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BBC drama fans have been left impressed by the new series Crookhaven after getting hooked from the first episode.

The coming-of-age series follows eight students as they undertake their studies at a secret school for crooks, competing for the infamous Crooked Cup, all while battling a shadowy enemy known as The Nameless.

Adapted from the book series by JJ Arcanjo, the eight-part family drama is set in a school that provides anything but traditional lessons, teaching young criminals from around the world to use their skills for good.

The students are taught to outsmart villains, outwit criminals, and use their talents to restore balance and justice to the outside world. The thrilling plot is packed with twists, rivalries, and high-stakes challenges, and is produced by Death in Paradise writer Justin Young.

At the heart of the story is gifted pickpocket Gabriel Avery (Lucas Leach), who is recruited into their secret school, where he finds himself locked in fierce competition with Penelope Lockett (Carmel Laniado). The hidden world is led by the formidable headmaster, Caspian Lockett (Dougray Scott), who is also Penelope's father.

The drama was filmed in Northern Ireland and boasts an impressive cast, including former Coronation Street star Julie Hesmondhalgh, Keith Allen (Kingsman, Marcella), and Claire Forlani (Meet Joe Black, Industry).

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

Crookhaven blends action, mystery, and moral complexity into a gripping drama about identity, loyalty, and the power of found family and viewers can't get enough.

Taking to X, one person explained: "Just watched the first episode of #Crookhaven! So good! Loved the books by J. J. Arcano and loving the TV series too (star struck emoji)."

A second penned: "Absolutely loving watching #Crookhaven @Joelarcanjo while another simply replied: "Me too."

"It was really good", exclaimed one viewer as another confessed, "On ep3 now. Didn't expect them all to be available already, but now I can't stop."

"I'm invested", added one fan as one person joked: "CBBC's #crookhaven is basically Hogwarts for criminals."

The next two episodes of Crookhaven air on BBC One, Sunday afternoon (March 29) at 3pm and 3:50pm.

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