The Staircase

Season 1

2004 · 13 episodes · 10h 26m in all · 7.4/10

Episodes

1. 

   1. Crime or Accident?

   7 Oct 2004 · 47 min · 6.8/10

   Following his wife's suspicious death, Michael Peterson speaks about his version of the events while lawyers and expert witnesses prepare for trial.

2. 

   2. Secrets and Lies

   7 Oct 2004 · 45 min · 6.1/10

   As Michael's hidden life comes out into the open, defense experts debate if it will have a significant impact on the coming trial.

3. 

   3. A Striking Coincidence

   14 Oct 2004 · 46 min · 7.1/10

   The death of another woman close to Peterson from 17 years earlier sparks a new investigation. She also died on a staircase, casting major doubts over the defense case.

4. 

   4. A Prosecution Trickery

   14 Oct 2004 · 44 min · 7.4/10

   As the trial looms and media attention heats up, an autopsy report's wording ruffles the feathers of the defense team.

5. 

   5. A Weak Case

   21 Oct 2004 · 47 min · 7.4/10

   The prosecution presents its case while the defense strives to cast a reasonable doubt within the minds of the jury.

6. 

   6. The Prosecution's Revenge

   21 Oct 2004 · 47 min · 7.4/10

   A witness brings surprising levity to the stand. The judge rules on an important matter, and Michael's alleged temper comes under scrutiny.

7. 

   7. The Blow Poke Returns

   28 Oct 2004 · 50 min · 7.7/10

   Kathleen's sisters pore over Michael's writings. Jurors visit the staircase at Michael's home. A vital piece of evidence reappears.

8. 

   8. The Verdict

   28 Oct 2004 · 49 min · 8.6/10

   Is Michael Peterson guilty or not guilty? The jury delivers its verdict regarding the mysterious death of his wife, Kathleen.

9. 

   9. Reopening the Case

   30 Jan 2013 · 55 min · 7.6/10

   Eight years later, the possibility that a key witness for the prosecution may have misled the jury could prompt the need for a new trial.

10. 

    10. The Last Chance

    30 Jan 2013 · 52 min · 7.6/10

    After more experts testify about the questionable conclusions and claims of Duane Deaver, the judge rules on whether a new trial is necessary.

11. 

    11. Looking for Closure

    8 Jun 2018 · 52 min · 7.6/10

    Following two and a half years of house arrest, Michael must decide whether to push for a plea or risk his freedom with a new trial.

12. 

    12. Between Anger and Despair

    8 Jun 2018 · 46 min · 7.5/10

    Their faith in the justice system forever shaken, Michael and his family discuss what they can hope to achieve by continuing the fight.

13. 

    13. Flawed Justice

    8 Jun 2018 · 46 min · 8.1/10

    Michael speaks to a reporter about the reasons behind his plea. Later, Kathleen's sister delivers a statement of defiance in court.