1)
The original character concept for Columbo was a smooth-talking, stylish, cultured personality. Bing Crosby was the first choice, but he declined. When Peter Falk auditioned, he brought an entirely different dimension to the role with his aimless chattering, scattered mannerisms, and disheveled appearance. The producers weren't certain if audiences would accept a police detective looking like a bum, but the show's premiere was an instant hit.
2)
Columbo's iconic catchphrase "One more thing" was actually conceived when the show's creators, Dick Levinson and Bill Link, were writing the 1962 stage play "Prescription: Murder", which was adapted into the 1968 TV movie of the same name and starring Peter Falk. According to Levinson: "We had a scene that was too short, and we had already had Columbo make his exit. We were too lazy to retype the scene, so we had him come back and say, 'Oh, just one more thing . . .' It was never planned."
3)
The character and show popularized the inverted detective story format, which begins by showing the crime and its perpetrator. The plot revolves around how a perpetrator known to the audience will be caught and exposed, sometimes referred to as a "howcatchem."
4)
Falk frequently added in unscripted improvisations such as asking for a pencil, searching for something in his pockets, asking a character to repeat something, rambling about irrelevant trivialities, or adding in a line about Mrs. Columbo. Falk did this to frustrate and annoy his fellow actor (usually the suspect) and generate a genuine "get to the point" moment.
5)
Of the guest starring murderers, Patrick McGoohan holds the record with four appearances as the primary antagonist murderer, between the series' first run, and revival. Robert Culp also appeared in a leading role four times, playing the killer three times in the original run, and a fourth appearance in the revival as the father of one of two murderers. Culp is tied with Jack Cassidy for the number of times playing the murderer in the original series, with each playing the role three times, more than any other guest actor in the series' original run.
6)
Patrick McGoohan was actually considered to replace Falk in 1977, one year before the first series was cancelled. McGoohan refused saying only Falk could play Columbo and he was satisfied with making guest appearances. McGoohan also directed five episodes including three of those in which he starred.
7)
When the show was renewed for a second season, NBC brass wanted Columbo to have a sidekick. Richard Levinson and William Link conferred with Steven Bochco, who was writing the script for the season opener, and together they hatched the idea of giving Lieutenant Columbo a dog as a partner. Peter Falk felt his character had enough gimmicks, between the raincoat, cigar, and Peugeot. When he met the lethargic, drooling basset hound that had been plucked from a pound, Falk knew it was perfect for Columbo's dog.
8)
The episode Murder by the Book (1971) was directed by Steven Spielberg and written by Steven Bochco. Spielberg was never again involved with the series, though still honored its career influence when he attended a support event for "The Rose Theatre", attended by Falk and many other cast. Bochco wrote several other episodes.
9)
Columbo's wardrobe consisted of Falk's own clothes, including the high-topped shoes and shabby suit. Falk bought the famous raincoat, which first appeared in the episode "Prescription: Murder (1968)," for $15 in 1967, when he got caught in a New York City rainstorm. A life-long cigarette smoker, Falk added the cigar as a personal touch.
10)
The original plan was for a new episode to air every week, which would have meant shooting an episode every five days. As a movie star, Falk refused to commit to such a busy schedule. The network arranged for the Columbo segments to air once a month on Wednesday nights.
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