Crookhaven
Set in Crookhaven School, a secret academy training young crooks in skills like deception and forgery to use for good. A group of international students, led by pickpocketing genius Gabriel and rival Penelope, compete for the Crooked Cup while uncovering dark secrets and battling The Nameless.[1][2]
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The Signal
The pre-premiere buzz around Crookhaven reads like a BBC press release come to life, with Good Housekeeping breathlessly declaring it "the BBC's twisty new mystery series to rival the greatest." The outlet positions this children's show as "Broadchurch meets Death in Paradise," banking heavily on pedigree—Death in Paradise writer Justin Young creating a series about young pickpockets competing for something called the "Crooked Cup." BBC executives are calling it "rich homegrown storytelling" designed to "spark imaginations of all ages," while the original book author promises "fun family show filled with humour, heart and plenty of clever twists." With no audience reactions yet and zero trade coverage, the conversation exists entirely in promotional mode. The series follows "pickpocketing genius Gabriel" and his rival Penelope as they navigate what sounds like Hogwarts for aspiring criminals. If you're looking for family viewing that splits the difference between mystery and moral instruction—where young crooks learn to use their "skills for the greater good"—this appears designed specifically for you. Just don't expect any critical perspective until after it airs.