«- Back
Where to watch "The staircase"
13. Imperfect Justice
2018 - Season 1
After much fraught deliberations, a deal has been negotiated for an "Alford plea," wherein Peterson will plead guilty while still asserting his innocence. He attends the hearing, facing his late wife's sisters, who still believe that he murdered her.
12. Between Despair and Anger
2018 - Season 1
The judge in Peterson's original trial rules that, notwithstanding Deaver's misconduct, there will be no dismissal of his conviction. David Rudolf, Peterson's friend and lawyer has declined to represent him at a new trial, but explains that a second jury might be no more equitable than the first. Proposals are advanced for Peterson to plead guilty, but he still refuses to pronounce the word.
11. In Search of a Resolution
2018 - Season 1
Should Peterson undergo a second trial (and risk another conviction) or plead guilty? He says he totally rejects the word "guilty," but saying it in a courtroom could be the only way to close the case and ensure his freedom. Peterson's family discusses their relief at his parole, but also their fears at what lies ahead.
10. The Last Chance
2013 - Season 1
The testimony of one of the key witnesses in Peterson's trial, forensic investigator Duane Deaver, has come into question. And as a result, in December of 2011, Peterson is released on parole. But he is by no means a free man. There are very important choices to make-and more twists in the Peterson saga to come.
9. Reopen the Case
2013 - Season 1
Flashforward to 2011. It has been eight years since Peterson was incarcerated in prison. His family and his lawyers have never given up hope for an appeal, but the North Carolina Court of Appeal and Supreme Court have denied him the right to a new trial. As this chapter recalls the details of the case, a dramatic twist throws doubt on his conviction, and we visit a tired and emaciated Peterson in his prison cell.
8. The Verdict
2018 - Season 1
Michael Peterson's fate hangs in the balance as the jury delivers the final verdict. Will justice be served?
7. The Blowpoke Returns
2018 - Season 1
In another shocking twist to this murder trial, a new discovery comes to the attention of the defense. Has the murder weapon finally been found?
6. The Prosecution's Revenge
2018 - Season 1
A reluctant witness with shadowy ties to Peterson rivets the attention of the courtroom. How will his testimony sway the jury?
5. A Weak Case
2018 - Season 1
The prosecution presents its case that Michael Peterson murdered his wife. The defense questions the validity of the forensic testimony presented.
4. A Prosecution Trickery
2018 - Season 1
On the eve of the trial, a damning report in the press threatens Peterson's defense, who believe the prosecution is unfairly trying their case in the media.
3. Reversal of Fortune
No release date yet
The trial drives to a conclusion as the defense catches the prosecution off guard. Bombshell revelations about an expert witness threaten to unravel the entire case and give Michael Peterson a shot at freedom.
2. Lightning Strikes Twice
No release date yet
Investigators discover that 16 years ago, Michael Peterson's good friend, Liz Ratliff, also died at the bottom of a staircase, lying in a pool of blood. The trial begins and experts battle over how to interpret the blood spatter.
1. I Whispered Her Name
No release date yet
Investigators discover novelist Michael Peterson clutching his dead wife, Kathleen, in a pool of blood at the bottom of a staircase. Michael insists that her death is the result of a tragic fall, but investigators are suspicious.