Crookhaven is a British television drama series based on a book series of the same name by JJ Arcanjo. Set in a secret school for aspiring crooks, the show follows the adventure of young pickpocket Gabriel Avery. The series premiered on 22 March 2026 on BBC One, CBBC and BBC iPlayer.
Gabriel Avery, a young pickpocket, is recruited to study at the Crookhaven School, which aims to train their students in crooked skills but guide them to use their skills for good. He finds himself among eight new recruits at the school, one of whom is his arch-rival Penelope, the daughter of the headmaster Caspian Lockett. The new recruits compete to be the best of the year and win the coveted Crooked Cup. However, nothing is as it appears in the school, and along the way Gabriel discover something surprising about himself, and has to confront a dangerous enemy called The Nameless who posed a threat to the school.
Crookhaven was commissioned by Sarah Muller, Senior Head of Commissioning 7+, BBC Children's and Education, and created by Justin Young who adapted for television the book series of the same name by JJ Arcanjo. Crookhaven was produced by BBC Studios Kids & Family for the BBC with support from Northern Ireland Screen.
The series was filmed mostly around County Down and Belfast in Northern Ireland, with additional scenes shot in London. The Clandeboye Estate in County Down served as the Crookhaven School, with the Helen's Tower in its ground the scene of challenges. Filming started in May and continued into the summer of 2025.