BBC has released the first trailer for Crookhaven, the highly anticipated series adapted from J.J. Arcanjo’s beloved novels, set to premiere on March 22.
The show stars Dougray Scott, Julie Hesmondhalgh, Keith Allen, and breakout talent Amari Bacchus, known for Adolescence.
The story unfolds at Crookhaven, a secret school where students, known as Crooklings, hone their criminal skills but with a twist: they are trained to use their talents for justice, balance, and doing good in the outside world. The trailer introduces us to pickpocketing prodigy Gabriel (Lucas Leach) and his arch-rival, the headmaster’s daughter Penelope (Carmel Laniado), hinting at intense rivalries and cunning strategies.
The series follows eight very different international students competing for the coveted Crooked Cup, all while facing a mysterious and dangerous adversary known only as “The Nameless.”

Filmed on location in Northern Ireland, Crookhaven was adapted for television by Justin Young. The creative lead is Tali Walters, with Mark Freeland serving as executive producer. Direction is handled by Jon East (Killing Eve, Downton Abbey) and Jamie Magnus Stone (Doctor Who). The show is produced by BBC Studios Kids & Family and global distribution is managed by BBC Studios.
With its unique mix of high-stakes competition, moral dilemmas, and clever twists, Crookhaven promises a thrilling new addition to the teen fantasy genre.
Watch the trailer here: