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Season 1 – The Staircase

Play trailer Poster for Season 1 – The Staircase Jan 2005 Documentary Crime Play Trailer Watchlist
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94% Tomatometer 32 Reviews 82% Popcornmeter 250+ Ratings
In 2001 novelist Michael Peterson's wife died, and he claimed she perished after falling down stairs at their home. The medical examiner, however, determined that she had been beaten with a weapon, which led to Peterson becoming a suspect in what would become a murder investigation. This series, which began with eight episodes in 2005 before being updated in 2013 and 2018, follows the investigation as it proceeds from Peterson's arrest to a verdict being reached in the ensuing trial. The real-life courtroom thriller offers a rare and revealing inside look at a high-profile murder trial and an examination of contemporary American justice.
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The Staircase — Season 1

The Staircase — Season 1

What to Know

Critics Consensus

The Staircase -- in its newly expanded form -- offers a gripping, detailed depiction of the complex justice system, even if the overall narrative lacks objectivity.

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Critics Reviews

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Sophie Gilbert The Atlantic 06/26/2018
It's illuminating how flawed and nave the concept of blind justice is. Go to Full Review Steve Greene IndieWire 06/18/2018
If The Staircase is a puzzle, it's one that still works no matter how you decide to arrange the pieces. Go to Full Review Alastair McKay London Evening Standard 06/12/2018
5/5
At its core, there is an extraordinary study of the character of a man, Michael Peterson, a storyteller caught up in his own drama, playing along. Go to Full Review Gem Seddon SFX Magazine 02/03/2022
Seriously, get this watched. Go to Full Review Eleanor Halls GQ Magazine [UK] 02/15/2019
Where Making A Murderer dragged, The Staircase darts. Where Making A Murderer has you applauding your guesswork, The Staircase has you damned. Go to Full Review Andrew Parker The Gate 01/23/2019
7.7/10
The Staircase functions best as a documentary looking intently on the shortcomings of the American legal system, and how things can become so convoluted and messy that both victims and the accused will never find justice, closure, or peace. Go to Full Review Read all reviews

Audience Reviews

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Ben C @BenC91 Dec 31 Better than making a murderer or tiger king in my opinion. So good. See more S T Dec 23 Gay, lesbians, DEI actors, make this somewhat dull, fake, unrealistic See more Nancy T. @ntothetex Dec 6 Beautiful footage, editing, and score. Brilliant. See more Peter F @Pfit1990 Oct 12 Absolutely 10 stars the only documentary show that I’ve ever watched twice. The first time I got high and lost a whole nights sleep because I couldn’t stop watching. While understated, the tension is palpable as you watch in real time brilliant legal minds try to put this puzzle together. Incredibly compelling. The scene at the end where the victim’s sister speaks is harrowing and crazy how she brings the documentary into it. See more Phillip J 11/28/2024 Don't believe there is any other show like this. Fascinating journey through the legal machinations surrounding a real-life case. Highlights the vagaries of the US legal system from the perspective of a "privileged" defendant. This show pulls back the curtain on how a defense team stages their rebuttal. See more Ashton H 05/22/2024 Enough to show there was reasonable doubt, also to show that the husband never denied being an asshole, but being an asshole doesn't make you a killer. See more Read all reviews
The Staircase — Season 1

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Cast & Crew

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Antonio Campos

Creator

Colin Firth

Michael Peterson

Toni Collette

Kathleen

Michael Stuhlbarg

David Rudolf

Patrick Schwarzenegger

Todd Peterson

Sophie Turner

Margaret Ratliff

Episodes

Episode 1 Aired Jan 16, 2005 Crime or Accident? Kathleen Peterson is found dead and her husband, Michael, stands accused of the killing. Details Episode 2 Aired Jan 17, 2005 Secrets and Lies Michael Peterson's hidden sex life comes to light. Details Episode 3 Aired Jan 18, 2005 A Striking Coincidence A previous staircase death 17 years earlier sparks a new investigation. Details Episode 4 Aired Jan 18, 2005 Prosecution Trickery Elizabeth Ratliff's body is exhumed for autopsy and a report in the press threatens Peterson's defense. Details Episode 5 Aired Jan 19, 2005 A Weak Case The prosecution presents its case and Michael Peterson's frantic 911 call is played in court. Details Episode 6 Aired Jan 20, 2005 The Prosecution's Revenge A reluctant witness comes forward and information about a previous death is used in the trial. Details Episode 7 Aired Jan 23, 2005 The Blowpoke Returns As Peterson's defense brings in experts a new discovery comes to the attention of the defense. Details Episode 8 Aired Jan 23, 2005 The Verdict Michael Peterson receives the jury's verdict. Details Episode 9 Aired Mar 4, 2013 Last Chance - Reopening the Case Michael Peterson, convicted of killing his wife, may have one last chance left to appeal his case. Details Episode 10 Aired Mar 11, 2013 Last Chance - Final Appeal A startling revelation opens the door for Michael Peterson's final appeal. Details Episode 11 Aired Jun 8, 2018 Looking for Closure After more than two years of house arrest, Michael must decide whether to push for a plea or risk his freedom with a new trial. Details Episode 12 Aired Jun 8, 2018 Between Anger and Despair Their faith in the justice system forever shaken, Michael and his family discuss what they can hope to achieve by continuing the fight. Details Episode 13 Aired Jun 8, 2018 Flawed Justice Michael speaks to a reporter about the reasons behind his plea; Kathleen's sister delivers a statement of defiance in court. Details

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The Staircase — Season 1

The Staircase The Staircase The Staircase The Staircase Photo Credit: WhatsUp / Netflix Photo Credit: WhatsUp / Netflix View more photos

Season Info

Director
Jean-Xavier de Lestrade, Leigh Janiak
Creator
Antonio Campos
Screenwriter
Jean-Xavier de Lestrade, Antonio Campos, Maggie Cohn, Emily Kaczmarek, Craig Shilowich
Network
ABC
Rating
TV-14 (V)
Genre
Documentary, Crime
Original Language
English
Release Date
Jan 16, 2005
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