The Staircase
“There is no truth without lies.”
Creator
Antonio Campos
In 2001, novelist Michael Peterson calls 911 to report that his wife Kathleen lies dead at the bottom of their staircase; the investigation, trial and appeals that follow consume his family for the next sixteen years. 'The Staircase' stars Colin Firth and Toni Collette, with Antonio Campos creating and directing the HBO Max miniseries from 2022. Unusually, it dramatizes not only the case but also the making of the famous French documentary of the same name — including the editor who fell in love with Peterson — turning a true-crime story into a study of how narratives get built.
Seasons
1
Episodes
8
Country
United States of America
Status
Ended
Cast
Colin Firth
Michael Peterson · 8 eps
Toni Collette
Kathleen Peterson · 8 eps
Sophie Turner
Margaret Ratliff · 8 eps
Dane DeHaan
Clayton Peterson · 8 eps
Parker Posey
Freda Black · 8 eps
Patrick Schwarzenegger
Todd Peterson · 8 eps
Michael Stuhlbarg
David Rudolf · 8 eps
Juliette Binoche
Sophie Brunet · 8 eps
Tim Guinee
Bill Peterson · 8 eps
Rosemarie DeWitt
Candace Zamperini · 8 eps
Olivia DeJonge
Caitlin Atwater · 8 eps
Odessa Young
Martha Ratliff · 8 eps
Vincent Vermignon
Jean-Xavier de Lestrade · 8 eps
Giovanni Pucci
Remy · 8 eps
Maria Dizzia
Lori Campbell · 6 eps
Justice Leak
Tom Maher · 6 eps
Robert Crayton
Ron Guerette · 6 eps
Cory Scott Allen
Art Holland · 6 eps
Trini Alvarado
Patty Peterson · 5 eps
Cullen Moss
Jim Hardin · 5 eps
Susan Pourfar
Deborah Radisch · 5 eps
Frank Feys
Denis Poncet · 5 eps
Jason Davis
Fred Atwater · 4 eps
Joel McKinnon Miller
Larry Pollard · 4 eps
Teri Wyble
Sonya Pfeiffer · 4 eps
Paul Teal
Brad Wolgamott · 3 eps
Donny Boaz
Tyrone Lacour · 2 eps
Kevin Sizemore
Mark Zamperini · 2 eps
Ryan Lewis
Bruce Campbell · 2 eps
Daniela Lee
Devon · 2 eps
Reviews
TMDB
7/10
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Trailer
Official trailer
The Staircase
Where to Watch
Streaming
Netflix
HBO Max
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Fandango At HomeBuy Episode Guide
1
911
In 2001, author and aspiring local politician Michael Peterson is charged with murder after the suspicious death of his wife Kathleen.
2
Chiroptera
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.
3
The Great Dissembler
As the DA’s office attempts to solidify their case, shocking new details surface about Michael’s past that threaten to derail the defense.
4
Common Sense
After an unexpected homecoming, a critical discovery rocks the Peterson household. Michael’s fate hangs in the balance as the trial ends.
5
The Beating Heart
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.
6
Red in Tooth and Claw
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.
7
Seek and Ye Shall
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.
8
America's Sweetheart or: Time Over Time
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.
Gallery
From the same creator: Antonio Campos
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