Heck with X-Files. If there is another show that shares similarities with Kolchak: The Night Stalker, it's
Columbo. Take a look at the list below, and see for yourself.
Concept |
Kolchak Episode |
Columbo Episode |
Which came first? |
| The main character suspects a concert conductor with a last name starting with "B"
of killing his young female protege. The resolution of the case depends on determining which of
two places the murderers appears to be in at the same time. |
Firefall |
Etude in Black |
Columbo (1972 vs. 1974) |
| Thanks to luck, the main character is on an ocean cruise. Murder occurs, and the
murderer is ultimately revealed to be a dark, saturnine man who appears to have been in his cabin the
entire time. |
The Werewolf (11/1/74) |
Troubled Waters (2/9/75) |
Night Stalker (1974 vs. 1975) |
| A murdererer hides behind the facade of an elderly female mystery/crime writer who is on
friendly terms with the main character. In the end, an arrow turns out to be the murderer's undoing. |
Horror in the Heights |
Try and Catch Me |
Night Stalker (1974 vs. 1977) |
| The murderer is a politician running for Senator, who kills someone close to him in
his campaign and yet totally escapes suspicion. |
The Devil's Platform |
Candidate for Crime |
Columbo (1973 vs. 1974) |
| Murder is committed via a robot, and a scientific research center features prominently
in the case. |
Mr. R.I.N.G. (1/10/75) |
Mind Over Mayhem (2/10/74) |
Columbo |