Episode 1
Crime or Accident?
47m6.7 / 10
Following his wife's suspicious death, Michael Peterson speaks about his version of the events while lawyers and expert witnesses prepare for trial.
Where to watch The Staircase
TV series
The Staircase
2004TV-MA1 season7.6 / 10
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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Checked Jul 22, 2026
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Synopsis
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.
Cast, crew and production details
About The Staircase
Cast
Michael PetersonSelf
Ron GueretteSelf
Tom MaherSelf
David RudolfSelf
Bill PetersonSelf
Credits
- Created by
- Jean-Xavier de Lestrade
- Written by
- Jean-Xavier de Lestrade
Production details
- Status
- Ended
- Series type
- Documentary
- Episodes
- 13
- Original language
- English
- Original title
- Soupçons
Networks & production
SundanceTVUnited States
Canal+France
Netflix- Maha ProductionsFrance
Themes
falling down stairsmurder trialmysterious deathtrue crimewife murder
Season 1 episodes
Watch options above are for the show and may vary by season or episode.
Episode 2
Secrets and Lies
45m5.9 / 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.
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Episode 3
A Striking Coincidence
46m7.1 / 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.
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Episode 4
A Prosecution Trickery
44m7.3 / 10
As the trial looms and media attention heats up, an autopsy report's wording ruffles the feathers of the defense team.
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Episode 5
A Weak Case
47m7.3 / 10
The prosecution presents its case while the defense strives to cast a reasonable doubt within the minds of the jury.
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Episode 6
The Prosecution's Revenge
47m7.3 / 10
A witness brings surprising levity to the stand. The judge rules on an important matter, and Michael's alleged temper comes under scrutiny.
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Episode 7
The Blow Poke Returns
50m7.7 / 10
Kathleen's sisters pore over Michael's writings. Jurors visit the staircase at Michael's home. A vital piece of evidence reappears.
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Episode 8
The Verdict
49m8.7 / 10
Is Michael Peterson guilty or not guilty? The jury delivers its verdict regarding the mysterious death of his wife, Kathleen.
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Episode 9
Reopening the Case
55m7.7 / 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.
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Episode 10
The Last Chance
52m7.5 / 10
After more experts testify about the questionable conclusions and claims of Duane Deaver, the judge rules on whether a new trial is necessary.
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Episode 11
Looking for Closure
52m7.6 / 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.
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Episode 12
Between Anger and Despair
46m7.6 / 10
Their faith in the justice system forever shaken, Michael and his family discuss what they can hope to achieve by continuing the fight.
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Episode 13
Flawed Justice
46m8.1 / 10Finale
Michael speaks to a reporter about the reasons behind his plea. Later, Kathleen's sister delivers a statement of defiance in court.
Where to watch The StaircaseEpisode information updated Jul 22, 2026
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