Countdown
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.
- Creator
- Ian 'Molly' Meldrum
- Creator
- Robbie Weekes
- Creator
- Michael Shrimpton
- Status
- In production
- First air date
- 08/11/1974
- Original language
- English
Main cast
Seasons and episodes
Season 1
8 episodes · 1974The 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
2 episodes · 1975The 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
Season 3
1 episodesBy 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 teen
Season 4
1 episodesIn 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 AB
Season 5
0 episodesThe 1978 season showcased the rise of disco and new wave. Marcia Hines continued her success, while international guests like Kate Bush and Blondie brought fresh sounds to Australi
Season 6
0 episodesBy 1979, Countdown was the dominant force in Australian music television. Acts like Split Enz and Little River Band gained momentum, while international guests such as The Police a
Season 7
2 episodesIn 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.
Season 8
0 episodesThe 1981 season highlighted the growing dominance of Australian acts, with Men at Work breaking through and INXS emerging. International guests like Kim Wilde and Phil Collins adde
Season 9
0 episodesBy 1982, Countdown was at the heart of Australia’s pop explosion. INXS and Moving Pictures gained traction, while international stars like Duran Duran and Culture Club brought new
Season 10
0 episodesIn 1983, Countdown reflected the global rise of synth-pop and MTV-style presentation. Australian acts like Pseudo Echo and Real Life thrived, while international guests such as Dav
Season 11
0 episodesThe 1984 season showcased the peak of Australian pop, with INXS and Pseudo Echo dominating. International stars like Madonna and Wham! brought global glamour. Molly Meldrum’s Humdr
Season 12
0 episodesBy 1985, Countdown was a fixture of Australian life. Kylie Minogue made early appearances, while INXS and Jimmy Barnes cemented their status. International guests like Tears for Fe
Season 13
0 episodesIn 1986, Countdown continued to spotlight rising Australian talent, with Crowded House and Kylie Minogue gaining momentum. International acts like a-ha and Pet Shop Boys brought fr
Season 14
23 episodes · 1987The 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
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