Most people first heard the name Steven Piet not because of a film premiere, but because of a celebrity relationship. When actress Joey King went public about dating him in late 2020, searches for his name spiked overnight. But Steven Piet had been quietly building one of the more interesting careers in American TV long before any of that. This post covers who he is, what he’s made, and how his story intersects with one of Hollywood’s most recognizable young actresses.
Who Is Steven Piet?
Steven Piet was born on May 19, 1984, in Chicago, Illinois. He’s a director and writer best known for The Act (2019), Uncle John (2015), and Channel Zero (2016). He wears multiple hats in production — his credits span directing, producing, writing, and cinematography.
Throughout his TV career, he’s directed over 10 episodes of television and has built a following of more than 140,000 on Instagram. He’s not a household name in the traditional celebrity sense, but within the industry, his body of work speaks clearly.
Early Life and Education
Piet grew up in Chicago and later attended the Savannah College of Art and Design, where he earned a bachelor’s degree with a major in film. After graduating, he returned to the Chicago production scene, where he directed short films, music videos, and broadcast commercials before making the move into feature and television work.
In 2011, he was credited as the digital imaging technician for second unit and aerials on the production of I Melt with You — an early sign of his technical range and eye for visual storytelling.
Steven Piet’s Directing Career
Uncle John (2015) — His Feature Debut
Piet directed his first film in 2015 — a crime drama called Uncle John, which he also co-wrote alongside Erik Crary. The film announced him as a director with a deliberate, character-focused style. It didn’t become a mainstream hit, but it got noticed by the right people in the industry.
Channel Zero (2016–2018)
In 2017, Piet directed six episodes of Channel Zero, a Syfy anthology horror series. The show developed a cult following for its unsettling imagery and slow-burn tension — qualities that matched well with Piet’s restrained directing approach. This stretch of work helped establish him as a reliable hand for genre television.
Nightflyers (2018)
In 2018, Piet produced 10 episodes of Nightflyers, a sci-fi series based on George R.R. Martin’s novella of the same name. His role here leaned more toward production than directing, but it showed his ability to handle large-scale projects with complex logistical demands.
The Act (2019) — His Breakout Project
This is the project most closely tied to his name. When The Act went into production, Piet directed two episodes of the Hulu limited series and served as co-executive producer. Joey King starred in the show, earning an Emmy nomination for her performance as Gypsy Rose Blanchard.
The series was a critical success and drew serious attention to everyone involved. For Piet, it represented the clearest showcase of his abilities — balancing psychological tension, true crime material, and strong performances across a limited run.
Briarpatch (2019–2020)
From 2019 to 2020, Piet worked on Briarpatch as both director and producer, directing three episodes and producing nine. The USA Network noir series featured Rosario Dawson in the lead and further demonstrated Piet’s comfort with morally complex, character-driven stories.
How Steven Piet Met Joey King
Their origin story is genuinely simple: they met at work. Joey King and Steven Piet met on the set of The Act in 2018, where King portrayed Gypsy Rose Blanchard and Piet served as director and co-executive producer.
They began dating in 2019 and made their red carpet debut as a couple at an Emmy party in September 2019. For about a year, the relationship stayed relatively private. It was on Christmas that King posted several photos with Piet, officially making their relationship public.
The Engagement and Two Weddings
The couple got engaged on February 2, 2022 — 2/2/22 — which also happened to be their third anniversary. King announced the news on Instagram with a caption that described the moment in emotional detail, calling it the day she became “the luckiest lady alive.”
What followed in 2023 was actually two separate ceremonies. Their civil ceremony took place on August 19, 2023 in Los Angeles, followed by a destination wedding in Mallorca, Spain on September 2, 2023.
The LA ceremony was deliberately low-key. King later revealed the details on Valentine’s Day 2024 — the couple wore “sickeningly hot outfits,” her mother made a bouquet from the dollar store, and they went bowling after.
The Mallorca wedding was a different scale entirely — a Great Gatsby-inspired celebration featuring multiple Oscar de la Renta dresses, a performance by Sabrina Carpenter, and a pool party to close out the weekend, with around 100 guests in attendance.
Steven Piet’s Net Worth and Industry Standing
Piet doesn’t discuss his finances publicly, and no verified figures exist. What’s clear is that he’s worked consistently across film and television for over a decade, with executive producer credits on multiple major series. Executive producers in American television typically earn in the mid-to-high six figures per project, though exact numbers depend on the network, budget, and contract terms.
His trajectory — from indie film debut to co-executive producer on a Hulu limited series — points to someone who’s built genuine credibility in a competitive space, not just benefited from association with a famous partner.
Frequently Asked Questions About Steven Piet
Who is Steven Piet? Steven Piet is an American director and writer born in Chicago, Illinois. He’s best known for his work on The Act, Uncle John, and Channel Zero.
What has Steven Piet directed? His directing credits include Uncle John (2015), Channel Zero (2016–2018), The Act (2019), and Briarpatch (2019–2020).
How did Steven Piet meet Joey King? They met in 2018 on the set of The Act, where King played the lead role and Piet served as director and co-executive producer. They began dating in 2019.
When did Steven Piet and Joey King get married? They married in a civil ceremony in Los Angeles on August 19, 2023, and held a destination wedding in Mallorca, Spain on September 2, 2023.
Where did Steven Piet go to college? He attended the Savannah College of Art and Design, graduating with a bachelor’s degree in film.
Steven Piet built his career through consistent work in genre television and independent film long before his personal life made headlines. If you’re drawn to his projects, The Act is the place to start — it’s the work that best represents what he does and the project that, in more ways than one, changed his life.
Want to read more about the directors shaping modern American television? Check out our profiles on other emerging TV showrunners and producers working outside the spotlight.
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