Columbo ended at NBC in 1978, but was revived for a series of TV movies at ABC in 1989, which ran on-and-off until 2003. In total, 69 episodes were produced.

The series also proved to be a valuable training ground for a few legendary Hollywood talents. No less than Steven Spielberg, all of 24 years old, directed the first episode.

Our debut episode, in 1971, was directed by this young kid named Steven Spielberg. I told the producers, Link and Levinson: "This guy is too good for Columbo" ...

I've been watching a ton of Columbo lately. It's not always perfect, but it's probably some of the best and most consistent ...