The Lives & Deaths of TV's Rumpled Detective
By David Koenig

Columbo’s network run spanned 35 years. If star Peter Falk had had his way, it would have lasted even longer. Yet the popular series was left to die. Twice.
Who was to blame? The indecisive TV networks? The cost-conscious production studio? Or perhaps the temperamental star himself?
SHOOTING COLUMBO provides a blow-by-blow account of the making of all 69 classic mysteries, from the first pilot, Prescription: Murder, to the last special, Columbo Likes the Nightlife.
Slip behind the scenes to discover:
• The creation of the characters, clues and plots;
• The constant changes in the scripts, all under the watchful eye and endless improvisations of Peter Falk;
• Deleted scenes and almost-produced projects;
• The star’s heated battles with the studio and network every step of the way;
• How the opulent Beverly Hills locations were selected;
• and so much more.
From its auspicious beginning — 50 years ago in an episode directed by Steven Spielberg — the series was an immediate hit and remains a fan favorite. Here’s the complete story of how it all happened.