The new eight-part family drama, Crookhaven, follows a group of pupils at a secret school for crooks

Viewers who tuned into the BBC’s highly anticipated new family drama, Crookhaven, have hailed the new eight-part series as “brilliant”.

Based on J.J. Arcanjo’s hit book series, the drama follows a group of high-achieving pupils at a school for crooks, who are trained to use their skills in “deception” and “crimnastics” to bring order and justice to the world.

Billed as a “gripping, morally complex, twisty mystery rooted in identity, loyalty and found family,” the series promises to be essential viewing for the whole family. Not only is the show created by Justin Young, known for his writing work on Death In Paradise, but it boasts a stellar cast of British stars.

Keep reading to find out more…

What is Crookhaven about?

The coming-of-age drama is set at the mysterious school for crooks, Crookhaven, where “high-achieving young crooks from across the world are secretly selected to hone their skills in disciplines such as Deception, Crimnastics, Forgery and Infiltration, learning how to use their skills for good and to do what is right in their own way,” according to the synopsis.

© BBC/Chris Barr
Lucas Leach stars as Gabriel

The story, which centres around pickpocketing genius Gabriel (Lucas Leach) and his arch-rival, headmaster’s daughter Penelope (Carmel Laniado), follows a group of eight very different students as they compete for the infamous Crooked Cup, all while battling a terrifying enemy, The Nameless.

Teasing the new series, leading star Lucas told HELLO!: “There are twists wherever you turn. That’s one of the best things about this programme. You have to stay on your toes, pay attention and enjoy it for what it is.”

© BBC/Chris Barr
viewers are loving the new coming-of-age series

What are viewers saying about Crookhaven?

It’s safe to say that viewers are loving the new series, which has been hailed as “absolutely brilliant”.

Taking to social media, one person compared the drama to Harry Potter, writing: “Just been watching some of the new BBC series Crookhaven, adapted from the book series. It’s very Harry Potter meets Kingsman, from initial impressions.”

© BBC/Chris Barr
Dougray Scott plays Caspian

A second viewer penned: “Absolutely loving watching #Crookhaven,” while another added: “On ep3 now. Didn’t expect them all to be available already, but now I can’t stop.”

Who else stars in the series?

The drama boasts an impressive cast of stars, including Dougray Scott (Crime, Vigil), Julie Hesmondhalgh (Mr Bates vs The Post Office, Broadchurch), Keith Allen (Kingsman, Marcella) and Claire Forlani (Meet Joe Black, Industry).

© BBC/Chris Barr
All eight episodes are available to stream on BBC iPlayer

Also starring in the series are Lucas Leach (FBI International), Carmel Laniado (The Witcher, A Christmas Carol), Amari Bacchus (Adolescence), Leila Khan (Heartstopper) and Charlie Mann (Power: Origins, The Watched).

All episodes of Crookhaven are available to stream on BBC iPlayer.