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 his wife Kathleen, whose body was discovered lying in a pool of blood on the stairway of their home. Granted unusual access to Peterson's lawyers, home and immediate family, de Lestrade's cameras capture the defense team as it considers its strategic options. The series is an engrossing look at contemporary American justice that features more twists than a legal bestseller.
Cast: Michael Peterson, Ron Guerette, Tom Maher
Season 1
13 episodes
1. Crime or Accident?Following his wife's suspicious death, Michael Peterson speaks about his version of the events while lawyers and expert witnesses prepare for trial.TV-MACC47minOct 7, 2004
2. Secrets and LiesAs Michael's hidden life comes out into the open, defense experts debate if it will have a significant impact on the coming trial.TV-MACC45minOct 7, 2004
3. A Striking CoincidenceThe 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.TV-MACC46minOct 14, 2004
4. A Prosecution TrickeryAs the trial looms and media attention heats up, an autopsy report's wording ruffles the feathers of the defense team.TV-MACC44minOct 14, 2004
5. A Weak CaseThe prosecution presents its case while the defense strives to cast a reasonable doubt within the minds of the jury.TV-MACC47minOct 21, 2004
6. The Prosecution's RevengeA witness brings surprising levity to the stand. The judge rules on an important matter, and Michael's alleged temper comes under scrutiny.TV-MACC47minOct 21, 2004
7. The Blow Poke ReturnsKathleen's sisters pore over Michael's writings. Jurors visit the staircase at Michael's home. A vital piece of evidence reappears.TV-MACC50minOct 28, 2004
8. The VerdictIs Michael Peterson guilty or not guilty? The jury delivers its verdict regarding the mysterious death of his wife, Kathleen.TV-MACC49minOct 28, 2004
9. Reopening the CaseEight years later, the possibility that a key witness for the prosecution may have misled the jury could prompt the need for a new trial.TV-MACC55minJan 30, 2013
10. The Last ChanceAfter more experts testify about the questionable conclusions and claims of Duane Deaver, the judge rules on whether a new trial is necessary.TV-MACC52minJan 30, 2013
11. Looking for ClosureFollowing 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.TV-MACC52minJun 8, 2018
12. Between Anger and DespairTheir faith in the justice system forever shaken, Michael and his family discuss what they can hope to achieve by continuing the fight.TV-MACC46minJun 8, 2018
13. Flawed JusticeMichael speaks to a reporter about the reasons behind his plea. Later, Kathleen's sister delivers a statement of defiance in court.TV-MACC46minJun 8, 2018
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The Staircase
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 his wife Kathleen, whose body was discovered lying in a pool of blood on the stairway of their home. Granted unusual access to Peterson's lawyers, home and immediate family, de Lestrade's cameras capture the defense team as it considers its strategic options. The series is an engrossing look at contemporary American justice that features more twists than a legal bestseller.
Creators and cast
- Directors
- Jean-Xavier de Lestrade
- Created by
- Jean-Xavier de Lestrade
- Studio
