“Crookhaven: Unveiling the School Training Future Criminals”

A new eight-part family drama arrives this March. Crookhaven opens on BBC1 on Sunday 22 March, with all episodes available on BBC iPlayer after the first instalment airs.

Premise and themes

The series is set inside a hidden school for talented young crooks. Students learn to outthink villains and to use criminal skills for justice.

The show mixes action, mystery and moral questions. Themes include identity, loyalty and the bonds of found family.

Main characters and cast

• Lucas Leach plays Gabriel Avery. He is a quick-fingered pickpocket with a near-photographic memory. Leach previously appeared in FBI: International (2024).
• Carmel Laniado is Penelope Lockett. She is the headmaster’s driven daughter. Laniado is 21 and has credits in The Witcher (2021) and Tell Me Everything (2024).
• Amari Bacchus portrays Ade Okoro. Ade is the louder half of the ‘Brothers Crim’ and a gifted hacker. Bacchus appeared in Adolescence (2025).
• Sani Thabo plays Ede Okoro. He is Ade’s quieter twin and the duo’s strategist. Thabo’s credits include Everything Now (2023) and Casualty (2024).
• Julie Hesmondhalgh is Gabriel’s guardian, known as Grandma. She has a long television résumé, including Coronation Street and Happy Valley.
• Dougray Scott stars as Caspian Lockett. He is the school’s headmaster and head of the global Crooked Network.
• Claire Forlani appears as Carmen Lockett. Carmen is a celebrated crook who is currently on a covert assignment.
• Keith Allen plays Erasmus Sisman. He is Crookhaven’s stern head of security and leader of the Gardeners.

Student rivalry and stakes

Eight international students compete for the Crooked Cup. Rivalries drive much of the series’ tension.

A shadowy group called the Nameless threatens the school from within. Their presence raises the stakes for students and staff.

Origins and source material

The television drama is adapted from JJ Arcanjo’s Crookhaven novels. The first book, Crookhaven: The School For Thieves, appeared in 2022.

Four sequels followed: The Forgotten Maze, The Island Heist, The Impossible Fortress, and The Thieves’ Revenge. The novels provide adaptation material and potential for more seasons.

Production details

Filming took place in Northern Ireland during summer 2025. Production was based in and around Belfast.

Northern Ireland Screen supported the shoot. The series was produced as an eight-episode family drama.

Where and when to watch

The first episode airs on BBC1 on Sunday 22 March. All eight episodes will stream on BBC iPlayer after that first broadcast.

Coverage note

This report was prepared for Filmogaz.com. It draws on cast announcements and production information released ahead of the premiere.

Keywords: Crookhaven, unveiling, school, training, future, criminals.