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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!

Best episode
S1E8 The Verdict
8.0559 votes
Worst episode
S1E11 Looking for Closure
7.2457 votes
Top season
Season 1
7.5avg
Binge time
10h 26m
13 episodes

Seasons1

Episode Rankings

  1. #1 Fan Favorite
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    The Staircase Season 1 Episode 8 - The Verdict
    8.0/10(559 votes)
    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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  2. The Staircase Season 1 Episode 10 - The Last Chance
    7.7/10(492 votes)
    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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  3. The Staircase Season 1 Episode 5 - A Weak Case
    7.6/10(549 votes)
    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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  4. The Staircase Season 1 Episode 7 - The Blow Poke Returns
    7.6/10(537 votes)
    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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  5. The Staircase Season 1 Episode 13 - Flawed Justice
    7.6/10(453 votes)
    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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  6. The Staircase Season 1 Episode 9 - Reopening the Case
    7.5/10(480 votes)
    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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    The 20 WORST Episodes of The Staircase

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  8. The Staircase Season 1 Episode 6 - The Prosecution's Revenge
    7.5/10(541 votes)
    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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  9. The Staircase Season 1 Episode 4 - A Prosecution Trickery
    7.5/10(555 votes)
    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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  10. The Staircase Season 1 Episode 3 - A Striking Coincidence
    7.4/10(592 votes)
    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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  11. The Staircase Season 1 Episode 2 - Secrets and Lies
    7.4/10(619 votes)
    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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  12. The Staircase Season 1 Episode 1 - Crime or Accident?
    7.4/10(680 votes)
    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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  13. The Staircase Season 1 Episode 12 - Between Anger and Despair
    7.3/10(441 votes)
    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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  14. The Staircase Season 1 Episode 11 - Looking for Closure
    7.2/10(457 votes)
    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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Best Episodes Summary

"The Verdict" is the best rated episode of The Staircase. It scored 8.0/10 from 559 votes. Written and directed by Unknown, it aired on October 28, 2004. This episode scored 0.3 points higher than the second highest rated, "The Last Chance".

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