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The Staircase
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.
- Created by:
- Jean-Xavier de Lestrade
- Cast:
- Michael Peterson, Ron Guerette, Tom Maher, David Rudolf
- Language:
- English
- Country:
- France
- Network:
- SundanceTV, Canal+, Netflix
Episode guide
Seasons
Season 1
Episodes
E01
Episode 1
★ 6.8Crime or Accident?
2004-10-07 · 47mFollowing his wife's suspicious death, Michael Peterson speaks about his version of the events while lawyers and expert witnesses prepare for trial.
Current episode
E02
Episode 2
★ 6.1Secrets and Lies
2004-10-07 · 45mAs 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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E03
Episode 3
★ 7.1A Striking Coincidence
2004-10-14 · 46mThe 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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E04
Episode 4
★ 7.4A Prosecution Trickery
2004-10-14 · 44mAs the trial looms and media attention heats up, an autopsy report's wording ruffles the feathers of the defense team.
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E05
Episode 5
★ 7.4A Weak Case
2004-10-21 · 47mThe prosecution presents its case while the defense strives to cast a reasonable doubt within the minds of the jury.
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E06
Episode 6
★ 7.4The Prosecution's Revenge
2004-10-21 · 47mA 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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E07
Episode 7
★ 7.7The Blow Poke Returns
2004-10-28 · 50mKathleen'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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E08
Episode 8
★ 8.6The Verdict
2004-10-28 · 49mIs Michael Peterson guilty or not guilty? The jury delivers its verdict regarding the mysterious death of his wife, Kathleen.
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E09
Episode 9
★ 7.6Reopening the Case
2013-01-30 · 55mEight 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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E10
Episode 10
★ 7.6The Last Chance
2013-01-30 · 52mAfter 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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E11
Episode 11
★ 7.6Looking for Closure
2018-06-08 · 52mFollowing 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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E12
Episode 12
★ 7.5Between Anger and Despair
2018-06-08 · 46mTheir 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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E13
Episode 13
★ 8.1Flawed Justice
2018-06-08 · 46mMichael speaks to a reporter about the reasons behind his plea. Later, Kathleen's sister delivers a statement of defiance in court.
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Michael Peterson
Self
Ron Guerette
Self
Tom Maher
Self
David Rudolf
Self
Bill Peterson
Self
