The Staircase (2004)

Season 1

TV-MA

94%82%

The high-profile murder trial of American novelist Michael Peterson following the death of his wife Kathleen Peterson in 2001.

Where to Watch Season 1

13 Episodes

Crime or Accident?
E1
Crime or Accident?Michael Peterson relates his version of the fatal events of Dec. 9, 2001. Oscar winning filmmaker Jean-Xavier de Lestrade chronicles the sensational murder trial, granted unusual access to Peterson's lawyers and his immediate family.
Secrets and Lies
E2
Secrets and LiesAs Michael's hidden life comes out into the open, defense experts debate if it will have a significant impact on the coming trial.
A Striking Coincidence
E3
A Striking CoincidenceThe 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.
A Prosecution Trickery
E4
A Prosecution TrickeryAs the trial looms and media attention heats up, an autopsy report's wording ruffles the feathers of the defense team.
A Weak Case
E5
A Weak CaseThe prosecution presents its case while the defense strives to cast a reasonable doubt within the minds of the jury.
The Prosecution's Revenge
E6
The Prosecution's RevengeA witness brings surprising levity to the stand. The judge rules on an important matter, and Michael's alleged temper comes under scrutiny.
The Blow Poke Returns
E7
The Blow Poke ReturnsKathleen's sisters pore over Michael's writings. Jurors visit the staircase at Michael's home. A vital piece of evidence reappears.
The Verdict
E8
The VerdictIs Michael Peterson guilty or not guilty? The jury delivers its verdict regarding the mysterious death of his wife, Kathleen.
Reopening the Case
E9
Reopening the CaseFlashforward to 2011. It has been eight years since Peterson was incarcerated in prison. His family and his lawyers have never given up hope for an appeal, but the North Carolina Court of Appeal and Supreme Court have denied him the right to a new trial. As this chapter recalls the details of the case, a dramatic twist throws doubt on his conviction, and we visit a tired and emaciated Peterson in his prison cell.
The Last Chance
E10
The Last ChanceThe testimony of one of the key witnesses in Peterson's trial, forensic investigator Duane Deaver, has come into question. And as a result, in December of 2011, Peterson is released on parole. But he is by no means a free man. There are very important choices to make-and more twists in the Peterson saga to come.
Looking for Closure
E11
Looking for ClosureShould Peterson undergo a second trial (and risk another conviction) or plead guilty? He says he totally rejects the word "guilty," but saying it in a courtroom could be the only way to close the case and ensure his freedom. Peterson's family discusses their relief at his parole, but also their fears at what lies ahead.
Between Anger and Despair
E12
Between Anger and DespairThe judge in Peterson's original trial rules that, notwithstanding Deaver's misconduct, there will be no dismissal of his conviction. David Rudolf, Peterson's friend and lawyer has declined to represent him at a new trial, but explains that a second jury might be no more equitable than the first. Proposals are advanced for Peterson to plead guilty, but he still refuses to pronounce the word.
Flawed Justice
E13
Flawed JusticeAfter much fraught deliberations, a deal has been negotiated for an "Alford plea," wherein Peterson will plead guilty while still asserting his innocence. He attends the hearing, facing his late wife's sisters, who still believe that he murdered her.