Columbo

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.

Directed by William Link, Richard Levinson, Columbo leans on a strong ensemble — Peter Falk — to carry a story that balances spectacle with character.

The series landed with audiences for its craft and performances, and remains one of the most talked-about crime titles of 1971.