TV series
Novelist Michael Peterson and his wife Kathleen are the toast of Durham, North Carolina. But that all changes on December 9, 2001, when Kathleen is found dead in her home at the bottom of a staircase. Michael claims it was a tragic, accidental fall. But was she murdered? In this three-part series, we investigate the shocking details of the case through the people closest to it. We'll also reveal a 16-year-old secret and examine one of the most dramatic trials in recent history.
Streaming, rental and purchase options
Checked Sep 3, 2026
An American Murder Mystery: The Staircase is available to stream on Discovery+, Discovery+ (Via Amazon Prime), Philo, Spectrum On Demand, and YouTube TV in United States. You can also buy it from Amazon, Apple TV, and Fandango at Home. Use the direct links below to open the provider.
Novelist Michael Peterson and his wife Kathleen are the toast of Durham, North Carolina. But that all changes on December 9, 2001, when Kathleen is found dead in her home at the bottom of a staircase. Michael claims it was a tragic, accidental fall. But was she murdered? In this three-part series, we investigate the shocking details of the case through the people closest to it. We'll also reveal a 16-year-old secret and examine one of the most dramatic trials in recent history.
Choose an episode, then use the watch options above for the show.
Episode 1
Investigators discover novelist Michael Peterson clutching his dead wife Kathleen, in a pool of blood at the bottom of their back staircase. Michael insists that her death is the result of a tragic fall, but investigators believe otherwise.
Where to watch An American Murder Mystery: The Staircase
Episode 2
Investigators are stunned to discover that sixteen years ago, Michael Peterson's good friend Liz Ratliff also died at the bottom of a staircase, lying in a pool of blood. The trial begins and experts battle over the interpretation of blood spatter.
Where to watch An American Murder Mystery: The Staircase
Episode 3
The defense unveils what they claim is a long sought-after piece of evidence. The prosecution is caught off guard. Then, bombshell revelations about an expert witness threaten to unravel the entire case and give Michael Peterson a shot at freedom. Conclusion.
Where to watch An American Murder Mystery: The StaircaseEpisode information updated Sep 20, 2026
Diane DimondSelf - Crime Journalist
Diane FanningSelf - True Crime Author
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