Columbo

Lieutenant Columbo looks like someone you wouldn't expect to crack a case: rumpled coat, polite small talk, and a distracted air that invites underestimation. But his apparent absentmindedness is a tactic, a way to get suspects to drop their guard while he quietly pieces together tiny inconsistencies. Episodes invert the usual whodunit by revealing the culprit early and then following Columbo as he calmly collects proof, interrogates with gentle persistence, and closes the net through careful observation and well-timed questioning. The tone stays conversational, with suspense built around method rather than surprise, and the guilty party often recognizes his mistake only near the end of the episode.

Created by William Link and Richard Levinson, Columbo premiered in 1971 and stars Peter Falk as the title detective. The show's format and casting were distinctive for television of the era, and Falk's portrayal quickly became the series' defining feature.

Peter Falk's performance brought steady industry recognition, earning him multiple Emmy awards and nominations over the years, and the series received additional critical honors. Those accolades helped cement Columbo as a benchmark for character-driven crime drama.

Columbo left a noticeable mark on pop culture, with later shows and comedians referencing its style and structure. The program popularized the inverted mystery approach, where viewers know the perpetrator and the interest lies in watching the detective outmaneuver them. The character's mannerisms and interrogation style have been imitated and parodied, and the show remains a touchstone for portrayals of the unassuming genius detective.

Critical reception has been strong, reflected in an average user rating of 8.093 out of 10 from 786 votes. Reviewers often praise the sharp plotting, the clever cat-and-mouse dynamics, and the focus on psychological interplay rather than sensationalism. Themes include attention to detail, the limits of arrogance, and the steady power of patience and humility in uncovering truth.