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The Worst Episodes of The Staircase

Every episode of The Staircase ranked from worst to best. Explore the Worst Episodes of The Staircase!

Binge this in 8h 45m•Peaking at 8.1/10

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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  1. #1 Worst Episode
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    The Staircase Season 1 Episode 5 - The Beating Heart
    7.2/10(955 votes)

    #1 - 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
    Writers:Maggie Cohn, Antonio Campos

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  2. The Staircase Season 1 Episode 7 - Seek and Ye Shall
    7.2/10(859 votes)

    #2 - 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:Unknown
    Writer:Maggie Cohn

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  3. The Staircase Season 1 Episode 8 - America's Sweetheart or: Time Over Time
    7.2/10(866 votes)

    #3 - 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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  4. The Staircase Season 1 Episode 1 - 911
    7.5/10(1334 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
    Writers:Maggie Cohn, Antonio Campos

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  5. The Staircase Season 1 Episode 3 - The Great Dissembler
    7.5/10(1049 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:Maggie Cohn

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  6. The Staircase Season 1 Episode 2 - Chiroptera
    7.6/10(1142 votes)

    #6 - 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
    Writers:Maggie Cohn, Antonio Campos

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  7. The Staircase Season 1 Episode 6 - Red in Tooth and Claw
    7.6/10(925 votes)

    #7 - 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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  8. The Staircase Season 1 Episode 4 - Common Sense
    8.1/10(1084 votes)

    #8 - 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
    Writer:Emily Kaczmarek

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Worst Episodes Summary

"The Beating Heart" is the worst rated episode of "The Staircase". It scored 7.2/10 based on 955 votes. Directed by Leigh Janiak and written by Maggie Cohn, Antonio Campos, it aired on 5/19/2022. This episode scored 0.0 points lower than the second lowest rated, "Seek and Ye Shall".