TV series
There is no truth without lies.
An exploration of the life of Michael Peterson, his sprawling North Carolina family, and the suspicious death of his wife, Kathleen Peterson.
Availability
The Staircase premiered May 5, 2022. We don't have a confirmed streaming, rental or purchase option yet.
An exploration of the life of Michael Peterson, his sprawling North Carolina family, and the suspicious death of his wife, Kathleen Peterson.
Choose an episode, then use the watch options above for the show.
Episode 1
In 2001, author and aspiring local politician Michael Peterson is charged with murder after the suspicious death of his wife Kathleen.
Directed by Antonio CamposWritten by Antonio CamposGuest stars Josh Drennen, Joel McKinnon Miller, Maria Dizzia, Susan Pourfar, Justice Leak, Cullen Moss, Cory Scott Allen, Jason Davis
Episode 2
While working on his defense, Michael considers an opportunity to tell his story in a documentary. Then, after learning shocking information about her stepfather, Caitlin wrestles with doubts.
Directed by Antonio CamposWritten by Maggie CohnGuest stars Olek Krupa, Maria Dizzia, Justice Leak, Cullen Moss, Jason Davis, Trini Alvarado, Frank Feys, Teri Wyble
Episode 3
As the DA’s office attempts to solidify their case, shocking new details surface about Michael’s past that threaten to derail the defense.
Directed by Antonio CamposWritten by Antonio CamposGuest stars Maria Dizzia, Justice Leak, Cullen Moss, Cory Scott Allen, Jason Davis, Trini Alvarado, Frank Feys, Teri Wyble
Episode 4
After an unexpected homecoming, a critical discovery rocks the Peterson household. Michael’s fate hangs in the balance as the trial ends.
Directed by Antonio CamposWritten by Emily Kaczmarek, Craig ShilowichGuest stars Joel McKinnon Miller, Maria Dizzia, Susan Pourfar, Justice Leak, Cullen Moss, Cory Scott Allen, Jason Davis, Trini Alvarado
Episode 5
In the aftermath of the verdict, the Petersons struggle with the court’s decision, and Michael finds solace in an unlikely friendship from thousands of miles away.
Directed by Leigh JaniakWritten by Craig ShilowichGuest stars Joel McKinnon Miller, Susan Pourfar, Justice Leak, Frank Feys, Samuel Ray Gates, Mike Forbs, Seth Dousman
Episode 6
In 2006, Sophie pursues a far-fetched new theory about the night of Kathleen’s death. Then, in 2017, Michael grapples with compromising his principles in exchange for his freedom.
Directed by Leigh JaniakWritten by Emily KaczmarekGuest stars Joel McKinnon Miller, Maria Dizzia, Susan Pourfar, Cory Scott Allen, Frank Feys, Samuel Ray Gates
Episode 7
After a body with similar injuries to Kathleen’s turns up at the county morgue, Sophie continues her quest to uncover what really happened to Kathleen. Meanwhile, Martha decides to dig into her fraught past, despite pushback from Margaret.
Directed by Antonio CamposWritten by Maggie CohnGuest stars Susan Pourfar, Justice Leak, Cory Scott Allen, Trini Alvarado, Robert Crayton, Donny Boaz, William Ngo
Episode 8
After navigating a possible retrial, a 73-year-old Michael confronts a life-changing decision. Meanwhile, Martha and Margaret each share long-buried truths, and Sophie comes to terms with a revelation.
Directed by Antonio CamposWritten by Antonio CamposGuest stars Maria Dizzia, Cullen Moss, Cory Scott Allen, Trini Alvarado, Teri Wyble, Robert Crayton
Episode information updated Sep 17, 2026
Available now in United States
These shows are available now and closely match The Staircase.
Colin FirthMichael Peterson
Toni ColletteKathleen Peterson
Michael StuhlbargDavid Rudolf
Dane DeHaanClayton Peterson
Olivia DeJongeCaitlin Atwater
Patrick SchwarzeneggerTodd Peterson
Sophie TurnerMargaret Ratliff
Odessa YoungMartha Ratliff
HBO Max
Annapurna TelevisionUnited States
What's Up FilmsFrance
