Mystery structure that stars loved; TV acting showcase format.
Why it matters
Episode guide
69 episodes across 20 seasons — titles, air dates, and synopses.
At a glance
Rumpled Lt. Columbo already knows who did it — the pleasure is watching him circle arrogant killers with one more question. Guest villains play prestige foils in inverted mysteries. Howdunit, not whodunit.
Network & studio
- NBC — broadcast network
Why watch now
Mystery structure stars love: ego, cat-and-mouse, and Peter Falk’s negotiation-legend energy in a trench coat.
Cultural impact
Columbo made the inverted detective story a TV showcase format and guest-killer casting an art form. “Just one more thing” entered the culture permanent lexicon.
Creators
Richard Levinson · William Link
Key cast
- Peter Falk as Lt. Columbo
Flash facts
- Crime drama created by Richard Levinson and William Link starring Peter Falk; NBC Mystery Movie run primarily 1971–1978, later ABC revival telefilms into the 2000s.
- Inverted detective format: viewers often see the crime first, then watch Columbo trap the culprit.
- Character inspired in part by literary detectives; Falk’s rumpled raincoat and polite persistence became iconic.
FAQ
Who played Lieutenant Columbo?
Peter Falk starred as the detective in the series and later TV movies.
Who created Columbo?
Writers Richard Levinson and William Link created the character and series.
What is unusual about the mystery structure?
It often shows the murder upfront, focusing on how Columbo solves the case.
Official & further reading
External sites for further reading — TV Flash is not affiliated with these networks or studios.
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