Peter Falk, an Academy Award-nominated actor whose career spanned half a century, is indelibly etched in television history as Lieutenant Columbo. This seemingly unassuming, yet brilliantly perceptive detective, a creation of Television Academy Hall of Fame inductees Richard Levinson and William Link, became one of the most beloved characters ever to grace the small screen. While the Columbo concept initially surfaced in a 1960 Chevy Mystery Show episode featuring Bert Freed, it was Peter Falk who truly embodied the role, captivating audiences in two pilot episodes (1968 and 1971) that paved the way for the iconic Columbo series.
For three decades, Actor Peter Falk became synonymous with the rumpled, trench coat-clad Columbo, blurring the lines between performer and character. His portrayal earned him four Emmy Awards, solidifying his place as a television icon. While Columbo‘s revival in 1989 on ABC enjoyed continued success into the early 2000s, it is the original NBC run from 1971 to 1978 that cemented the show’s global cult following. These classic episodes, including the very first directed by a young Steven Spielberg, stand out for their exceptional quality, a testament to Falk’s dedication and influence behind the scenes. The series’ enduring appeal and remarkable rewatchability are ultimately a tribute to actor Peter Falk’s complete immersion in the role – a part that fit him as perfectly as his famous raincoat.
—Mark Quigley, John H. Mitchell Television Curator
Special thanks to our community partner: Academy of Television Arts & Sciences.
Columbo: “Murder by the Book” – A Spielberg Masterclass
U.S., 9/15/1971
Before he became a cinematic titan, Steven Spielberg began his illustrious career at Universal Studios, honing his craft on television. From directing a segment in the Night Gallery pilot to helming this inaugural post-pilot episode of Columbo, Spielberg showcased his burgeoning talent. “Murder by the Book” is widely considered one of the series’ finest and most visually arresting episodes. This is significantly enhanced by Jack Cassidy’s pitch-perfect performance as the arrogant and smug mystery writer, who fatally underestimates the deceptively disheveled Lieutenant Columbo, portrayed by actor Peter Falk.
DCP, color, 72 min. NBC. Production: Universal Television. Producers: Richard Levinson, William Link. Director: Steven Spielberg. Writer: Steven Bochco. With: Peter Falk, Jack Cassidy, Barbara Colby, Martin Milner.
Peter Falk’s Emmy Win – 24th Annual Emmy Awards [excerpt]
U.S., 5/14/1972
In a clip from the 24th Annual Emmy Awards, actor Peter Falk is honored with the Emmy Award for “Outstanding Continued Performance by an Actor in a Leading Role in a Dramatic Series” for his iconic portrayal of Columbo in the “NBC Mystery Movie” series. This accolade recognized Falk’s exceptional ability to bring depth and nuance to the character, making Columbo a beloved figure in television history.
DCP, color, 3 min. Clip courtesy of the Academy of Television Arts & Sciences. Special thanks to Laurel Whitcomb, Jenni Matz.
Columbo: “Double Shock” – The Twin Twist Episode
U.S., 3/25/1973
Robert Butler, a recipient of the Directors Guild Lifetime Achievement Award, directed this exceptional Columbo episode, known for its unparalleled plot twist. Academy Award winner Martin Landau delivers a compelling dual performance as identical twins, one of whom is suspected of a brutal murder. Butler expertly builds suspense throughout the episode, creating numerous memorable moments for actor Peter Falk’s Columbo. These range from a humorous cameo on a TV cooking segment to his subtle yet effective methods of unsettling a prim and proper housekeeper (Jeanette Nolan) who is visibly disturbed by Columbo’s trademark dishevelment. This episode, presented as originally broadcast with NBC Mystery Movie opening sequences, network bumpers, and vintage commercials, offers a nostalgic viewing experience.
DCP, color, 90 min. NBC. Production: Universal. Producer: Dean Hargrove. Director: Robert Butler. Writers: Steven Bochco, Jackson Gillis, Richard Levinson, William Link. With: Peter Falk, Martin Landau, Jeanette Nolan.
