Ok, one of my kids (they’re all adult-aged) is really into Columbo, so I’ve started watching the series alongside her.
And man, for me, it’s not so much the howdunnit [or rather, how does Columbo figure it out] or even “hey! it’s That Guy!” casting, but the location shots.
It’s the Hollywood Bowl! It’s Big Bear Lake!
I’m just luxuriating in the exterior shots, if nothing else.
Any other Columbo fans out there?
I’ve watched plenty. Helps to be set in L.A., so the exterior shots are expected.
I’m currently watching Banacek, which was set in Boston, though plenty of the series’ exteriors were shot in SoCal. There was one I recently watched (I’m bingeing) recently shot outdoors at a warehouse, and there are clearly 4000-foot mountains in the background.
On that same note, a funny one I saw was a Mission: Impossible set in some fictional country where the Griffith Observatory can be clearly seen (through the 1960’s smog) in the background.
Oh, and all of M * A * S * H exteriors were filmed between Malibu and The 101. (Not South Korea.)
Columbo is great. Tell her to definitely check out Poker Face if she hasn’t already. That’s a fun show with a similar premise.
More swearing, though.
Columbo always had an idea who the culprit was, because he watched the credits for the “special guest star.”
Oh, and another thing…
i was, but not in 40 years
so the Griffith Observatory is kinda… meh
because it shows up in SO MANY MOVIES (and many bad ones, at that)
and then there’s what MST3K calls Coleman Francis Mountain
look, the point of Columbo wasn’t whodunnit… it was the thrill of the chase
OK, Boomer wannabe.
I get that, but usually as itself, or at least portraying some other observatory.
This one, though, is highly out-of-place. Downside is they couldn’t shoot a shot with a more western background, cuz Hollywood sign. Farther west would get the Capitol Records building. Etc.
Aren’t you -my- age, fellow old fart?
Or maybe you’re younger. I forget.
[yes, yes, Gen X ain’t Boomer, it’s my ma’s generation]
But then I have a 20-yo child into Columbo
between me & my ma, we got her into knitting.
WOOT
I believe I’m an older fart. I watched these when they were first run. I’ve recently watched some on Prime. It holds up.
Columbo, McMillan and Wife, McCloud (sp?), Banacek!!! Good times!!! 
Earth tones, big sideburns, cars with their own zip codes!!!
Dog!
I am Carspotting the backgrounds of the Banacek episodes. He drives some convertible RR three-on-the-tree, or is driven around in a Caddy limo. Former gf/business rival drives a 'vette.
Sun’s always out in “Boston.”
WIth the in-car phone!!!
Start (re) watching Rockford Files.
Best. Theme. Song. Ever.
Ever.
favorite of mine