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Documentary•Crime

The Best Episodes of The Staircase Season 1

Every episode of The Staircase Season 1 ranked from best to worst. Discover the Best Episodes of The Staircase Season 1!

Binge this in 10h 26m•Peaking at 8.0/10

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

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Episode Rankings

  1. #1 Fan Favorite
    The Staircase Season 1 Episode 1 - Crime or Accident?
    7.4/10(656 votes)

    #1 - Crime or Accident?

    S1:E1

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

    Director:Unknown
    Writer:Unknown

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  2. The Staircase Season 1 Episode 2 - Secrets and Lies
    7.4/10(600 votes)

    #2 - Secrets and Lies

    S1:E2

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

    Director:Unknown
    Writer:Unknown

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  3. The Staircase Season 1 Episode 3 - A Striking Coincidence
    7.4/10(574 votes)

    #3 - A Striking Coincidence

    S1:E3

    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.

    Director:Unknown
    Writer:Unknown

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  4. The Staircase Season 1 Episode 4 - A Prosecution Trickery
    7.5/10(539 votes)

    #4 - A Prosecution Trickery

    S1:E4

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

    Director:Unknown
    Writer:Unknown

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  5. The Staircase Season 1 Episode 5 - A Weak Case
    7.6/10(532 votes)

    #5 - A Weak Case

    S1:E5

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

    Director:Unknown
    Writer:Unknown

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  6. The Staircase Season 1 Episode 6 - The Prosecution's Revenge
    7.5/10(524 votes)

    #6 - The Prosecution's Revenge

    S1:E6

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

    Director:Unknown
    Writer:Unknown

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  7. The Staircase Season 1 Episode 7 - The Blow Poke Returns
    7.6/10(520 votes)

    #7 - The Blow Poke Returns

    S1:E7

    Kathleen's sisters pore over Michael's writings. Jurors visit the staircase at Michael's home. A vital piece of evidence reappears.

    Director:Unknown
    Writer:Unknown

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  8. The Staircase Season 1 Episode 8 - The Verdict
    8.0/10(543 votes)

    #8 - The Verdict

    S1:E8

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

    Director:Unknown
    Writer:Unknown

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  9. The Staircase Season 1 Episode 9 - Reopening the Case
    7.5/10(463 votes)

    #9 - Reopening the Case

    S1:E9

    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.

    Director:Unknown
    Writer:Unknown

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  10. The Staircase Season 1 Episode 10 - The Last Chance
    7.7/10(476 votes)

    #10 - The Last Chance

    S1:E10

    After more experts testify about the questionable conclusions and claims of Duane Deaver, the judge rules on whether a new trial is necessary.

    Director:Unknown
    Writer:Unknown

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  11. The Staircase Season 1 Episode 11 - Looking for Closure
    7.2/10(442 votes)

    #11 - Looking for Closure

    S1:E11

    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.

    Director:Unknown
    Writer:Unknown

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  12. The Staircase Season 1 Episode 12 - Between Anger and Despair
    7.3/10(425 votes)

    #12 - Between Anger and Despair

    S1:E12

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

    Director:Unknown
    Writer:Unknown

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  13. The Staircase Season 1 Episode 13 - Flawed Justice
    7.6/10(438 votes)

    #13 - Flawed Justice

    S1:E13

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

    Director:Unknown
    Writer:Unknown

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Season 1 Ratings Summary

"Crime or Accident?" is the best rated episode of "The Staircase" season 1. It scored 7.4/10 based on 656 votes. Directed by Unknown and written by Unknown, it aired on 10/7/2004. This episode is rated 0.0 points higher than the second-best, "Secrets and Lies".