Columbo Timeline ( Real )

tv_premiere
February 20, 1968

Premier of Columbo Pilot Episode

The first pilot episode of Columbo, titled 'Prescription: Murder', aired on television, introducing the character Detective Columbo.

tv_premiere
September 15, 1971

Launch of Columbo TV Series

The Columbo television series officially premiered as part of the NBC Mystery Movie series.

award
September 1972

Peter Falk Wins First Emmy Award for Columbo

Peter Falk won the Primetime Emmy Award for Outstanding Lead Actor in a Drama Series for his role as Columbo.

series_end
January 30, 1978

Columbo Series Ends Original Run

The original run of Columbo television series ended on NBC after seven seasons.

tv_series_restart
March 17, 1989

Revival of Columbo with TV Movies

Columbo was revived with a series of TV movies starting in the late 1980s continuing the detective's cases.

award
September 1990

Peter Falk Wins Second Emmy Award for Columbo

Peter Falk won another Primetime Emmy Award for Outstanding Lead Actor in a Drama Series for his portrayal of Columbo.

series_end
January 30, 2003

Final Columbo TV Movie Airs

The last Columbo TV movie, bringing closure to the series, aired.

Columbo Timeline ( Fictional )

career_start
Early 1970s

Lieutenant Columbo Begins His Career

Frank Columbo is promoted to Lieutenant in the Los Angeles Police Department and starts working homicide cases.

investigation
Early 1970s

First Recorded Case - 'Murder by the Book'

Columbo investigates the murder of a successful mystery novelist, setting the tone for his future cases with his distinctive investigative style.

personal
Throughout Series

Columbo Meets Wife

Columbo often mentions his loving wife, though she rarely appears on screen, establishing a personal aspect of his character.

investigation
Mid 1970s

Investigation of the 'Death Lends a Hand' Case

Columbo investigates a gambling case that leads to murder, demonstrating his keen attention to detail.

investigation
Mid 1970s

Solving 'An Exercise in Fatality'

Columbo solves the murder of a wealthy man by a rival, showcasing his ability to unravel complex schemes.

investigation
Late 1970s

Uncovering 'Blueprint for Murder'

Columbo exposes a plot involving the murder of an architect's wife to secure a lucrative contract.

investigation
Late 1970s

Case of 'A Friend in Deed'

Columbo investigates the murder of a police commissioner, highlighting his integrity and dedication.

investigation
Early 1980s

Columbo Investigates 'Butterfly in Shades of Grey'

A unique case involving the murder of a research scientist, expanding Columbo's experiences.

investigation
Mid 1980s

Solving 'Agenda for Murder'

Columbo navigates political intrigue and mistrust to solve a high-profile murder case.

investigation
Late 1980s

The 'Murder, Smoke and Shadows' Case

Columbo investigates an old Hollywood case involving a movie director suspected of murder.

personal
Early 1990s

Columbo's Reflection and Retirement Thoughts

Columbo contemplates retirement but is drawn back by his passion for justice.

career_end
Mid 1990s

Final Cases and Legacy

Columbo solves his last few cases, cementing his legacy as an iconic detective.