TV series

I Know My First Name Is Steven

1989 · 1 season

A harrowing, slow-burning true-crime drama that immerses you in a child's long ordeal and his quiet courage, leaving a heavy emotional residue.

Tagline: Based on a TRUE STORY of a kidnapped boy who returned 7 years later
Overview: In 1973, 7-year-old Steven Stayner is kidnapped by pedophile Kenneth Parnell. Under the belief that Parnell has been given legal custody of him, and that his family has moved away, he stays with Parnell for seven years, enduring repetitive sexual abuse the entire time. Finally, in 1980, when Parnell kidnaps another young boy, Steven finds a way for them both to escape and return home.
How it feels: Dark, bleak, melancholic and tense. Measured and needs your attention.
About: Trauma, isolation, survival, family
Content: Strong sexual content. Mild violence and language. No gore.
Note: Written by AI, so it can be wrong. Full breakdown

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Written by AI. It can be wrong.

Full breakdown

Tone: darkstrength 3 of 3
bleakstrength 2 of 3
melancholicstrength 2 of 3
tensestrength 2 of 3
Pacing: measured, 2 of 4, from slow-burn to relentless
Attention: engaged, 3 of 4, from background-friendly to demanding
Themes: trauma
isolation
survival
family
justice
Places: small town
suburbs
Era: period
Audience: adult
Form: true story
serialised
Content intensity: Gore none
Language mild
Violence mild
Sex strong