Home > The Staircase > Season 1 « TV Series Page The Staircase: Season 1 (2005) Episode List All Critics | Top Critics TOMATOMETER 94% Average Rating: 8.06/10 Season Reviews: 31 Fresh: 29 Rotten: 2 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. 100% Average Rating: 10.0/10 Season Reviews: 10 Fresh: 10 Rotten: 0 Critics Consensus: No consensus yet. Critic 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. AUDIENCE SCORE 83% liked it Average Rating: 4/5 User Ratings: 263 ADD YOUR RATING - NOT INTERESTED + WANT TO SEE Share on Facebook Post Want to See Not Interested Add Rating My Rating × Want to See Not Interested Post Share on Facebook Episodes 1 Crime or Accident? Air date: Apr 4, 2005 In Part 1 of eight, executive Kathleen Peterson is found dead at the bottom of a staircase, and her devastated writer husband, Michael, is accused of killing her. Jean-Xavier de Lestrade directed. More 2 Secrets and Lies Air date: Apr 4, 2005 In Part 2, Michael Peterson's defense team reacts when his secret sex life is made public. Jean-Xavier de Lestrade directed. More 3 A Striking Coincidence Air date: Apr 4, 2005 In Part 3, the defense team discovers that the death of a woman from their client's past is similar to Kathleen's death. More 4 A Prosecution Trickery Air date: Apr 4, 2005 In Part 4, Elizabeth Ratliff's body is exhumed and an autopsy proves surprising. More 5 A Weak Case? Air date: Apr 4, 2005 In Part 5, Michael Peterson's frantic 911 call is played in court, and the jury considers the excessive amount of blood found at the scene. More 6 The Prosecution's Revenge Air date: Apr 4, 2005 In Part 6, a surprise witness comes forward and information about a previous death comes into evidence. More 7 The Blowpoke Returns Air date: Aug 14, 2005 In Part 7, Peterson's defense team brings in experts to testify, but a surprise and key piece of evidence emerges. More 8 The Verdict Air date: Aug 15, 2005 Peterson receives his verdict and prepares for the future. More 9 Reopening The Case Air date: Mar 4, 2013 A look at new developments in the murder trial of author Michael Peterson. More 10 The Last Chance Air date: Mar 11, 2013 A look at new developments in the case of author Michael Peterson, who was accused of murdering his wife in North Carolina. More Show More Episodes The Staircase: Season 1 Photos View All Photos (28) Tv Season Info Genre: Documentary Network: Sundance/Netflix Premiere Date: Apr 4, 2005 Cast David Rudolf News & Interviews for The Staircase: Season 1 2018 TV Premiere Dates Calendar View All The Staircase: Season 1 News Episodes 1 Crime or Accident? Air date: Apr 4, 2005 In Part 1 of eight, executive Kathleen Peterson is found dead at the bottom of a staircase, and her devastated writer husband, Michael, is accused of killing her. Jean-Xavier de Lestrade directed. More 2 Secrets and Lies Air date: Apr 4, 2005 In Part 2, Michael Peterson's defense team reacts when his secret sex life is made public. Jean-Xavier de Lestrade directed. More 3 A Striking Coincidence Air date: Apr 4, 2005 In Part 3, the defense team discovers that the death of a woman from their client's past is similar to Kathleen's death. More 4 A Prosecution Trickery Air date: Apr 4, 2005 In Part 4, Elizabeth Ratliff's body is exhumed and an autopsy proves surprising. More 5 A Weak Case? Air date: Apr 4, 2005 In Part 5, Michael Peterson's frantic 911 call is played in court, and the jury considers the excessive amount of blood found at the scene. More 6 The Prosecution's Revenge Air date: Apr 4, 2005 In Part 6, a surprise witness comes forward and information about a previous death comes into evidence. More 7 The Blowpoke Returns Air date: Aug 14, 2005 In Part 7, Peterson's defense team brings in experts to testify, but a surprise and key piece of evidence emerges. More 8 The Verdict Air date: Aug 15, 2005 Peterson receives his verdict and prepares for the future. More 9 Reopening The Case Air date: Mar 4, 2013 A look at new developments in the murder trial of author Michael Peterson. More 10 The Last Chance Air date: Mar 11, 2013 A look at new developments in the case of author Michael Peterson, who was accused of murdering his wife in North Carolina. More Show More Episodes Critic Reviews for The Staircase Season 1 All Critics (31) | Top Critics (10) | Fresh (29) | Rotten (2) The sheer amount of archival footage in this show is absolutely nuts. Jul 5, 2018 | Rating: 3.5/5 | Full Review… Amelia Navascues Triple J Top Critic It's illuminating how flawed and naïve the concept of blind justice is. Jun 26, 2018 | Full Review… Sophie Gilbert The Atlantic Top Critic If The Staircase is a puzzle, it's one that still works no matter how you decide to arrange the pieces. Jun 18, 2018 | Full Review… Steve Greene indieWire Top Critic Unmissable stuff. Jun 15, 2018 | Rating: 5/5 | Full Review… Leigh Paatsch Herald Sun (Australia) Top Critic It's tricky to write about this series without giving spoilers and, by dint of it being a trial drama, it's much more satisfying... Jun 8, 2018 | Full Review… Lucy Jones Daily Telegraph (UK) Top Critic It's a must-watch for anyone interested in true crime shows as it's not only a fascinating case on its own but really the template for so much that's on television and streaming services today. Jun 5, 2018 | Full Review… Brian Tallerico RogerEbert.com Top Critic Where Making A Murderer dragged, The Staircase darts. Where Making A Murderer has you applauding your guesswork, The Staircase has you damned. Feb 15, 2019 | Full Review… Eleanor Halls GQ Magazine [UK] 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. Jan 22, 2019 | Rating: 7.7/10 | Full Review… Andrew Parker The Gate Most of us would like to think that, if we were in Michael Peterson's position, certain processes would be in place. Nov 15, 2018 | Full Review… Laura Finch WORLD By the end of its examination of the ways a trial can be skewed by investigators and faux "expert" witnesses, you will never want to break the law and face a so-called jury of your peers. Jul 6, 2018 | Full Review… Steve Murray ArtsATL View All Critic Reviews (31) Audience Reviews for The Staircase: Season 1 JeffreyM Super Reviewer View All News & Features 150 Erotic Movies Ranked worst to best! 2019's Most Anticipated 63 movies coming up this year 200 Essential Movies Chosen by RT staff! 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