The Staircase

10 Worst Episodes of The Staircase

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

Written by Sophie and last updated on dec 28, 2022.

PS: The following content contains spoilers!

PPS: I will admit that parts of this page was written with the help of AI - it makes my work so much easier to not start from a blank page!

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The Staircase - S1E6

#8 - Red in Tooth and Claw (Season 1 - Episode 6)

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.

The episode was rated 7.67 from 159 votes.

The Staircase - S1E4

#7 - Common Sense (Season 1 - Episode 4)

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After an unexpected homecoming, a critical discovery rocks the Peterson household. Michael’s fate hangs in the balance as the trial ends.

The episode was rated 7.58 from 201 votes.

The Staircase - S1E8

#6 - Episode 8 (Season 1 - Episode 8)

None

The episode was rated 7.53 from 57 votes.

The Staircase - S1E2

#5 - Chiroptera (Season 1 - Episode 2)

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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.

The episode was rated 7.49 from 244 votes.

The Staircase - S1E7

#4 - Seek and Ye Shall (Season 1 - Episode 7)

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.

The episode was rated 7.31 from 138 votes.

The Staircase - S1E1

#3 - 911 (Season 1 - Episode 1)

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In 2001, author and aspiring local politician Michael Peterson is charged with murder after the suspicious death of his wife Kathleen.

The episode was rated 7.29 from 329 votes.

The Staircase - S1E3

#2 - The Great Dissembler (Season 1 - Episode 3)

As the DA’s office attempts to solidify their case, shocking new details surface about Michael’s past that threaten to derail the defense.

The episode was rated 7.28 from 232 votes.

The Staircase - S1E5

#1 - The Beating Heart (Season 1 - Episode 5)

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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.

The episode was rated 7.27 from 181 votes.

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