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The Staircase

TV·2022–2022·1 season, 8 episodes·HBO Max·Drama, Crime·7.0·Created by Antonio Campos

Streaming on (US) NetflixHBO Max Amazon ChannelYouTube TVSee all

An exploration of the life of Michael Peterson, his sprawling North Carolina family, and the suspicious death of his wife, Kathleen Peterson.

Highest-rated episodes all ranked

  1. 01The Staircase S01E04Common SenseS01E04 · 7.4After an unexpected homecoming, a critical discovery rocks the Peterson household. Michael’s fate hangs in the balance as the trial ends.
  2. 02The Staircase S01E06Red in Tooth and ClawS01E06 · 7.0In 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.
  3. 03The Staircase S01E02ChiropteraS01E02 · 6.9While 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.

Castfull cast & details

Colin FirthColin FirthMichael PetersonToni ColletteToni ColletteKathleen PetersonMichael StuhlbargMichael StuhlbargDavid RudolfDane DeHaanDane DeHaanClayton PetersonOlivia DeJongeOlivia DeJongeCaitlin AtwaterPatrick SchwarzeneggerPatrick SchwarzeneggerTodd PetersonSophie TurnerSophie TurnerMargaret RatliffOdessa YoungOdessa YoungMartha Ratliff

Episodes by season

Season01Episode ratings across the season — the gold bar is its best episode8Episodes2022Aired 6.7Season avg
  1. S01E01The Staircase S01E01911May 5, 2022 6.4In 2001, author and aspiring local politician Michael Peterson is charged with murder after the suspicious death of his wife Kathleen.
  2. S01E02The Staircase S01E02ChiropteraMay 5, 2022 6.9While working on his defense, Michael considers an opportunity to tell his story in a documentary. Then, after learning shocking information
  3. S01E03The Staircase S01E03The Great DissemblerMay 5, 2022 6.1As the DA’s office attempts to solidify their case, shocking new details surface about Michael’s past that threaten to derail the defense.
  4. S01E04The Staircase S01E04Season's bestCommon SenseMay 12, 2022 7.4After an unexpected homecoming, a critical discovery rocks the Peterson household. Michael’s fate hangs in the balance as the trial ends.
  5. S01E05The Staircase S01E05The Beating HeartMay 19, 2022 6.8In the aftermath of the verdict, the Petersons struggle with the court’s decision, and Michael finds solace in an unlikely friendship from t
  6. S01E06The Staircase S01E06Red in Tooth and ClawMay 26, 2022 7.0In 2006, Sophie pursues a far-fetched new theory about the night of Kathleen’s death. Then, in 2017, Michael grapples with compromising his
  7. S01E07The Staircase S01E07Seek and Ye ShallJune 2, 2022 6.8After a body with similar injuries to Kathleen’s turns up at the county morgue, Sophie continues her quest to uncover what really happened t
  8. S01E08The Staircase S01E08America's Sweetheart or: Time Over TimeJune 9, 2022 6.2After navigating a possible retrial, a 73-year-old Michael confronts a life-changing decision. Meanwhile, Martha and Margaret each share lon

Season 1 ranked & reviewed

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