WISE Score
A disheveled genius in a rumpled raincoat outsmarts arrogant killers by being the smartest person in the room while pretending not to be.
Columbo is the 'slow food' of detective shows. It’s smart, methodical, and incredibly satisfying if you have the patience for it. In an era of hyper-fast editing and jump scares, there is something deeply soothing about watching a polite man in a bad suit slowly dismantle a killer's ego.
It’s a great pick for families who want a 'grown-up' show to watch together that doesn't rely on trauma or grit. Just be prepared to explain what a telegram is and why everyone is smoking in an office.
Best for ages 10 and up. Younger kids will likely be bored by the long runtimes and the focus on verbal sparring over action, but the content itself is generally very clean.
Columbo himself is the ultimate model of humility, politeness, and persistence. He treats everyone with respect—even the killers—and relies on his brain rather than a badge or a gun.
The 'inverted detective' format is a masterclass in perspective. Instead of wondering who did it, the audience gets to imagine how a rumpled guy in a beige coat will spot the one tiny flaw in a 'perfect' crime.
It's a murder mystery show, so there is always a victim. However, 1970s network standards mean almost no gore, very little onscreen violence, and zero gratuitous sex. The main 'hazard' is the constant cigar smoking.
It's a workout for the brain. It rewards attention to detail, logical deduction, and understanding human psychology. It’s essentially a logic puzzle in narrative form.
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