7.8
Where can I stream The Staircase legally?
The Staircase is included with a subscription to Netflix in the United States. All links in Where to Watch go to these licensed services.
The Staircase
2004·Show
The Staircase fingerprint
High energy, immersive world, light on feelings.
Energy
Nerve-racking
Builds slowly, so the intensity comes in waves.
- Tension9
- Adrenaline5
- Fast Pace5
Heart
Melancholic and cathartic
Much of it is about family.
- Melancholy7
- Catharsis7
- Family Dynamics7
Humor
A little humor
Not a comedy at heart.
- Wit & Wordplay4
- Dark Humor4
- Satire & Parody3
World
Everyday modern life, crime, and mystery
Lived-in and easy to get lost in. Holds up on a rewatch.
- World Immersion8
- Rewatchability8
- Dialogue Centrality7
Craft
Standout direction, performances, and storytelling
Layered plot that rewards full attention.
- Intrigue10
- Complexity9
- Direction8
Style
Standout editing
- Editing8
- Cinematography7
- Music Composition6
Energy
HighNerve-racking
Builds slowly, so the intensity comes in waves.
The Staircase is nerve-racking. The story builds slowly, so the intensity comes in waves.
All energy traits
- Tension9Edge-of-your-seat suspense and pressure.
- Adrenaline5High-energy, pulse-pounding intensity.
- Fast Pace5Quick tempo and momentum.
- Violence4Physical conflict and intensity.
- Scare3Frightening moments and scares.
- Spectacle2Scale and set-piece grandeur.
Related traits
- Slow Burn9Gradual build with payoff.
- Bleakness7Grim, stark outlooks.
- Uncanny5Eerie, unsettling strangeness.
Heart
LowMelancholic and cathartic
Much of it is about family.
Emotionally, it's melancholic and cathartic. Much of it is about family.
All heart traits
- Melancholy7Bittersweet, reflective sadness.
- Catharsis7Emotional release and payoff.
- Family Dynamics7Relationships and generational ties.
- Pathos6Deeply moving, empathetic emotion.
- Hopefulness3Optimism and uplifting resolve.
- Romance2Love stories and emotional connections.
- Nostalgia2Warmth of memory and retro vibes.
- Wholesome1Heartwarming, uplifting feelings.
- Wonder1Awe, discovery, and amazement.
- Coming of Age0Personal growth and self-discovery.
Related traits
- Bleakness7Grim, stark outlooks.
- Character Depth7Rich, complex characterization.
- Philosophical6Ideas about life and existence.
Humor
LowA little humor
Not a comedy at heart.
Expect a little humor.
All humor traits
- Wit & Wordplay4Clever dialogue and verbal humor.
- Dark Humor4Humor from taboo or grim topics.
- Satire & Parody3Sharp critique and playful imitation.
- Cringe Humor2Awkward, uncomfortable laughs.
- Situational Comedy1Humor from everyday scenarios and setups.
- Physical Comedy1Slapstick and visual gags.
- Absurdist Humor1Surreal, nonsensical comedy.
World
HighEveryday modern life, crime, and mystery
Lived-in and easy to get lost in. Holds up on a rewatch.
Its world is built around everyday modern life, crime, and mystery. The setting feels lived-in and easy to get lost in. It holds up on a rewatch. It leaves some questions open.
All world traits
- World Immersion8Depth and sensory richness of setting.
- Rewatchability8Invites repeat viewing.
- Dialogue Centrality7Stories driven by conversation.
- Ambiguity7Open-endedness and uncertainty.
- Novelty6Fresh ideas and invention.
Related traits
- Contemporary Realism9Modern, grounded storytelling.
- Crime9Heists, investigation, and underworld.
- Mystery8Whodunnits and unraveling secrets.
- Psychological8Inner worlds and mind games.
- Social Commentary7Perspectives on society and norms.
- Class & Capitalism6Wealth, power, and inequality.
Craft
HighStandout direction, performances, and storytelling
Layered plot that rewards full attention.
The direction, performances, and storytelling stand out. The plot is layered and rewards full attention.
All craft traits
- Intrigue10Curiosity and investigative pull.
- Complexity9Layered plots and ideas.
- Direction8Vision and command behind the camera.
- Acting8Performance craft and presence.
- Narrative Structure8Story architecture and form.
- Dialogue Quality7Sharp writing and memorable lines.
- Character Depth7Rich, complex characterization.
- Non-linear Narrative1Time-shifts and structure play.
- Meta Narrative1Stories about storytelling.
Related traits
- Slow Burn9Gradual build with payoff.
- Educational7Informative and instructive.
- Novelty6Fresh ideas and invention.
- Philosophical6Ideas about life and existence.
- Fast Pace5Quick tempo and momentum.
All style traits
- Editing8Pacing and structure through cuts.
- Cinematography7Visual composition and camera work.
- Music Composition6Score and musical identity.
- Sound Centrality6Sound design as core element.
- Visual Stylization5Distinctive aesthetic signature.
- Music Centrality4The score or soundtrack shapes the emotional experience.
Related traits
- Dialogue Centrality7Stories driven by conversation.
Who it's for
AdultsDate NightFriends NightPartner WatchPublic Viewing SafeSolo WatchBinge-FriendlyThought-Provoking
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Episode ratings
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About
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.
Courtroom ThrillerTrue CrimePsychological DramaLegal MysteryComplex NarrativeCharacter-DrivenSocial CommentarySlow-Burn Suspense
Crew
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Sequels and Prequels
No sequels or prequels available
Media
Questions about The Staircase
Quick answers from GoodWatch data.
Is The Staircase worth watching?
85
ExcellentGoodWatch scoreYes. It's widely acclaimed, with a GoodWatch score of 85/100 (IMDb 7.8, Rotten Tomatoes 94%, and Metacritic 95). The GoodWatch score combines critic and audience ratings.
What is The Staircase rated?
TV-MAStrong languageDisturbing imagerySuicide themes
It's rated TV-MA in the United States. Content advisories: strong language, disturbing imagery, and suicide themes.
How many seasons does The Staircase have?
1 season
It has 1 season with 13 episodes of about 49 minutes each.
Do critics and audiences agree on The Staircase?
Critics95
Audiences77
Not quite. Critics rate The Staircase higher (95) than audiences (77). It may be more rewarding than it is crowd-pleasing.
When did The Staircase air?
S1
It ran from 2004 to 2018 and has ended.
What language is The Staircase in?
English
It was made in English. Produced in France.
In how many countries can I watch The Staircase?
127
+113
+113GoodWatch finds legal streaming, rental, or purchase options for The Staircase in 127 countries. Pick any of them in Where to Watch to see the local services.