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The Staircase

The Staircase

The Staircase

2004 1 Seasons 13 Episodes ⭐ 7.6 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.

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.

Seasons & Episodes

EP 1

Crime or Accident?

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

EP 2

Secrets and Lies

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

EP 3

A Striking Coincidence

The death of another woman close to Peterson from 17 years earlier sparks a new investigation. She also died on a stairc

EP 4

A Prosecution Trickery

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

EP 5

A Weak Case

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

EP 6

The Prosecution's Revenge

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

EP 7

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

EP 8

The Verdict

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

EP 9

Reopening the Case

Eight years later, the possibility that a key witness for the prosecution may have misled the jury could prompt the need

EP 10

The Last Chance

After more experts testify about the questionable conclusions and claims of Duane Deaver, the judge rules on whether a n

EP 11

Looking for Closure

Following two and a half years of house arrest, Michael must decide whether to push for a plea or risk his freedom with

EP 12

Between Anger and Despair

Their faith in the justice system forever shaken, Michael and his family discuss what they can hope to achieve by contin

EP 13

Flawed Justice

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

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