The Staircase

Synopsis

An exploration of the life of Michael Peterson, his sprawling North Carolina family, and the suspicious death of his wife, Kathleen Peterson.

First Air Date: 2022-05-05

Last Air Date: 2022-06-09

Number of Seasons: 1

Number of Episodes: 8

Created By: Antonio Campos

Networks: HBO Max

View Technical Specifications on IMDb

Top Cast

Colin Firth as Michael Peterson
Toni Collette as Kathleen Peterson
Michael Stuhlbarg as David Rudolf
Dane DeHaan as Clayton Peterson
Olivia DeJonge as Caitlin Atwater
Patrick Schwarzenegger as Todd Peterson
Sophie Turner as Margaret Ratliff
Odessa Young as Martha Ratliff
Rosemarie DeWitt as Candace Zamperini
Tim Guinee as Bill Peterson

Seasons

Miniseries (2022)

No overview available for this season.

Episodes:

Ep. 1: 911 (2022-05-05)

In 2001, author and aspiring local politician Michael Peterson is charged with murder after the suspicious death of his wife Kathleen.
Ep. 2: Chiroptera (2022-05-05)

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.
Ep. 3: The Great Dissembler (2022-05-05)

As the DA’s office attempts to solidify their case, shocking new details surface about Michael’s past that threaten to derail the defense.
Ep. 4: Common Sense (2022-05-12)

After an unexpected homecoming, a critical discovery rocks the Peterson household. Michael’s fate hangs in the balance as the trial ends.
Ep. 5: The Beating Heart (2022-05-19)

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.
Ep. 6: Red in Tooth and Claw (2022-05-26)

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.
Ep. 7: Seek and Ye Shall (2022-06-02)

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.
Ep. 8: America's Sweetheart or: Time Over Time (2022-06-09)

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.