The Staircase

7.5
200449m

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.

Trailers & Videos

Thumbnail for video: The Staircase | Official Trailer [HD] | Netflix

The Staircase | Official Trailer [HD] | Netflix

Thumbnail for video: The Staircase | The Owl Theory | Netflix

The Staircase | The Owl Theory | Netflix

Seasons

13 Episodes • Premiered 2004

Still image for The Staircase season 1 episode 1: Crime or Accident?

1. Crime or Accident?

6.7

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

Still image for The Staircase season 1 episode 2: Secrets and Lies

2. Secrets and Lies

5.9

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

Still image for The Staircase season 1 episode 3: A Striking Coincidence

3. A Striking Coincidence

7.1

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.

Still image for The Staircase season 1 episode 4: A Prosecution Trickery

4. A Prosecution Trickery

7.3

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

Still image for The Staircase season 1 episode 5: A Weak Case

5. A Weak Case

7.3

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

Still image for The Staircase season 1 episode 6: The Prosecution's Revenge

6. The Prosecution's Revenge

7.3

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

Still image for The Staircase season 1 episode 7: The Blow Poke Returns

7. The Blow Poke Returns

7.7

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

Still image for The Staircase season 1 episode 8: The Verdict

8. The Verdict

8.7

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

Still image for The Staircase season 1 episode 9: Reopening the Case

9. Reopening the Case

7.7

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.

Still image for The Staircase season 1 episode 10: The Last Chance

10. The Last Chance

7.5

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

Still image for The Staircase season 1 episode 11: Looking for Closure

11. Looking for Closure

7.6

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.

Still image for The Staircase season 1 episode 12: Between Anger and Despair

12. Between Anger and Despair

7.6

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

Still image for The Staircase season 1 episode 13: Flawed Justice

13. Flawed Justice

8.1

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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