Here's a related question: Can you name the special, one-off episodes of the NBC Mystery Movie, both on the Sunday and Wednesday versions? There were several -- mostly failed pilots plus one successful one -- but only someone my age (55) or so could probably remember almost any of them.

I find none of them hold up...though Dennis Weaver was good...as was JD Cannon.
but script wise...nothing comes close,,,,different league altogether.

I think Falk's reputation as "difficult" is the key to that....insisted on quality and had a great team of writers for sure.

Columbo never seems dated except for a few occasional scenes...

With a few exceptions the writing was truly fantastic. Very seldom has two episodes of the same series been nominated in the same year for Emmies, as was the writing of the first year.

These writers took care to make Columbo totally believable. Small things too, eg, winning a raffle, bowling league, Columbo belonging to the Holy Name Society which was a very nice touch.

I didn't know Peter Falk was difficult but I am glad he was.