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Season 1

Season 2

  • S02E03 1st March 1975 - Show #9

    • March 1, 1975
    • ABC (AU)

    First episode of rock program, Countdown, to be transmitted in colour opening titles Countdown. MCU John Farnham opening program vs live in studio Skyhooks singing Horror Movie C/A Skyhooks in Luna Park.

  • S02E29 31st August 1975 - Show #36

    • August 31, 1975
    • ABC (AU)

    Countdown is hosted by Darryl Braithwaite and Sherbet, chatting with Denise Drysdale and John Paul Young before performing. Drysdale and Braithwaite spin a rigged wheel to pick an audience member for a record. John Paul Young is nearly dragged off stage by fans and carried away by crew. The Bay City Rollers arrive for a loud interview with Molly; their fan club president gives Eric a framed photo but is told her question is “dumb.” Three teens who wrote 3,000 lines to meet Sherbet come on stage—one ends up on Molly’s lap. Molly also presents two gold records to The Sweet. Braithwaite reads the Top Ten, ending with Skyhooks’ “All My Friends Are Getting Married.”

  • S02E30 7th September 1975 - Show #35

    • September 7, 1975
    • ABC (AU)

    Show hosted by Marty Rhone. Molly (without hat, wearing rugby jumper) introduces Humdrum.

Season 3

  • S03E91 12th December 1976 - Show #91

    • December 12, 1976
    • ABC (AU)

    Show compered by Daryl Braithwaite, assisted by Molly Meldrum (hatless), surrounded by studio guests like John Paul Young, Ol'55, and Sherbet. Interviews include Rockwell T. Jones, and Sherbet receives a "Golden Gull" award from the manager of new radio station 3MP, promoting Australian talent. Current Top Ten hits are discussed, though not listed—except for the number one hit, ABBA’s “Money Money Money,” which plays in full during the closing credits.

Season 7

  • S07E260 3 October 1980 - Show #260

    • October 5, 1980

    The show is hosted in turn by Jimmy Manzie (Breakers), Chris Venn (Delaney Venn), Chrissy & Lindsay Hammond (Cheetah), and Michael Hutchence (INXS). Molly interviews John Farrar. Live studio acts include Breakers “When I’m on TV,” Delaney Venn “No Expectations,” Cheetah “Spend the Night,” and INXS “Just Keep Walkin’.” Chartbusters: Ol’55 “Two Faces Have I,” Cliff Richard “Dreamin’,” Skatt Bros “Life at the Outpost,” George Benson “Give Me the Night.” Local video: Mark Gillespie “Small Mercies.” Overseas videos: Stevie Wonder “Master Blaster,” Willie Nelson “On the Road Again,” Dexy’s Midnight Runners “Geno,” Whitesnake “Fool for Your Lovin’,” ABBA “The Winner Takes It All.” Top Ten: Rocky Burnette, Martha & the Muffins, Romantics, David Bowie, ONJ/ELO, Kate Bush, Diana Ross, Irene Cara, Leo Sayer.

Season 8

Season 9

Season 10

Season 11

Season 12

Season 13

Season 14

  • S14E19 14th June 1987 - Show #558

    • June 14, 1987
    • ABC (AU)

    Tonight's show is hosted by Aussie Rules footballer Warwick Capper.

  • S14E20 19 July 1987 - Show #563

    • July 19, 1987
    • ABC (AU)

    Final episode of Countdown

  • S14E21 15 February 1987 - Show #541

    • February 15, 1987
    • ABC (AU)

    Hosted by Crowded House.

  • SPECIAL 0x166 50 Years On

    • November 17, 2024

    In 1974, Countdown burst into loungerooms all over the nation and set the music scene on fire. 50 years on, the ABC is inviting you back to the party to celebrate the little Aussie show that became a global phenomenon.

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