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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!

Binge this in 8h 41m•Peaking at 8.0/10

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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Episode Rankings

  1. #1 Fan Favorite
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    The Staircase Season 1 Episode 4 - Common Sense
    8.0/10(1216 votes)

    #1 - Common Sense

    S1:E4

    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
    Writers:Emily Kaczmarek, Craig Shilowich

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  2. The Staircase Season 1 Episode 2 - Chiroptera
    7.6/10(1292 votes)

    #2 - Chiroptera

    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.

    Director:Antonio Campos
    Writer:Maggie Cohn

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  3. The Staircase Season 1 Episode 6 - Red in Tooth and Claw
    7.6/10(1042 votes)

    #3 - Red in Tooth and Claw

    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.

    Director:Leigh Janiak
    Writer:Emily Kaczmarek

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  4. The Staircase Season 1 Episode 1 - 911
    7.5/10(1512 votes)

    #4 - 911

    S1:E1

    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:Antonio Campos

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  5. The Staircase Season 1 Episode 3 - The Great Dissembler
    7.5/10(1186 votes)

    #5 - The Great Dissembler

    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.

    Director:Antonio Campos
    Writer:Antonio Campos

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  6. The Staircase Season 1 Episode 7 - Seek and Ye Shall
    7.2/10(973 votes)

    #6 - Seek and Ye Shall

    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.

    Director:Antonio Campos
    Writer:Maggie Cohn

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    The 20 WORST Episodes of The Staircase

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  7. The Staircase Season 1 Episode 5 - The Beating Heart
    7.1/10(1080 votes)

    #7 - The Beating Heart

    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.

    Director:Leigh Janiak
    Writer:Craig Shilowich

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  8. The Staircase Season 1 Episode 8 - America's Sweetheart or: Time Over Time
    7.1/10(985 votes)

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

    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.

    Director:Antonio Campos
    Writer:Antonio Campos

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Best Episodes Summary

"Common Sense" is the best rated episode of "The Staircase". It scored 8/10 based on 1216 votes. Directed by Antonio Campos and written by Emily Kaczmarek, Craig Shilowich, it aired on 5/12/2022. This episode scored 0.4 points higher than the second highest rated, "Chiroptera".