Columbo is currently streaming in the US on Amazon Prime Video and Peacock Premium, and in the UK on Sky Go, and its case-by-case structure never gets in the way of the bigger story. Every one of its 10 seasons holds up. Its 8/10 TMDB score, built from 835 ratings, reflects a title that consistently delivers. Peter Falk's performance alone is worth the time investment. There is no real reason to keep putting it off — it is right there on Amazon Prime Video.

There is a reason Columbo keeps coming up in conversation. Columbo treats its mystery as a means, not an end in itself. 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. Peter Falk leads a cast that never lets the mystery feel thin. Across 10 seasons (1971–2003), it never lost the thread that made it worth starting. What distinguishes the best crime dramas from the rest is whether the character work can carry scenes where the mystery takes a breath — Columbo passes that test consistently. It rarely drops the ball, and when it does, it recovers fast.

For anyone who wants their crime drama to earn its twists, Columbo delivers. Vera is the obvious comparison, but Columbo earns its own place alongside it. 10 seasons gives the story real room to develop. Peter Falk anchors it, but the writing does the real work. If you are going to commit to one crime drama this month, make it this one.

Columbo wrapped up in 2003, created by William Link and Richard Levinson — and 10 seasons are available to watch from start to finish. Find exactly where it's streaming below, and TV Butler Pro makes it effortless to track your progress as you go. Just search the name, and Butler finds it instantly, tells you which service has it, and remembers exactly where you left off.