family Productions and assembling a top-notch team. Justin Young, who’s also written for Ripper Street and Holby City, is adapting the books, 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.
They’re filming in Northern Ireland, which gives them raw, atmospheric landscapes to make Crookhaven School feel like a real, secretive place. The production’s tied to BBC Children’s and Education, so it’s designed to be smart without talking down to kids. J.J. Arcanjo, the author, is over the moon, calling it 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: “Gabriel & my whole crew of good-hearted crooks are coming to your screens!” 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 Thriller Matters
A thriller from the Death in Paradise crew carries weight. Paradise is a global giant—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 beast: younger, darker, and tied to a book series with fans who know every detail. It’s a chance to show the Paradise team—especially Justin Young—can stretch beyond Saint Marie’s sunny murders.
It’s also a bold move for BBC’s kids’ programming. Most shows for tweens play it safe with superheroes or talking animals. Crookhaven takes risks with its premise—kids trained as crooks for good—and themes of trust and morality. If it hits, it could pave the way 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 hyped, 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 to Avoid
Thrillers like Crookhaven are tough to nail, especially with the Death in Paradise name attached. Adapting a beloved book series adds extra pressure—fans are picky. Here’s where things can go south:
Straying from the books: Fans love Gabriel’s scrappy charm and Penelope’s sharp wit. If the show tweaks their stories or tone, readers will riot. The books balance fun and depth—losing that could make Crookhaven feel like any teen drama.
Bad casting: The cast hasn’t been announced, but picking the right actors for Gabriel and Penelope is make-or-break. They need kids who can handle humor, rivalry, and emotional weight. A fan on X nailed it: “Casting better be spot-on for Gabriel and Penelope.” A weak cast can sink a show—think early Percy Jackson films, where fans trashed the leads.
Pacing issues: The books are fast, with twists that land hard. If the show drags out the mystery of Penelope’s mom or Gabriel’s past, viewers might tune out. Eight episodes is tight, so filler’s a death sentence.
Tone missteps: 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.
Justin Young’s Death in Paradise scripts juggle humor and mystery well, so he’s got the skills to pull it off. 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 Mess It Up?
Botching Crookhaven would sting. Fans of the books are vocal—X posts show they’re protective, with comments like “Cannot wait! This is wonderful news.” A bad adaptation could turn them off fast, and negative buzz spreads quick. It might hurt 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 shy away from risky kids’ thrillers, 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 at stake 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 doubt whether the Paradise magic works elsewhere. Spin-offs like Beyond Paradise and Return to Paradise already pushed 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 Hit
So, what’s the game plan? First, stick 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 dawdle, so the show can’t afford slow episodes. Deliver payoffs—like The Nameless’s identity—without dragging.
Visually, make Northern Ireland work. Its rugged landscapes can give Crookhaven School a secretive, almost magical vibe. The “crimnastics” scenes need to look slick—cheap action will kill the mood. Humor’s crucial 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, lean into the diverse cast. The international students give a chance to tell stories that resonate globally, key for a show aiming for worldwide reach.
Why Crookhaven Could Be Huge
Crookhaven isn’t just another thriller. It’s a shot at something different. Most kids’ shows stick to safe formulas, but this one’s about young people wrestling with big ideas: Can you break rules for good? Who’s trustworthy when everyone’s a crook? That’s bold, and if the BBC nails it, it could hook a massive 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 plus. 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 doing its own thing.
Wrapping It Up
Crookhaven is shaping up to be a thriller you won’t want to miss. 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 high-wire act. They’ve got to honor the books, nail the cast, and keep it snappy, or risk losing fans and fading fast. If they pull it off, it could be the show you’re raving about to everyone. Mark early 2026 on BBC iPlayer, and maybe brush up on your pickpocketing skills. You never know when you’ll need to sneak into a secret school.
