7.4/10618 votes#1 - Crime or Accident?
Season 1 Episode 1 - Aired 10/7/2004
Following his wife's suspicious death, Michael Peterson speaks about his version of the events while lawyers and expert witnesses prepare for trial.
Director: N/A
Writer: N/A
7.4/10563 votes#2 - Secrets and Lies
Season 1 Episode 2 - Aired 10/7/2004
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: N/A
Writer: N/A
7.4/10539 votes#3 - A Striking Coincidence
Season 1 Episode 3 - Aired 10/14/2004
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: N/A
Writer: N/A
7.5/10506 votes#4 - A Prosecution Trickery
Season 1 Episode 4 - Aired 10/14/2004
As the trial looms and media attention heats up, an autopsy report's wording ruffles the feathers of the defense team.
Director: N/A
Writer: N/A
7.6/10499 votes#5 - A Weak Case
Season 1 Episode 5 - Aired 10/21/2004
The prosecution presents its case while the defense strives to cast a reasonable doubt within the minds of the jury.
Director: N/A
Writer: N/A
7.5/10492 votes#6 - The Prosecution's Revenge
Season 1 Episode 6 - Aired 10/21/2004
A witness brings surprising levity to the stand. The judge rules on an important matter, and Michael's alleged temper comes under scrutiny.
Director: N/A
Writer: N/A
7.6/10488 votes#7 - The Blow Poke Returns
Season 1 Episode 7 - Aired 10/28/2004
Kathleen's sisters pore over Michael's writings. Jurors visit the staircase at Michael's home. A vital piece of evidence reappears.
Director: N/A
Writer: N/A
8.0/10508 votes#8 - The Verdict
Season 1 Episode 8 - Aired 10/28/2004
Is Michael Peterson guilty or not guilty? The jury delivers its verdict regarding the mysterious death of his wife, Kathleen.
Director: N/A
Writer: N/A
7.5/10434 votes#9 - Reopening the Case
Season 1 Episode 9 - Aired 1/30/2013
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: N/A
Writer: N/A
7.7/10445 votes#10 - The Last Chance
Season 1 Episode 10 - Aired 1/30/2013
After more experts testify about the questionable conclusions and claims of Duane Deaver, the judge rules on whether a new trial is necessary.
Director: N/A
Writer: N/A
7.2/10414 votes#11 - Looking for Closure
Season 1 Episode 11 - Aired 6/8/2018
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: N/A
Writer: N/A
7.3/10397 votes#12 - Between Anger and Despair
Season 1 Episode 12 - Aired 6/8/2018
Their faith in the justice system forever shaken, Michael and his family discuss what they can hope to achieve by continuing the fight.
Director: N/A
Writer: N/A
7.6/10410 votes#13 - Flawed Justice
Season 1 Episode 13 - Aired 6/8/2018
Michael speaks to a reporter about the reasons behind his plea. Later, Kathleen's sister delivers a statement of defiance in court.
Director: N/A
Writer: N/A
The Best Episodes of The Staircase Season 1
Every episode of The Staircase Season 1 ranked from best to worst. Discover the Best Episodes of The Staircase Season 1!
Academy Award-winning documentary filmmaker, Jean-Xavier de Lestrade, presents a gripping courtroom thriller, offering a rare and revealing inside look at a high-profile murder trial. In...
Genres:DocumentaryCrime
Season 1 Ratings Summary
"Crime or Accident?" is the best rated episode of "The Staircase" season 1. It scored 7.4/10 based on 618 votes. Directed by N/A and written by N/A, it aired on 10/7/2004. This episode is rated 0.0 points higher than the second-best, "Secrets and Lies".