Good news for fans of Crookhaven – the secret school for young crooks is officially reopening its doors.
After a hugely successful debut earlier this year, the BBC has confirmed that Crookhaven will return for a second series, with filming set to begin in Northern Ireland this summer ahead of a 2027 release.
Based on the bestselling books by JJ Arcanjo, the first series introduced viewers to Gabriel (Lucas Leach), a gifted pickpocket whose arrival at the mysterious Crookhaven school quickly uncovered far more than anyone expected. Alongside Penelope (Carmel Laniado), the daughter of headmaster Caspian Lockett (Dougray Scott), Gabriel found himself caught up in a world where loyalty could change in an instant, and nobody’s motives were ever quite what they seemed.
That uncertainty isn’t going anywhere.
As the students begin their second year, a fresh mystery awaits, bringing new secrets, shifting alliances and even more betrayals. If the first series proved one thing, it’s that Crookhaven is never as straightforward as it first appears.
The show clearly struck a chord with audiences too. It has become CBBC’s biggest show on BBC iPlayer this year, with families embracing its mix of mystery, adventure and memorable characters.
Speaking about returning, Dougray Scott said, “I’m delighted to be returning to Crookhaven and stepping back into the role of Caspian Lockett. I’m looking forward to working with the talented cast and creative team once again, and to bringing audiences another exciting chapter of this wonderful, mysterious world.”
Lucas Leach was equally enthusiastic, teasing “I’m really happy to be returning back to Crookhaven for series two with this great team! The story is only getting better and we’re all so excited to step back into our characters, because as always, nothing at Crookhaven is ever as it seems to be.”
While Carmel Laniado said “I feel very lucky to step back into Penelope’s shoes once more, and cannot wait for audiences to witness her brave journey of self-discovery.”
One of the reasons Crookhaven stands out is that it never treats its audience as though they’re too young for layered storytelling. Beneath the twists and clever heists is a story about friendship, trust and finding where you belong, and that’s something viewers of all ages can connect with.
If series one was anything to go by, series two has all the ingredients to make Crookhaven even harder to leave.
You can catch up on series one here!
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