Crookhaven: BBC’s New Thriller from Death in Paradise Writer Justin Young

What’s Crookhaven About?

Crookhaven is an eight-episode thriller hitting BBC iPlayer and CBBC in early 2026. It’s adapted from J.J. Arcanjo’s best-selling book series, which has sold in 16 languages. The story follows Gabriel, a 13-year-old pickpocket who’s so good he finally gets caught. Instead of jail, he’s invited by the mysterious Caspian Crook to join Crookhaven School, a hidden academy where young crooks from around the world learn skills like deception, forgery, “crimnastics” (think heist-ready acrobatics), and infiltration. The catch? They’re trained to use these talents for good, not evil. Gabriel clashes with Penelope, the headmaster’s daughter and his rival, as they and eight diverse international students compete for the “Crooked Cup.” The plot gets wild when they uncover a mystery tying Penelope’s missing mom to Gabriel’s shady past, all while facing a creepy villain called The Nameless.

Why’s this worth your time? Justin Young, a Death in Paradise writer, is leading the charge, bringing his knack for sharp dialogue and clever plots. Unlike Paradise’s cozy murders, Crookhaven targets younger viewers—teens and tweens—but with crossover appeal for adults who vibe with His Dark Materials or Lockwood & Co. It’s diving into big themes: trust, loyalty, and what’s right when you’re taught to break rules. 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 hyped, with posts like “Amazing! Congratulations” and “Cannot wait!” If you’re into fast-paced stories with heart and moral tangles, this could be your next obsession.

When and Where to Catch It

You’ll have to wait until early 2026 for Crookhaven. It’s dropping on BBC iPlayer, with episodes also airing on CBBC for kids. Each of the eight episodes is 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 under wraps, but J.J. Arcanjo hinted on X that casting’s done and an announcement’s coming soon. 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 Making It

Adapting Crookhaven is a big swing. Turning a beloved book series into a TV show is like walking a tightrope—you’ve got to keep fans happy while making it work for the screen. The BBC’s gone all-in, partnering with BBC Studios Kids & Family Productions and assembling a killer team. Justin Young, who’s also written for Ripper Street and Sanditon, is adapting the books, leaning on his Death in Paradise experience to nail witty banter and twisty plots. He’s written five episodes of Paradise across 2018-2021, including fan-favorites like “Murder on Mosquito Island.” Director Jon East (Killing Eve, Downton Abbey) is handling the visuals, while producer Leon McGeown-Fee (Dalgliesh, Hope Street) keeps things moving. Executive producer Mark Freeland (The Wrong Mans, Miranda) is on board to ensure 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’s over the moon, 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 exploded: “Gabriel & my whole crew of good-hearted crooks are coming to your screens soon!” The books’ global reach—16 languages—means a built-in fanbase is ready to tune in. The team’s aiming to keep the books’ fast-paced, layered vibe while making it pop on TV.

Why Justin Young’s Role Matters

Justin Young’s involvement is a big deal. Death in Paradise is a global juggernaut—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. Young’s scripts, like the 2019 episode “Beyond the Shining Sea,” showed he can balance humor, mystery, and character drama. His work on Ripper Street and Sanditon proves he can handle darker, more layered stories, which Crookhaven needs. It’s not just another Paradise case—it’s a thriller for younger viewers, based on books with a passionate fanbase. Young’s job is to keep Gabriel’s scrappy charm and Penelope’s sharp edge while making the show feel fresh.

This matters because Crookhaven is a risk for the BBC. Most kids’ shows stick to safe formulas—superheroes, talking animals—but this one’s about young people wrestling with big ideas: Can you break rules for good? Who do you trust when everyone’s a crook? Young’s Death in Paradise experience—crafting episodes that hook millions—gives him the tools to pull it off. Fans on X are already buzzing, with one saying, “Wow, the casting is going to be tricky to get just right because your characters live and breathe on the page.” If Young nails the adaptation, Crookhaven could be a game-changer.

Common Mistakes in Adapting Books Like This

Adapting a book series like Crookhaven is tough, especially with Justin Young’s Death in Paradise cred raising expectations. Fans of Arcanjo’s books are protective—X posts show they’re thrilled but nervous. Here’s where things can go south:

• Messing with the source: The books are loved for Gabriel’s wit and Penelope’s smarts. If Young changes their core or softens the moral gray areas, 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 huge. 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, 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 tight, so filler’s a death sentence. His Dark Materials season 1 worked because it kept the book’s momentum; season 3 stumbled with slow stretches.
• Tone trouble: 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 work for TV.

What Happens If They Screw It Up?

Botching Crookhaven would sting. Fans are vocal—X posts like “Cannot wait!! This is wonderful news” show they’re protective of Arcanjo’s world. A bad adaptation could turn them off fast, and negative buzz spreads quick. It might hurt book sales, which would suck for Arcanjo, whose series is in 16 languages. It could also make the BBC rethink risky kids’ thrillers, sticking to safer bets like animated shows. Crookhaven’s premise—kids as crooks 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 beast, 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. If it tanks, the BBC might hesitate to hand Paradise writers new projects.

How to Make Crookhaven Shine

So, how does Justin Young make this a hit? First, stick 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 it 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 isn’t just another thriller. It’s a chance to do something different. Most kids’ shows stick to safe formulas, 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 rare, and if Young pulls it off, it could hook a massive audience. His Death in Paradise track record—writing episodes that draw millions—gives it a solid shot.

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 lands, it could be the next Sherlock, with fans worldwide. The Death in Paradise connection helps—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. Patricia Hidalgo said, “We know this homegrown drama is sure to be enjoyed by international audiences.”

Wrapping It Up

Crookhaven is shaping up to be a must-watch. A school for kid crooks, a mystery with personal stakes, and Justin Young’s Death in Paradise knack for smart storytelling—it’s got the pieces for a hit. But it’s a high-wire act. Young has to honor the books, nail the cast, and keep it sn atmospheric backdrop to make Crookhaven School feel alive. The production’s working with BBC Children’s and Education to make it smart and accessible without being preachy. J.J. Arcanjo’s thrilled, 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 exploded with excitement: “Gabriel & my whole crew of good-hearted crooks are coming to your screens soon!” 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 work for TV.

Why This Thriller’s a Risky Bet

Thrillers from the Death in Paradise crew come with high expectations. Paradise is a beast—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 based on books with a passionate fanbase. Getting it right is tricky. Here’s where things often go wrong:

• Messing with the source: Fans of Arcanjo’s books love Gabriel’s scrappy charm and Penelope’s sharp edge. 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 show.
• Casting missteps: The cast hasn’t been announced, but picking the right actors for Gabriel and Penelope is huge. They need kids who nail the humor, rivalry, and emotional weight. Fans on X are already worried, with one saying, “The casting is going to be tricky to get just right because your characters live and breathe on the page.” A bad cast can tank a show—look at the 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 trouble: Crookhaven is for kids but needs adult appeal. Too childish, and it loses older viewers; too dark, and CBBC parents complain. Balancing that’s tough—The Sarah Jane Adventures got it right, but Torchwood’s early grit turned off some fans.

Justin Young's Death in Paradise experience—balancing humor and mystery—gives him a leg up. Jon East’s Killing Eve work means he can handle suspense. But they’ve got to stick to the books’ spirit while making it fresh for the screen.

What Happens If They Blow It?

Screwing up Crookhaven would hurt. Fans of the books are vocal—X posts show they’re already protective, with comments like “Cannot wait! This is wonderful news.” 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 suck for an author whose series is in 16 languages. It could also make the BBC rethink risky kids’ thrillers, sticking to safer bets like animated shows. Crookhaven’s premise—kids as crooks for good—is bold, and a flop could mean fewer unique stories.

The Death in Paradise brand’s on the line too. The show’s a global hit, 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 afford to be the one that breaks it. If it tanks, the BBC might hesitate to let Paradise writers branch out again.

How to Make Crookhaven Shine

So, how do they nail this? First, stay loyal to the books. Keep Gabriel’s quick wit and Penelope’s fierce smarts. Don’t dodge the moral gray areas—kids can handle nuance, and adults love wrestling with it. Second, cast actors who feel real, not like Disney Channel clones. Think Stranger Things kids, where every character pops. Third, keep it 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. Justin Young’s Death in Paradise scripts nail witty banter, 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 a Game-Changer

Crookhaven isn’t just another thriller. It’s a chance to do something fresh. Most kids’ shows stick to 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 rare, and if the BBC pulls it off, it could hook a massive audience. Justin Young’s track record—crafting Death in Paradise characters like DI Humphrey Goodman that fans love—gives it a solid shot.

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 lands, it could be the next Doctor Who, with fans worldwide. The Death in Paradise connection helps—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 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 pieces for a hit. But it’s a tightrope. 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 begging your friends to watch. Keep an eye on BBC iPlayer in early 2026, and maybe practice your lockpicking skills while you wait. You never know when you’ll need to sneak into a secret school.