The Staircase — Season 1
There is no truth without lies.
About this season
An exploration of the life of Michael Peterson, his sprawling North Carolina family, and the suspicious death of his wife, Kathleen Peterson.
Episodes (8)
1. 911
6.4Aired 5 May 2022 • 66 min
In 2001, author and aspiring local politician Michael Peterson is charged with murder after the suspicious death of his wife Kathleen.
2. Chiroptera
6.9Aired 5 May 2022 • 67 min
While 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.
3. The Great Dissembler
6.1Aired 5 May 2022 • 64 min
As the DA’s office attempts to solidify their case, shocking new details surface about Michael’s past that threaten to derail the defense.
4. Common Sense
7.4Aired 12 May 2022 • 69 min
After an unexpected homecoming, a critical discovery rocks the Peterson household. Michael’s fate hangs in the balance as the trial ends.
5. The Beating Heart
6.8Aired 19 May 2022 • 61 min
In the aftermath of the verdict, the Petersons struggle with the court’s decision, and Michael finds solace in an unlikely friendship from thousands of miles away.
6. Red in Tooth and Claw
7.0Aired 26 May 2022 • 59 min
In 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.
7. Seek and Ye Shall
6.8Aired 2 June 2022 • 63 min
After a body with similar injuries to Kathleen’s turns up at the county morgue, Sophie continues her quest to uncover what really happened to Kathleen. Meanwhile, Martha decides to dig into her fraught past, despite pushback from Margaret.
8. America's Sweetheart or: Time Over Time
6.2Aired 9 June 2022 • 72 min
After navigating a possible retrial, a 73-year-old Michael confronts a life-changing decision. Meanwhile, Martha and Margaret each share long-buried truths, and Sophie comes to terms with a revelation.