The BEST episodes of The Staircase (2022)

Every episode of The Staircase (2022) ever, ranked from best to worst by thousands of votes from fans of the show. The best episodes of The Staircase (2022)!

The series explores the life of Michael Peterson, his sprawling North Carolina family and the suspicious death of his wife, Kathleen.

Last Updated: 3/1/2024Network: HBO MaxStatus: Ended
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Common Sense
star
7.50
461 votes

#1 - Common Sense

Season 1 - Episode 4 - Aired 5/12/2022

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

Directors: Antonio Campos
Watch Now:AmazonApple TV
Red in Tooth and Claw
star
7.47
439 votes

#2 - Red in Tooth and Claw

Season 1 - Episode 6 - Aired 5/26/2022

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.

Directors: Leigh Janiak
Watch Now:AmazonApple TV
Seek and Ye Shall
star
7.36
439 votes

#3 - Seek and Ye Shall

Season 1 - Episode 7 - Aired 6/2/2022

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.

Directors: Antonio Campos
Writer: Maggie Cohn
Watch Now:AmazonApple TV
Chiroptera
star
7.34
527 votes

#4 - Chiroptera

Season 1 - Episode 2 - Aired 5/5/2022

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.

Directors: Antonio Campos
Writer: Maggie Cohn
Watch Now:AmazonApple TV
The Great Dissembler
star
7.29
508 votes

#5 - The Great Dissembler

Season 1 - Episode 3 - Aired 5/5/2022

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

Directors: Antonio Campos
Watch Now:AmazonApple TV
America's Sweetheart or: Time Over Time
star
7.26
431 votes

#6 - America's Sweetheart or: Time Over Time

Season 1 - Episode 8 - Aired 6/9/2022

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.

Directors: Antonio Campos
Watch Now:AmazonApple TV
911
star
7.24
625 votes

#7 - 911

Season 1 - Episode 1 - Aired 5/5/2022

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

Directors: Antonio Campos
Watch Now:AmazonApple TV
The Beating Heart
star
7.23
435 votes

#8 - The Beating Heart

Season 1 - Episode 5 - Aired 5/19/2022

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.

Directors: Leigh Janiak
Watch Now:AmazonApple TV