The Staircase

All Episodes 2004 - 2018
TV-MA

  • Ended
  • #<Network:0x00007f46720dcbd0>, #<Network:0x00007f46720dca90>, #<Network:0x00007f46720dc950>
  • 2004-10-07T07:00:00Z
  • 49m
  • 10h 37m (13 episodes)
  • Jean-Xavier de Lestrade
  • France
  • English
  • Maha Productions
  • Documentary, Crime
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.

26 episodes

2013-01-30T14:00:00Z

Special 13 The Last Chance

Special 13 The Last Chance

  • 2013-01-30T14:00:00Z49m

Explosive developments - implicating both the forensics laboratory of the police department of North Carolina, and Duane Deaver, its chief - recently saw the convicted subject of 'The Staircase', Michael Peterson, released from jail after serving eight years of a life sentence, pending a retrial.

Series Premiere

2004-10-07T07:00:00Z

1x01 Crime or Accident?

Series Premiere

1x01 Crime or Accident?

  • 2004-10-07T07:00:00Z49m

Following his wife's suspicious death, Michael Peterson speaks about his version of the events while lawyers and expert witnesses prepare for trial.

2004-10-07T07:00:00Z

1x02 Secrets and Lies

1x02 Secrets and Lies

  • 2004-10-07T07:00:00Z49m

As Michael's hidden life comes out into the open, defense experts debate if it will have a significant impact on the coming trial.

2004-10-14T07:00:00Z

1x03 A Striking Coincidence

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.

2004-10-14T07:00:00Z

1x04 A Prosecution Trickery

As the trial looms and media attention heats up, an autopsy report's wording ruffles the feathers of the defense team.

2004-10-21T07:00:00Z

1x05 A Weak Case

1x05 A Weak Case

  • 2004-10-21T07:00:00Z49m

The prosecution presents its case while the defense strives to cast a reasonable doubt within the minds of the jury.

2004-10-21T07:00:00Z

1x06 The Prosecution's Revenge

A witness brings surprising levity to the stand. The judge rules on an important matter, and Michael's alleged temper comes under scrutiny.

2004-10-28T07:00:00Z

1x07 The Blow Poke Returns

Kathleen's sisters pore over Michael's writings. Jurors visit the staircase at Michael's home. A vital piece of evidence reappears.

2004-10-28T07:00:00Z

1x08 The Verdict

1x08 The Verdict

  • 2004-10-28T07:00:00Z49m

Is Michael Peterson guilty or not guilty? The jury delivers its verdict regarding the mysterious death of his wife, Kathleen.

2013-01-30T08:00:00Z

1x09 Reopening the Case

1x09 Reopening the Case

  • 2013-01-30T08:00:00Z49m

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.

2013-01-30T08:00:00Z

1x10 The Last Chance

1x10 The Last Chance

  • 2013-01-30T08:00:00Z49m

After more experts testify about the questionable conclusions and claims of Duane Deaver, the judge rules on whether a new trial is necessary.

2018-06-08T07:00:00Z

1x11 Looking for Closure

1x11 Looking for Closure

  • 2018-06-08T07:00:00Z49m

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.

2018-06-08T07:00:00Z

1x12 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.

Season Finale

2018-06-08T07:00:00Z

1x13 Flawed Justice

Season Finale

1x13 Flawed Justice

  • 2018-06-08T07:00:00Z49m

Michael speaks to a reporter about the reasons behind his plea. Later, Kathleen's sister delivers a statement of defiance in court.

Loading...