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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!

The Best Episodes of The Staircase

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

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  1. 8.1/10(1.0k votes)

    #1 - Common Sense

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    S1:E4

    After an unexpected homecoming, a critical discovery rocks the Peterson household. Michael’s fate hangs in the balance as the trial ends.

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  2. 7.6/10(1.1k votes)

    #2 - Chiroptera

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    S1:E2

    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.

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  3. 7.6/10(876 votes)

    #3 - Red in Tooth and Claw

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    S1:E6

    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.

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  4. 7.5/10(1.3k votes)

    #4 - 911

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    S1:E1

    In 2001, author and aspiring local politician Michael Peterson is charged with murder after the suspicious death of his wife Kathleen.

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  5. 7.5/10(992 votes)

    #5 - The Great Dissembler

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    S1:E3

    As the DA’s office attempts to solidify their case, shocking new details surface about Michael’s past that threaten to derail the defense.

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  6. 7.2/10(905 votes)

    #6 - The Beating Heart

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    S1:E5

    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.

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    The 20 WORST Episodes of The Staircase

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  8. 7.2/10(810 votes)

    #7 - Seek and Ye Shall

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    S1:E7

    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.

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    Director:Leigh Janiak
  9. 7.2/10(815 votes)

    #8 - America's Sweetheart or: Time Over Time

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    S1:E8

    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.

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Best Episodes Summary

"Common Sense" is the best rated episode of "The Staircase". It scored 8.1/10 based on 1028 votes. Directed by Antonio Campos and written by Emily Kaczmarek, it aired on 5/12/2022. This episode scored 0.5 points higher than the second highest rated, "Chiroptera".