The Staircase (Season 1)

There is no truth without lies.

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

911 6.2
Air date: 2022-05-05
Runtime: 66 min
Overview: In 2001, author and aspiring local politician Michael Peterson is charged with murder after the suspicious death of his wife Kathleen.
Chiroptera 6.5
Air date: 2022-05-05
Runtime: 67 min
Overview: 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.
The Great Dissembler 6.0
Air date: 2022-05-05
Runtime: 64 min
Overview: As the DA’s office attempts to solidify their case, shocking new details surface about Michael’s past that threaten to derail the defense.
Common Sense 7.0
Air date: 2022-05-12
Runtime: 69 min
Overview: After an unexpected homecoming, a critical discovery rocks the Peterson household. Michael’s fate hangs in the balance as the trial ends.
The Beating Heart 6.5
Air date: 2022-05-19
Runtime: 62 min
Overview: 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.
Red in Tooth and Claw 6.6
Air date: 2022-05-26
Runtime: 60 min
Overview: 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.
Seek and Ye Shall 6.5
Air date: 2022-06-02
Runtime: 64 min
Overview: 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.
America's Sweetheart or: Time Over Time 6.0
Air date: 2022-06-09
Runtime: 73 min
Overview: 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.