For about four decades, Peter Falk entered living rooms around the country (and the world) as Lieutenant Columbo. After two pilot episodes in 1968 and 1971, the show aired on NBC from 1971 to 1978. But over a decade later, it made a comeback on ABC from 1989 to 2003, to be enjoyed by the same or even the next generation of mystery lovers.
Source: MovieStillsDB.com / Copyright: NBC
The unconventional L.A. homicide detective, known for his raincoat and cigar, was a hit among both fans and critics. Falk won four Emmys for the role, and the series remains a staple of TV crime dramas. The thing is, series creators William Link and Richard Levinson had a different idea for their main man.