Countdown
1974
📺 14 Seasons
🎬 34 Episodes
📅 In Production
🌐 EN
⏱️ 30 min/episode
Talk
Countdown was a long-running popular weekly Australian music television show broadcast by the Australian Broadcasting Corporation from 8 November 1974 until 19 July 1987. It was created by Executive Producer Michael Shrimpton, producer/director Robbie Weekes and record producer and music journalist Ian "Molly" Meldrum. Countdown was produced at the studios of the ABC in the Melbourne suburb of Ripponlea.
Countdown was the most popular music program in Australian TV history. It was broadcast nationwide on Australia's government-owned broadcaster, the ABC and commanded a huge and loyal audience. It soon exerted a strong influence on radio programmers because of its audience and the amount of Australian content it featured. For most of the time it was on air, it also gained double exposure throughout the country by screening a new episode each Sunday evening, and then repeating it the following Saturday evening. The majority of performances on the show were lip synched.
Seasons
Season 1
The first season of Countdown aired in 1974. This season was broadcast in black & white. Only a few segments have survived to this day.
Season 2
The 1975 season was a significant moment for Australian television, as the first episode of Countdown's second season was the first scheduled program to be officially broadcast in color on ABC TV. The transition to color coincided with the show's move to its iconic Sunday 6 pm slot, allowing artists to be seen in all their flamboyant glory and helping to boost the careers of many Australian and international acts.
Season 3
By 1976, Countdown had cemented itself as Australia’s premier music program. Sherbet dominated charts, Marcia Hines rose as a powerhouse voice, and the Bay City Rollers fueled teenage fandom. Molly Meldrum’s Humdrum segment shaped national music tastes, while the show’s format—performances, interviews, and guest hosts—kept audiences engaged. Countdown was now more than entertainment; it was the soundtrack of a generation.
Season 4
In 1977, Countdown reflected the growing diversity of pop and rock. Local acts like John Paul Young and the Ted Mulry Gang thrived, while international stars such as Blondie and ABBA captivated audiences. Molly Meldrum’s interviews added personality, and the program’s influence on radio playlists was undeniable. By the close of 1977, Countdown had become the central stage for both Australian and global music.
Season 7
In 1980, Countdown embraced the energy of new wave and pop-rock. Split Enz and Men at Work began their rise, while international stars like Madness and Queen electrified audiences. Molly Meldrum’s Humdrum segment remained central, guiding fans through the evolving music landscape. The show’s influence on record sales and radio playlists was unmatched.
Season 14
The final season in 1987 marked the end of an era. Crowded House and Kylie Minogue were among the standout acts, while international guests maintained global appeal. As the program concluded in July, its legacy was clear: Countdown had defined Australian music television for over a decade, shaping generations of fans and artists.
Network
ABC TV
Production
ABC TV