The Staircase
The Staircase
TV ShowEnded

The Staircase

7.6 / 10
2004
1 season
13 episodes
DocumentaryCrime

Academy Award-winning documentary filmmaker, Jean-Xavier de Lestrade, presents a gripping courtroom thriller, offering a rare and revealing inside look at a high-profile murder trial. In 2001, author Michael Peterson was arraigned for the murder of his wife Kathleen, whose body was discovered lying in a pool of blood on the stairway of their home. Granted unusual access to Peterson's lawyers, home and immediate family, de Lestrade's cameras capture the defense team as it considers its strategic options. The series is an engrossing look at contemporary American justice that features more twists than a legal bestseller.

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Trailer

The Staircase | Official Trailer [HD] | Netflix

Where to Watch(AU)

Netflix
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Streaming data provided by JustWatch via TMDB.

Cast

Seasons

  • Crime or Accident?

    1.Crime or Accident?

    6.7
    07-10-200447m

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

  • Secrets and Lies

    2.Secrets and Lies

    5.9
    07-10-200445m

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

  • A Striking Coincidence

    3.A Striking Coincidence

    7.1
    14-10-200446m

    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.

  • A Prosecution Trickery

    4.A Prosecution Trickery

    7.3
    14-10-200444m

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

  • A Weak Case

    5.A Weak Case

    7.3
    21-10-200447m

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

  • The Prosecution's Revenge

    6.The Prosecution's Revenge

    7.3
    21-10-200447m

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

  • The Blow Poke Returns

    7.The Blow Poke Returns

    7.7
    28-10-200450m

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

  • The Verdict

    8.The Verdict

    8.7
    28-10-200449m

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

  • Reopening the Case

    9.Reopening the Case

    7.7
    30-01-201355m

    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.

  • The Last Chance

    10.The Last Chance

    7.5
    30-01-201352m

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

  • Looking for Closure

    11.Looking for Closure

    7.6
    08-06-201852m

    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.

  • Between Anger and Despair

    12.Between Anger and Despair

    7.6
    08-06-201846m

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

  • Flawed Justice

    13.Flawed Justice

    8.1
    08-06-201846m

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

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