BBC Children’s and Education has recommissioned Crookhaven for a second series, sending students back to the secret school for crooks for another term. Based on the bestselling books by J.J. Arcanjo, it will once again follow the complicated friendship between pickpocketing genius Gabriel (Lucas Leach) and Penelope (Carmel Laniado), daughter of the school’s headmaster Caspian Lockett (Dougray Scott).
Series 2 of the family drama will see the Crooklings entering their Miscreant, or second, year at the school, with the new term bringing dangerous secrets, shifting alliances and shocking betrayal. At Crookhaven, apparently even the timetable cannot be trusted.
Filming is due to begin in Northern Ireland this summer, with the new series scheduled to launch on BBC television and BBC iPlayer in 2027. The show is produced by BBC Studios Kids & Family for the BBC, with support from Northern Ireland Screen.
The recommission follows a strong first series performance. According to the BBC, Crookhaven is the highest-performing CBBC show on iPlayer in 2026 so far and the highest-performing drama on BBC iPlayer for 7-12 audiences. The eight-part first series reached an average audience of 653,000 after 28 days, while 43% of under-16 viewers watched alongside an adult.
Sarah Muller, senior head of BBC Children’s Commissioning 7+, said the first series “struck a real chord with audiences,” adding that bringing it back allows the team to “go even deeper” into the world of Crookhaven.
Dougray Scott said he was delighted to return as Caspian Lockett, while Lucas Leach teased that “nothing at Crookhaven is ever as it seems to be.” Carmel Laniado also said she feels lucky to step back into Penelope’s shoes for the next chapter.
Crookhaven was created for television by Justin Young, whose credits include Death in Paradise and Sanditon. Tali Walters is creative director, Mark Freeland executive produces, Jamie Magnus Stone and Aislinn Clarke direct, and Leon McGeown-Fee produces.
For CultureCues, this is a great recommission for BBC family drama. Crookhaven has a strong young cast and enough originality in its secret-school setting to stand out. With Series 2 going deeper into the lore and keeping the twisty storytelling going, this feels like good news for young viewers and anyone who loves a mystery.
Crookhaven Series 2 is scheduled to launch on BBC television and BBC iPlayer in 2027.
Nikki Murray is a UK-based writer, screenwriter and founder & editor of CultureCues, covering film, television, music and pop culture. Her work focuses on storytelling and the moments shaping modern entertainment.