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Crime

The Best Episodes of The Staircase

Every episode of The Staircase ranked from best to worst. Let's dive into the Best Episodes of The Staircase!

The Best Episodes of The Staircase

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...

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  1. 8.0/10(525 votes)

    #1 - The Verdict

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    S1:E8

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

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    Director:N/A
    Writer:N/A
  2. 7.7/10(460 votes)

    #2 - The Last Chance

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    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.

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    Director:N/A
    Writer:N/A
  3. 7.6/10(516 votes)

    #3 - A Weak Case

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    S1:E5

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

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    Director:N/A
    Writer:N/A
  4. 7.6/10(505 votes)

    #4 - The Blow Poke Returns

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    S1:E7

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

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    Director:N/A
    Writer:N/A
  5. 7.6/10(423 votes)

    #5 - Flawed Justice

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    S1:E13

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

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    Director:N/A
    Writer:N/A
  6. 7.5/10(523 votes)

    #6 - A Prosecution Trickery

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    S1:E4

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

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    Director:N/A
    Writer:N/A
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    The 20 WORST Episodes of The Staircase

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  8. 7.5/10(508 votes)

    #7 - The Prosecution's Revenge

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    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.

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    Director:N/A
    Writer:N/A
  9. 7.5/10(449 votes)

    #8 - Reopening the Case

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    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.

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    Director:N/A
    Writer:N/A
  10. 7.4/10(637 votes)

    #9 - Crime or Accident?

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    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.

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    Director:N/A
    Writer:N/A
  11. 7.4/10(583 votes)

    #10 - Secrets and Lies

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    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.

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    Director:N/A
    Writer:N/A
  12. 7.4/10(558 votes)

    #11 - A Striking Coincidence

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    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.

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    Director:N/A
    Writer:N/A
  13. 7.3/10(410 votes)

    #12 - Between Anger and Despair

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    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.

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    Director:N/A
    Writer:N/A
  14. 7.2/10(427 votes)

    #13 - Looking for Closure

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    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.

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    Director:N/A
    Writer:N/A

Best Episodes Summary

"The Verdict" is the best rated episode of "The Staircase". It scored 8/10 based on 525 votes. Directed by N/A and written by N/A, it aired on 10/28/2004. This episode scored 0.3 points higher than the second highest rated, "The Last Chance".