“There are twists wherever you turn,” said Lucas Leach, who plays the main character Gabriel in the upcoming BBC drama series Crookhaven. The show, which is based on JJ Arcanjo’s book series, is set to premiere on March 22, 2026, and is described as essential viewing for the whole family.

Gabriel, a teenage pickpocket, finds himself at Crookhaven, a secret school designed for uniquely gifted students known as ‘Crooklings’. The series explores themes of identity and belonging, with Leach noting, “Let’s just say certain characters in the school are not who they seem.” This adds an intriguing layer to the narrative, promising viewers unexpected developments.

With a total of 8 episodes, Crookhaven features a cast of experienced actors, including Julie Hesmondhalgh, who portrays Gabriel’s grandmother, and Dougray Scott. The show blends elements reminiscent of classic tales such as Robin Hood, Oliver Twist, and His Dark Materials, making it a compelling addition to the BBC lineup.

Leach expressed his excitement about working alongside Hesmondhalgh, stating, “Working with Julie is such a privilege, and we have a really special relationship in the show.” This dynamic is expected to resonate with audiences, enhancing the emotional depth of the series.

As the premiere date approaches, anticipation is building around Crookhaven, which will be available on BBC One, CBBC, and BBC iPlayer. The series promises to keep viewers engaged with its twists and turns throughout each episode.

Details remain unconfirmed regarding any additional plot points or character arcs that may unfold in the series, but the foundation laid by the initial premise is already drawing interest.

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ITV has announced the return of its acclaimed crime drama Grace, featuring John Simm as Detective Superintendent Roy Grace, with a new series set to air on March 29, 2026, at 8:00 PM on ITV1 and ITVX. This new installment will consist of four standalone episodes, promising to captivate audiences once again.

The upcoming series of Grace follows the aftermath of a corruption scandal involving Assistant Chief Constable Cassian Pewe, adding layers of intrigue to the storyline. The show is based on Peter James’ bestselling novels, which have garnered a significant following since their inception.

In addition to Grace, ITV’s crime lineup will also see the return of Miss Scarlet, now in its sixth series on U&Alibi, airing at 9:00 PM. This new series introduces a new Detective Inspector at Scotland Yard, promising fresh dynamics and challenges for the characters.

Beyond Paradise, featuring DI Humphrey Goodman solving crimes in the fictional Devon town of Shipton Abbott, will air at 8:00 PM on BBC One and BBC iPlayer. This series continues to showcase Goodman’s unique approach to solving quirky and baffling crimes.

New entries to the crime drama scene include Crookhaven, a mystery series created by Justin Young, set to air at 3:05 PM on BBC One and BBC iPlayer. Additionally, Jo Nesbø’s Detective Hole, a Netflix adaptation of the bestselling book series, follows a homicide detective on the hunt for a serial killer, further diversifying the genre’s offerings.

Another notable addition is Bait, a new Prime Video series starring Riz Ahmed, which premiered on March 25, 2026. This series is expected to draw significant attention given its star power and compelling narrative.

As ITV continues to expand its portfolio of crime dramas, fans are expressing excitement over the return of their favorite shows. “One of ITV’s best crime dramas is returning as John Simm steps back into the shoes of Brighton-based Detective Superintendent Roy Grace,” noted a spokesperson.

With the crime drama genre thriving, viewers can look forward to a season filled with suspense, mystery, and engaging storytelling across various platforms.

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