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Documentary•Crime

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 10h 26m•Peaking at 8.7/10

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 2001, author Michael Peterson was arraigned for the murder of

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Episode Rankings

  1. #1 Worst Episode
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    The Staircase Season 1 Episode 2 - Secrets and Lies
    5.9/10(9 votes)

    #1 - Secrets and Lies

    S1:E2

    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:Unknown
    Writer:Unknown

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  2. The Staircase Season 1 Episode 1 - Crime or Accident?
    6.7/10(9 votes)

    #2 - Crime or Accident?

    S1:E1

    Following his wife's suspicious death, Michael Peterson speaks about his version of the events while lawyers and expert witnesses prepare for trial.

    Director:Unknown
    Writer:Unknown

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  3. The Staircase Season 1 Episode 3 - A Striking Coincidence
    7.1/10(7 votes)

    #3 - A Striking Coincidence

    S1:E3

    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:Unknown
    Writer:Unknown

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  4. The Staircase Season 1 Episode 4 - A Prosecution Trickery
    7.3/10(7 votes)

    #4 - A Prosecution Trickery

    S1:E4

    As the trial looms and media attention heats up, an autopsy report's wording ruffles the feathers of the defense team.

    Director:Unknown
    Writer:Unknown

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  5. The Staircase Season 1 Episode 5 - A Weak Case
    7.3/10(7 votes)

    #5 - A Weak Case

    S1:E5

    The prosecution presents its case while the defense strives to cast a reasonable doubt within the minds of the jury.

    Director:Unknown
    Writer:Unknown

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  6. The Staircase Season 1 Episode 6 - The Prosecution's Revenge
    7.3/10(6 votes)

    #6 - The Prosecution's Revenge

    S1:E6

    A witness brings surprising levity to the stand. The judge rules on an important matter, and Michael's alleged temper comes under scrutiny.

    Director:Unknown
    Writer:Unknown

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  7. The Staircase Season 1 Episode 10 - The Last Chance
    7.5/10(6 votes)

    #7 - The Last Chance

    S1:E10

    After more experts testify about the questionable conclusions and claims of Duane Deaver, the judge rules on whether a new trial is necessary.

    Director:Unknown
    Writer:Unknown

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  8. The Staircase Season 1 Episode 11 - Looking for Closure
    7.6/10(7 votes)

    #8 - Looking for Closure

    S1:E11

    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:Unknown
    Writer:Unknown

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  9. The Staircase Season 1 Episode 12 - Between Anger and Despair
    7.6/10(7 votes)

    #9 - Between Anger and Despair

    S1:E12

    Their faith in the justice system forever shaken, Michael and his family discuss what they can hope to achieve by continuing the fight.

    Director:Unknown
    Writer:Unknown

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  10. The Staircase Season 1 Episode 7 - The Blow Poke Returns
    7.7/10(6 votes)

    #10 - The Blow Poke Returns

    S1:E7

    Kathleen's sisters pore over Michael's writings. Jurors visit the staircase at Michael's home. A vital piece of evidence reappears.

    Director:Unknown
    Writer:Unknown

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  11. The Staircase Season 1 Episode 9 - Reopening the Case
    7.7/10(6 votes)

    #11 - Reopening the Case

    S1:E9

    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:Unknown
    Writer:Unknown

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  12. The Staircase Season 1 Episode 13 - Flawed Justice
    8.1/10(7 votes)

    #12 - Flawed Justice

    S1:E13

    Michael speaks to a reporter about the reasons behind his plea. Later, Kathleen's sister delivers a statement of defiance in court.

    Director:Unknown
    Writer:Unknown

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  13. The Staircase Season 1 Episode 8 - The Verdict
    8.7/10(6 votes)

    #13 - The Verdict

    S1:E8

    Is Michael Peterson guilty or not guilty? The jury delivers its verdict regarding the mysterious death of his wife, Kathleen.

    Director:Unknown
    Writer:Unknown

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Worst Episodes Summary

"Secrets and Lies" is the worst rated episode of "The Staircase". It scored 5.9/10 based on 9 votes. Directed by Unknown and written by Unknown, it aired on 10/7/2004. This episode scored 0.8 points lower than the second lowest rated, "Crime or Accident?".