Lieutenant Columbo always got his man. Now, fans looking to watch the iconic detective solve crimes can find him on several streaming platforms across the globe. The classic crime drama, starring Peter Falk as the unassuming detective in the rumpled raincoat, remains a favorite for mystery lovers decades after its first episode aired.
The series originally ran from 1968 to 2003, switching from NBC to ABC during its run. Even fifteen years after Peter Falk passed away, viewers still love watching his clever detective work. The show’s simple format—showing the crime first and then watching Columbo figure it out—keeps new audiences discovering it every day.
Columbo Streaming Options For US Viewers
American audiences have several choices to stream the first seven seasons of Columbo. Peacock Premium carries seasons 1 through 7 for subscribers. The basic plan costs $10.99 per month or $109.99 for a full year, though this includes advertisements. An ad-free subscription runs $16.99 monthly or $169.99 annually.
Prime Video also offers the first seven seasons. An Amazon Prime membership costs $14.99 per month or $139 per year, giving access to Columbo along with other Prime benefits. Apple TV provides the same seasons for $12.99 monthly or $99 per year.
For seasons 8 through 10, viewers need to go to Tubi. This free, ad-supported platform carries the later seasons with no subscription required. Just sit through a few commercial breaks.
Where Global Audiences Can Watch The Classic Detective Show
Streaming availability changes by region. In Australia, viewers can find Columbo on Foxtel Now. European audiences have access through SkyShowtime, which carries the series in several countries.
In the Netherlands, fans can watch Columbo on VTM4, with episodes airing during prime time hours. The show also remains available on Prime Video and SkyShowtime for Dutch viewers.
For UK audiences and Canadian viewers, streaming options remain limited. No major platform currently carries Columbo in these regions as of April 2026. Some fans use VPN services to access versions available in the United States or Australia.
What Happened With Columbo On French Television
French network TMC stopped airing Columbo in prime time starting January 3, 2026. The channel replaced it with another detective series, Monk, starring Tony Shalhoub.
The final Columbo episode on TMC aired December 27, 2025. Titled “La griffe du crime,” that episode drew 662,000 viewers, representing 3.7 percent of the audience. The show consistently performed well for the network during its Saturday night time slot.
The decision to replace Columbo with Monk resulted in lower ratings for TMC. On January 18, 2025, a Columbo episode had attracted 539,000 viewers with a 3.1 percent audience share. In comparison, Monk episodes airing in early 2026 averaged only 214,000 viewers, about 1.3 percent of the audience. TMC lost roughly 1.8 rating points and nearly 325,000 viewers per week after making the switch.
Why The Series Still Matters
Peter Falk played Lieutenant Columbo for 35 years. The character’s signature catchphrase—”Just one more thing”—became part of television history. Unlike typical detectives, Columbo appeared messy and distracted. Criminals always underestimated him, and he always proved them wrong.
The show won multiple Emmy Awards during its run. Falk himself won four Emmys for playing the role. Critics praised how the show focused on the detective’s smart deductions rather than car chases or violence.
Younger viewers keep discovering the series through streaming platforms. The show’s slow-burn storytelling stands out compared to modern crime dramas. Each episode runs about 90 minutes, giving writers time to build detailed mysteries.
Release Information For All Regions
United States
- Peacock Premium: Seasons 1-7 at $10.99/month
- Prime Video: Seasons 1-7 at $14.99/month
- Apple TV: Seasons 1-7 at $12.99/month
- Tubi: Seasons 8-10 for free with ads
Australia
- Foxtel Now: Subscription required
Netherlands
- Prime Video and SkyShowtime: Seasons 1-7
- VTM4: Current episodes on broadcast TV
Europe
- SkyShowtime: Subscription required
New Zealand viewers can only buy episodes through Amazon Video downloads. No streaming subscription currently offers Columbo in New Zealand.
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German Television Still Airs Columbo
German network RTLup continues to broadcast Columbo episodes. On January 3, 2026, the channel aired a season 1 episode from 1971 titled “Dale is sharp for his uncle’s art collection.” The episode runs 75 minutes and features Peter Falk alongside guest stars Ross Martin and Don Ameche.
Regular broadcasts keep the show visible for German audiences who prefer traditional television over streaming services. The network schedules episodes during prime viewing hours.
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