Why The Staircase Is The Thrilling New Series You Need To Watch
Mute your phone, round up your snacks and get comfy—HBO Max's latest drama The Staircase is coming to Sky's SoHo and we're already hooked.
If you couldn't get enough of Big Little Lies and The Undoing, the gripping new series is a must-watch on your next night in.
Based on the true story that rocked North Carolina in the early 2000s, The Staircase is a thrilling look into the life of crime novelist Michael Peterson who was convicted of murdering his wife, business executive Kathleen Peterson. Though the case may feel familiar to those who've seen the documentary, the series delivers a fresh perspective into the Peterson household.
Colin Firth and Toni Collette spearhead an all-star cast, including Michael Stulhbarg with Juliette Binoche and Parker Posey. Firth's on-point performance as Michael ranges between charismatic, chilling and detached as the show flickers between timelines, with Collette's Kathleen a strong presence even when off-screen.
Though the case may feel familiar to those who've seen the documentary, it's so much more than your typical true-crime binge. The limited series at its core focuses on the shifting family dynamics of the Petersons as secrets unravel in the events following Kathleen's death.
The show opens with a masterful set-up—Michael's 911 call, brutal scenes of the crime scene swarmed by police, Michael's son Todd (Patrick Schwarzenegger) arriving home to the chaos—the sequence is littered with visual cues, so be sure to keep your eyes peeled.
Expect a weekly dose of twists and turns—from the revelation of Michael's bisexuality to exploring Larry Pollard's infamous owl theory—the series will have you on the edge of your seat. Lucky for us, the first three episodes are already available to stream on Neon.
Magnetic at every minute—this is a must-add to your weekly watch rotation.
The Details
What: The Staircase
Where: Sky's SoHo Channel, Sky Go and Neon
When: Mondays from 9 May, 9.35pm
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Image credit: Supplied
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