BBC Plans Broadcast of Crookhaven High-Stakes School Drama in 2026

The BBC is set to debut "Crookhaven," an eight-part drama series based on JJ Arcanjo’s global book series, early next year. Created for television by Justin Young, the show reimagines the high school genre with a morally complex, twisty mystery centered on identity, loyalty, and found family, set within a secret school for crooks. The narrative follows a group of students, including pickpocketing prodigy Gabriel (Lucas Leach) and headmaster’s daughter Penelope (Carmel Laniado), as they hone their skills to enforce balance and justice while confronting dark secrets and a menacing enemy known as The Nameless. The cast features Dougray Scott as Caspian Lockett, the school's headmaster, alongside Keith Allen, Claire Forlani, Julie Hesmondhalgh, Ruta Gedmintas, Miltos Yerolemou, and Celinde Schoenmaker. Filmed in Northern Ireland, the series promises a compelling coming-of-age adventure with breakout stars from series like Adolescence and Heartstopper. Dougray Scott describes his character Caspian as complex and multilayered, combining noble values with manipulative tendencies, adding depth to the show’s dynamic.