Courtesy of the official Columbo YouTube channel, full episodes of the greatest TV show of all time are now available in the public domain. HUZZAH and HURRAH!
The first episode made available on the channel was the seminal Murder by the Book, which opened Columbo‘s first season in September 1971. Starring the irrepressible Jack Cassidy as Ken Franklin, and directed by Steven Spielberg, it remains one of the best pieces of episodic television ever made and you can view in HD glory below.
NB – I cannot guarantee this will play in all countries. I am told it does not play in UK, Germany and Canada. If you’re unable to view it, I feel your pain but please don’t shoot the messenger! If you are able to view, where in the world are you? Seems to be OK in US and Australia. Where else?
- If you’re keen to compare notes, you can read my full review of the episode here.
- You can also check out my personal top 5 scenes from Murder by the Book here.
- Visit the full episode listing page to view more!
- Visit and subscribe to the official Columbo YouTube channel here.
It’s viewable in Belarus.
works in denmark
It’s viewable in Spain.
Result!
It doesn’t play in Poland, either. Thank you for discovering the channel, though – at least some of us can watch.
And there are loads of good clips aside from the full episodes that appear to be viewable wherever you are.
It seems to play in Ireland! Yay!! I only watched the first minute or so to check; I’ll watch it all as soon as I get a chance! 😀
You didn’t hear it from me.. but if you change the ‘you’ in youtube to ‘hook’ i.e. hooktube.com, you can get around international blocks. Just tested here with this video in the UK and it works. It’s a site which just mirrors the raw YouTube video.
The video works on Canada, but only via a US-based VPN. In the meantime, I shall enjoy my Blu-ray collection of Columbo by Universal Japan on my 133″ front projection screen. Yay!
Nope. No joy in Canada, even with a “Private Browsing” window opened. Scumbags. But good on you to get it for the masses.
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I’d be interested to know where it does work, as several folk are struggling. So far it’s OK in US and Australia. Anywhere else, folks?
Works fine in Finland. I take no joy in it however, knowing that certain countries don’t have the privilege of viewership, everyone should be able to enjoy a good Columbo every now and then.
I agree with you there, but I’m pleased to hear you’re able to view OK.
Works fine in Hong Kong!
Hurrah!
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Crap! What do I do with my full set of Columbo DVDs now? Some museum? I’m keeping them because (1)I’m old, (2) I want them around, and (3) my internet sucks sometimes. Order your own, Canadians and Britons!
….and apparently Germans too
I see these YouTube episodes as a bonus option I can use if needed when I’m away from home or for those episodes I have on scratched DVDs.
Makes me sad to report the video won’t play in Germany 🙁
Oh dear, I’m sorry to hear that.