A Guide on Viewing The Staircase Documentary

The trial commenced with a strong assertion of innocence from the accused, who maintained that Kathleen's death was unrelated to his actions. This trial is the central focus of The Staircase, a documentary directed by filmmaker Jean-Xavier de Lestrade.

Originally broadcasted on French channel Canal, the highly acclaimed factual series garnered a significantly larger audience after its release on Netflix in 2018. Its success has now spurred the creation of a new miniseries featuring Colin Firth and Toni Collette.

Interestingly, the launch of The Staircase (2022) on HBO Max in the US and Sky Atlantic/NOW in the UK is expected to reignite the public's fascination with the original documentary series, which initially brought the case to international attention.

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Where to Stream The Staircase

The Staircase is currently available for uninterrupted streaming on Netflix.

The series initially consisted of ten episodes that aired on BBC Four in the UK. However, following its acquisition by the streaming platform, three additional episodes were produced to cover the latest developments in the case during 2018.

The Premise of The Staircase

Netflix

Devised by Jean-Xavier de Lestrade, this miniseries delves into the trial of Michael Peterson, a novelist from North Carolina. In December 2001, Peterson contacted the police after discovering his wife's lifeless body at the foot of their staircase.

According to Peterson, his wife's demise was the result of a drunken fall. However, authorities doubted his account, leading to his eventual prosecution on charges of murder.

Even to this day, Peterson maintains his innocence. Nevertheless, in 2001, he was found guilty of his wife's murder and received a life sentence. After 14 years, the charge was reduced to manslaughter, resulting in his release, having already served the necessary time.

The documentary team obtained extraordinary access to the defense's inner workings, including interviews with Peterson himself, as well as his immediate family and lawyer, David Rudolf.

• To learn more: Explaining the True Story Behind The Staircase - The Michael Peterson Case

Will there be Future Seasons of The Staircase?

During a 2018 interview with Digital Spy, de Lestrade, the show's creator, remarked, "The judge has delivered the final verdict, and no one can revisit the matter. Hence, our filming process has concluded.

"Occasionally, I wish that new courtroom proceedings could arise for us to document. However, this was not the case. So, yes, it has come to an end.

Are there any trailers available for The Staircase?

Discover the captivating preview for Netflix's compelling documentary, The Staircase, presented below.

For comparison purposes, you can also explore the trailer for HBO Max's fascinating adaptation of The Staircase here.

Experience the thought-provoking journey of The Staircase (documentary) streaming now on Netflix.

Furthermore, The Staircase (2020) will grace the screens of Sky Atlantic and NOW on Thursday, 5th May 2022 – ensure you join by signing up for Sky TV here.

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