The Staircase (2022)
A gripping true crime limited series unraveling the mystery behind novelist Michael Peterson and the death of his wife Kathleen.
The Staircase - Series Information
- Original Title: The Staircase
- First Air Year: 2022
- Last Air Year: 2022
- Created by: Antonio Campos
- Type: TV Series
- Genres: Drama, Crime
- Content Rating (US): TV-MA
- Number of Seasons: 1
- Number of Episodes: 8
- Status: Ended
- Original Language: English
- Spoken Languages: English
- First Air Date: May 5, 2022 (United States - TV-MA), May 5, 2022 (Canada - 18+), May 5, 2022 (Germany - 18), May 5, 2022 (France - 18), May 5, 2022 (Australia - M), May 5, 2022 (Brazil - 16), May 5, 2022 (Mexico - C), May 5, 2022 (Spain - 18)
- Networks: HBO Max
- Production Companies: Annapurna Television, Maha Productions
- Production Countries: United States of America, Canada, France, Spain
The Staircase - Plot
An exploration of the life of Michael Peterson, his sprawling North Carolina family, and the suspicious death of his wife, Kathleen Peterson.
The Staircase - Trailer
Watch the official trailer and see the tension unfold from the very first scene.
There is no truth without lies.
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The Staircase - Cast & Crew
Creator(s)
- Antonio Campos
Main Cast
- Colin Firth
- Toni Collette
- Michael Stuhlbarg
- Dane DeHaan
- Olivia DeJonge
- Patrick Schwarzenegger
- Sophie Turner
- Odessa Young
- Rosemarie DeWitt
- Tim Guinee
Writers
- Maggie Cohn
- Antonio Campos
- Emily Kaczmarek
Executive Producers
- Antonio Campos
- Carol Cuddy
- Maggie Cohn
The Staircase - FAQs
Is The Staircase based on a true story?
Absolutely. The series dramatizes the real-life case of Michael Peterson, a novelist convicted of murdering his wife Kathleen in Durham, North Carolina in 2001. The case became internationally famous partly due to a French documentary of the same name that followed the trial over many years.
What is the owl theory in The Staircase?
The owl theory suggests that Kathleen Peterson's death may have been caused by a barred owl attack rather than a human assailant. Proponents point to microscopic feathers and talon-like wounds found on her body. While never officially accepted by courts, the theory gained significant traction among true crime followers and is referenced in the series.
Where can you stream The Staircase?
The Staircase is available to stream on Netflix and HBO Max. It can also be purchased or rented on Amazon Video, Apple TV, Google Play Movies, and Fandango At Home. Netflix Standard with Ads offers a free-with-ads viewing option as well.
Who plays Michael and Kathleen Peterson in the series?
Colin Firth portrays novelist and defendant Michael Peterson, while Toni Collette plays his wife Kathleen Peterson. The ensemble also includes Michael Stuhlbarg as defense attorney David Rudolf, Sophie Turner as Margaret Ratliff, and Juliette Binoche as documentary filmmaker Sophie Brunet.
How does The Staircase differ from the original documentary?
The 2022 HBO Max series is a scripted dramatization created by Antonio Campos, reimagining the case with fictional license and a star-studded cast. The original The Staircase is a French documentary series by Jean-Xavier de Lestrade, which filmed the actual trial and legal proceedings over more than a decade.
Is The Staircase worth watching for true crime fans?
For true crime enthusiasts, it delivers on multiple levels. Colin Firth and Toni Collette give layered, compelling performances, and the writing digs into moral ambiguity with real intelligence. Critics praised its willingness to sit with uncertainty rather than deliver easy answers, making it one of the more thoughtful entries in the genre.
How many episodes does The Staircase have?
The Staircase consists of 8 episodes, structured as a single-season miniseries. All episodes were released on HBO Max beginning May 5, 2022. The limited series format allows the story to unfold with the depth and pacing the complex true crime case demands.
What are similar shows to The Staircase?
If The Staircase hooked you, try The Undoing, Candy, The Thing About Pam, or Love & Death for more true crime drama with strong lead performances. For a grittier procedural feel, Des and Secrets and Lies are also worth exploring. Dateline and Unsolved Mysteries offer documentary-style takes on real cases.
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