Columbo might not be new to Amazon Prime, but it remains one of the most compelling detective shows available for streaming. If you’re a fan of smart mysteries, character-driven storytelling, and detective work that unfolds with slow precision, this is the series to queue up next.
All seasons of Columbo are currently available to stream on Amazon Prime Video. That includes the original 1970s run, the TV movies from the late 80s and 90s, and the final special that aired in 2003.
Why Columbo Still Works Today
Unlike most crime shows, Columbo shows you the killer and the crime right away. Instead of figuring out who did it, you watch how Lieutenant Columbo, played by Peter Falk, pieces everything together. His method seems meandering at first. He’s polite, soft-spoken, and often distracted by his cigar or stories about his wife. But beneath that wrinkled coat and unassuming tone is a detective who misses nothing. This is peak Falk, folks.
The suspects are usually wealthy, powerful, or brilliant in their own way. What makes the show satisfying is watching Columbo calmly and cleverly wear them down, step by step.
Top Episodes to Start With
Not sure where to begin? Here are a few fan-favorite episodes that show the series at its best:
- “Murder by the Book” (Season 1, Episode 1)
Written by Steven Bochco and directed by Steven Spielberg, this episode kicks off the series with a perfect blend of suspense and subtle detective work. - “Any Old Port in a Storm” (Season 3, Episode 2)
Columbo goes up against a wine expert played by Donald Pleasence. Their polite, almost friendly dynamic makes the final moments especially powerful. - “Try and Catch Me” (Season 7, Episode 1)
A mystery writer thinks she has committed the perfect crime. Columbo’s slow unraveling of her alibi is both clever and oddly touching. - “Swan Song” (Season 3, Episode 7)
Johnny Cash guest stars as a country music star who stages a plane crash. One of the more emotional episodes, it also features one of the best confessions. - “A Friend in Deed” (Season 3, Episode 8)
This one has Columbo going up against a fellow police commissioner. The power dynamics are different, but the result is classic Columbo.
Whether you’re watching for the first time or revisiting an old favorite, this detective series has aged gracefully. Each case is a standalone story, and each one ends with that familiar moment when Columbo turns around and says, “Just one more thing.”
All episodes of Columbo are available with a Prime subscription. Head over and check them out today.