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Columbo

1971·Show
67Episodes in10Seasons·TV-PG
83
GreatGoodWatch score
IMDb8.3Metacritic–8.6Rotten Tomatoes–83%
Episodes
IMDb8.3Metacritic–8.6Rotten Tomatoes–83%
Episodes

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Columbo fingerprint

Strong craft, low-key.

Energy

Calm and low-key

Builds slowly, so the intensity comes in waves.

  • Tension5
  • Violence3
  • Adrenaline2

Heart

Nostalgic

  • Nostalgia8
  • Catharsis6
  • Wholesome4

Humor

Some sharp wit

Not a comedy at heart.

  • Wit & Wordplay7
  • Situational Comedy3
  • Dark Humor2

World

Crime and mystery

Holds up on a rewatch.

  • Dialogue Centrality9
  • Rewatchability8
  • World Immersion7

Craft

Standout performances, dialogue, and storytelling

  • Acting9
  • Dialogue Quality9
  • Narrative Structure8

Style

Functional look and sound

  • Editing7
  • Music Composition7
  • Cinematography6

Who it's for

AdultsDate NightFamily Movie NightFriends NightParty VibeIntergenerationalKidsPartner WatchPublic Viewing SafeSolo WatchTeensBinge-FriendlyComfort WatchDrop-in FriendlyPure EscapismThought-Provoking

Find more like it

Suspense showsNostalgic shows

Based on the GoodWatch fingerprint: our scores for 70+ attributes of every show. Select a row to see all of them.

Episode ratings

IMDb rating of every episode, one row per season
SeasonEpisode 1Episode 2Episode 3Episode 4Episode 5Episode 6Episode 7Episode 8Episode 9Episode 10Episode 11Episode 12Episode 13Episode 14
IMDb rating of every episode, one column per season
Episode
Episode 1
Episode 2
Episode 3
Episode 4
Episode 5
Episode 6
Episode 7
Episode 8
Episode 9
Episode 10
Episode 11
Episode 12
Episode 13
Episode 14

About

Oh, just one more thing...

Columbo is a friendly, verbose, disheveled-looking police detective who is consistently underestimated by his suspects. Despite his unprepossessing appearance and apparent absentmindedness, he shrewdly solves all of his cases and secures all evidence needed for indictment. His formidable eye for detail and meticulously dedicated approach often become clear to the killer only late in the storyline.
Inverted Detective ProceduralCharismatic Eccentric SleuthGolden Age MysteryWitty Intellectual BanterComfortable NostalgiaPuzzle-Solving FocusTheatrical PerformanceLow-Stakes TensionClassic Whodunit StructureAccessible Family Entertainment

Crew

Directed by:
Vincent McEveety, James Frawley, Patrick McGoohan
Written by:
Jackson Gillis, Peter S. Fischer, Steven Bochco
Produced by:
Everett Chambers, Edward K. Dodds, Dean Hargrove
Composed by:
Dick De Benedictis, Mike Post, Billy Goldenberg

Sequels and Prequels

No sequels or prequels available

Media

Questions about Columbo

Quick answers from GoodWatch data.

Where can I stream Columbo legally?

PrimePeacockPhiloFandango at Home FreePeacock Premium+Tubi TV

Columbo is included with a subscription to Amazon Prime Video, Peacock, Philo, and Amazon Prime Video with Ads in the United States. You can watch it free with ads on Fandango at Home Free and Tubi TV. You can also rent or buy it from Apple TV, Amazon Video, Apple TV Store, and Google Play Movies. All links in Where to Watch go to these licensed services.

Is Columbo worth watching?

83
GreatGoodWatch score

Yes. It's widely acclaimed, with a GoodWatch score of 83/100 (IMDb 8.3). The GoodWatch score combines critic and audience ratings.

What is Columbo rated?

TV-PGViolenceStrong language

It's rated TV-PG in the United States. Content advisories: violence and strong language.

How many seasons does Columbo have?

10 seasons

It has 10 seasons with 67 episodes.

When did Columbo air?

It ran from 1971 to 2003 and has ended.

What language is Columbo in?

English

It was made in English. Produced in United States.

In how many countries can I watch Columbo?

65ADALATAUBABEBFBGCACDCICMCVCZ+51

GoodWatch finds legal streaming, rental, or purchase options for Columbo in 65 countries. Pick any of them in Where to Watch to see the local services.

What tropes does Columbo use?

Just for the Heli of ItPerp SweatingEvil Cannot Comprehend GoodRight-Hand Attack DogHoist by His Own PetardMassive Numbered SiblingsJustice by Other Legal MeansSupreme ChefArtistic License – PhysicsFatal FlawGreedy TelevangelistAsshole Victimand 288 more

TV Tropes lists 300 storytelling tropes for Columbo, including Just for the Heli of It, Perp Sweating, Evil Cannot Comprehend Good.