Countdown
Overview
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.
First air date
08/11/1974
Votes
0
Popularity
2.0
Season 1
The first season of Countdown aired in 1974. This season was broadcast in black & white. Only a few segments have surv…
Season 2
The 1975 season was a significant moment for Australian television, as the first episode of Countdown's second season wa…
Season 3
By 1976, Countdown had cemented itself as Australia’s premier music program. Sherbet dominated charts, Marcia Hines rose…
Season 4
In 1977, Countdown reflected the growing diversity of pop and rock. Local acts like John Paul Young and the Ted Mulry Ga…
Season 5
The 1978 season showcased the rise of disco and new wave. Marcia Hines continued her success, while international guests…
Season 6
By 1979, Countdown was the dominant force in Australian music television. Acts like Split Enz and Little River Band gain…
Season 7
In 1980, Countdown embraced the energy of new wave and pop-rock. Split Enz and Men at Work began their rise, while inter…
Season 8
The 1981 season highlighted the growing dominance of Australian acts, with Men at Work breaking through and INXS emergin…
Season 9
By 1982, Countdown was at the heart of Australia’s pop explosion. INXS and Moving Pictures gained traction, while intern…
Season 10
In 1983, Countdown reflected the global rise of synth-pop and MTV-style presentation. Australian acts like Pseudo Echo a…
Season 11
The 1984 season showcased the peak of Australian pop, with INXS and Pseudo Echo dominating. International stars like Mad…
Season 12
By 1985, Countdown was a fixture of Australian life. Kylie Minogue made early appearances, while INXS and Jimmy Barnes c…
Season 13
In 1986, Countdown continued to spotlight rising Australian talent, with Crowded House and Kylie Minogue gaining momentu…
Season 14
The final season in 1987 marked the end of an era. Crowded House and Kylie Minogue were among the standout acts, while i…
Original Soundtrack
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