8.1/10 991 votes#1 - Common Sense
Season 1 Episode 4 - Aired 5/12/2022
After an unexpected homecoming, a critical discovery rocks the Peterson household. Michael’s fate hangs in the balance as the trial ends.
Director: Antonio Campos
Writer: Emily Kaczmarek
7.6/10 1,043 votes#2 - Chiroptera
Season 1 Episode 2 - Aired 5/5/2022
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.
Director: Antonio Campos
Writer: Maggie Cohn, Antonio Campos
7.6/10 846 votes#3 - Red in Tooth and Claw
Season 1 Episode 6 - Aired 5/26/2022
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.
Director: Antonio Campos
Writer: Emily Kaczmarek
7.5/10 1,219 votes#4 - 911
Season 1 Episode 1 - Aired 5/5/2022
In 2001, author and aspiring local politician Michael Peterson is charged with murder after the suspicious death of his wife Kathleen.
Director: Antonio Campos
Writer: Maggie Cohn, Antonio Campos
7.5/10 960 votes#5 - The Great Dissembler
Season 1 Episode 3 - Aired 5/5/2022
As the DA’s office attempts to solidify their case, shocking new details surface about Michael’s past that threaten to derail the defense.
Director: Antonio Campos
Writer: Maggie Cohn
7.2/10 871 votes#6 - The Beating Heart
Season 1 Episode 5 - Aired 5/19/2022
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.
Director: Leigh Janiak
Writer: Maggie Cohn, Antonio Campos
7.2/10 781 votes#7 - Seek and Ye Shall
Season 1 Episode 7 - Aired 6/2/2022
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.
Director: Leigh Janiak
Writer: Maggie Cohn
7.2/10 786 votes#8 - America's Sweetheart or: Time Over Time
Season 1 Episode 8 - Aired 6/9/2022
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.
Director: Antonio Campos
Writer: Antonio Campos
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!
An exploration of the life of Michael Peterson, his sprawling North Carolina family, and the suspicious death of his wife, Kathleen Peterson.
Genres:DramaCrime
Network:HBO Max
Top Episode Ratings Summary
The best episode of "The Staircase" is "Common Sense", rated 8.1/10 from 991 user votes. It was directed by Antonio Campos and written by Emily Kaczmarek. "Common Sense" aired on 5/12/2022 and is rated 0.5 point(s) higher than the second highest rated, "Chiroptera".