When people ask how many episodes of The Staircase exist, the answer depends on whether they mean the original documentary series or the dramatized miniseries. As of today, both versions remain available and continue drawing strong interest from viewers who want clarity on the total episode count.
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Quick Answer
- The dramatized miniseries released in 2022 contains 8 episodes.
- The original documentary, released over several years between 2004 and 2018, contains 13 episodes.
Because the miniseries is the most recent version and widely promoted on major U.S. streaming platforms, many viewers now use the eight-episode count as the primary reference. However, both numbers are accurate within their respective formats.
Why There Are Two Different Episode Counts
The Original Documentary
The documentary series first debuted in 2004 and followed the real-life case of novelist Michael Peterson. It provided a detailed look into the investigation, legal strategy, and courtroom developments surrounding the death of his wife, Kathleen Peterson.
Over time, the creator returned to the case, filming additional episodes as new motions, hearings, and legal outcomes unfolded. By its most recent update, the documentary expanded into a complete set of 13 episodes, offering an in-depth, long-term look at the case from start to finish.
The 2022 Dramatized Miniseries
In 2022, a dramatized limited series was released under the same title, The Staircase. This version retells the events through scripted performances and explores perspectives from the family, legal teams, and filmmakers who worked on the original documentary.
The miniseries premiered with three episodes released at once and continued weekly until all 8 episodes were available. As a limited series, it was crafted as a closed story with no additional episodes planned beyond the eight-episode run.
Episode Count Comparison
| Version | Type | Total Episodes |
|---|---|---|
| The Staircase (2004–2018) | Documentary | 13 episodes |
| The Staircase (2022) | Dramatized Miniseries | 8 episodes |
Why Viewers Get Confused
The most common cause of confusion is that both productions share the exact same title. Many viewers begin watching one version without knowing the other exists, leading to mixed expectations about the length of the series.
Because the dramatized miniseries was heavily promoted in recent years, people often assume it is the definitive version, even though the original documentary contains a larger episode count and covers more real-world details.
Additionally, some viewers consume both versions. Switching between an eight-episode dramatization and a thirteen-episode documentary can blur the memory of which count belongs to which show.
What U.S. Viewers Should Know Today
If someone in the U.S. asks how many episodes of The Staircase exist, the most accurate answer depends on the version they intend to watch. The 2022 miniseries offers a concise eight-episode narrative designed for viewers who prefer dramatized storytelling. The original documentary provides a more extensive thirteen-episode deep dive into the case itself.
Both are complete, both are widely accessible, and each serves a different type of viewer. Knowing the episode count for each version helps guide expectations before beginning either series.
Share your thoughts below: Which version did you watch, and which one do you recommend to others?