The Staircase (2004) · WatchGuide

SERIES

20041 Season49m episodes7.6

Documentary, Crime

TMDB7.6

Votes212

Your rating

Runtime: 49m episodes
Genre: Documentary
Certificate: TV-MA
Origin: FR

About

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.

Where to watch

Region

Stream

Netflix

Netflix Standard with Ads

Availability from JustWatch via TMDB.

Details

Director: Jean-Xavier de Lestrade
Writing: Jean-Xavier de Lestrade
Status: Ended
First aired: Oct 7, 2004
Network: SundanceTV, Canal+, Netflix
Studio: Maha Productions

Time to finish

11 hrs

13 episodes. About 2 weeks at an hour a night.

View on IMDb ↗

Cast

Michael Peterson

Self

Ron Guerette

Self

Tom Maher

Self

David Rudolf

Self

Bill Peterson

Self

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SERIES

20041 Season49m episodes7.6

Documentary, Crime

TMDB7.6

Votes212

Your rating

Runtime: 49m episodes
Genre: Documentary
Certificate: TV-MA
Origin: FR

About

Where to watch

Region

Stream

Netflix

Netflix Standard with Ads

Availability from JustWatch via TMDB.

Episodes

0 of 0 watched

E1 · Airs Oct 7, 2004 · 47m · ★ 6.8
Crime or Accident?
Following his wife's suspicious death, Michael Peterson speaks about his version of the events while lawyers and expert witnesses prepare for trial.
E2 · Airs Oct 7, 2004 · 45m · ★ 6.1
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 coming trial.
E3 · Airs Oct 14, 2004 · 46m · ★ 7.1
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.
E4 · Airs Oct 14, 2004 · 44m · ★ 7.4
A Prosecution Trickery
As the trial looms and media attention heats up, an autopsy report's wording ruffles the feathers of the defense team.
E5 · Airs Oct 21, 2004 · 47m · ★ 7.4
A Weak Case
The prosecution presents its case while the defense strives to cast a reasonable doubt within the minds of the jury.
E6 · Airs Oct 21, 2004 · 47m · ★ 7.4
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.
E7 · Airs Oct 28, 2004 · 50m · ★ 7.7
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 reappears.
E8 · Airs Oct 28, 2004 · 49m · ★ 8.6
The Verdict
Is Michael Peterson guilty or not guilty? The jury delivers its verdict regarding the mysterious death of his wife, Kathleen.
E9 · Airs Jan 30, 2013 · 55m · ★ 7.6
Reopening the Case
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.
E10 · Airs Jan 30, 2013 · 52m · ★ 7.6
The Last Chance
After more experts testify about the questionable conclusions and claims of Duane Deaver, the judge rules on whether a new trial is necessary.
E11 · Airs Jun 8, 2018 · 52m · ★ 7.6
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 a new trial.
E12 · Airs Jun 8, 2018 · 46m · ★ 7.5
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.
E13 · Airs Jun 8, 2018 · 46m · ★ 8.1
Flawed Justice
Michael speaks to a reporter about the reasons behind his plea. Later, Kathleen's sister delivers a statement of defiance in court.