Is The Staircase on HBO Max based on a true story?

Yes, "The Staircase" on HBO Max is based on the real-life death of Kathleen Peterson and the subsequent trial of her husband, Michael Peterson.

Who was Kathleen Peterson and how did she die?

Kathleen Peterson was an executive found dead at the bottom of her stairs in December 2001. Autopsy reports indicated she died from multiple blows to the head.

What happened to Michael Peterson after his conviction was overturned?

After his murder conviction was overturned, Michael Peterson later pleaded guilty to voluntary manslaughter in 2017 and was released, having already served significant time.

Home / Arts and Entertainment / Death at the Top of the Stairs: True Crime Drama Unfolds

Death at the Top of the Stairs: True Crime Drama Unfolds

9 Dec

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Summary

Michael Peterson convicted of murdering wife Kathleen found at bottom of stairs.
The HBO Max series is based on a baffling French docuseries about the case.
Peterson pleaded guilty to voluntary manslaughter after conviction overturned.

Death at the Top of the Stairs: True Crime Drama Unfolds

The intriguing case of Kathleen Peterson's death, which occurred in December 2001 in Durham, North Carolina, forms the basis of the HBO Max series "The Staircase." Kathleen was discovered unresponsive at the foot of her home's staircase, leading to her husband, novelist Michael Peterson, becoming the prime suspect. The initial investigation and subsequent trial captured widespread media attention, fueled by the peculiar circumstances surrounding Kathleen's demise.

The HBO Max production draws inspiration from an acclaimed French docuseries that extensively covered Michael Peterson's trial. The original docuseries, developed through BBC's Storyville, spanned multiple installments as the legal proceedings evolved. This French series was later acquired by Netflix in 2018, significantly amplifying public interest in the complex and evolving Peterson family drama.