The three part series has recently been added to BBC iPlayer as true crime fans say it is ‘well worth a watch’
Captive Audience features interviews with Steven’s family including mum Kay Stayner(Image: BBC/Hulu)
A “mind blowing” true crime documentary with a twist fans do not see coming, is now available to stream online for free.
The mini series, titled Captive Audience: A Real American Horror Story, was first released on Disney Plus and Hulu back in 2022 as it follows the real life story of a seven year old boy who suddenly vanishes from his home in California.
Named Steven Stayner, he miraculously returns seven years later, sparking a media sensation, but where had he been? Spanning across three episodes, the documentary is now available to stream on BBC iPlayer as it has been dubbed the perfect watch for fans of true crime.
A BBC synopsis reads: “A story that captivated a nation – and destroyed a family. A boy missing for seven years miraculously returns home, but it wasn’t the Hollywood ending it seemed to be.”
The three-part series plunges viewers back to 1972 when the unusual kidnapping case first came to light. It then explores his return as well as the family being thrust back into media headlines decades later.
Featuring heartbreaking accounts from family members, including Steven’s daughter and mother, fans have also admitted they were not expecting the revelations made in the third episodes.
Viewers may also recognise a TV film titled I Know My Name is Steven, which was released in 1989, also exploring the same case.
The documentary has been branded a must watch for fans of the genre as one person said in a TikTok video: “It’s really good, well worth a watch.”
Another commented: “I watched the three episodes of Captive Audience last night and OMG I never dreamed of what was coming in episode 3.”
A third added: “I was fascinated watching Captive Audience. It was shocking and sad.”
In another video, recommending the documentary, one viewer said: “You will want to watch it because it is a mind blowing story.
“It’s a really fascinating documentary. If you haven’t watched it already, I would definitely recommend it.”
Another commented: “It’s absolutely mad, very sad as well.” A third echoed: “It’s a heartbreaking real life story from beginning to end.”
Over on Facebook, one user said: “A heartbreaking and chilling story about trauma, survival, and the long shadow of tragedy.”
An IMDB reviewer said: “This documentary is heart breaking and captivating. To learn what this kid went through and his own heroic act to save another child, is mind blowing.”
Another added: “I loved this story and the way it was told. It is not often in true crime that we get to see the family and friends and how their lives have been impacted by the crime.”
Captive Audience: A Real American Horror Story can be streamed on BBC iPlayer and Disney Plus.