2024 Royal Australian Mint UNC Colourised 50c Coin on Card - 50th Anniversary of Countdown

Fifty years ago, the first episode of Countdown went to air, introducing Australians to a generation of emerging local and international performers and to the show’s host Ian “Molly” Meldrum.

Countdown and its exposure of emerging local talent was central to the rise of Australian performers such as Kylie Minogue, John Paul Young, Skyhooks, Marcia Hines and Men at Work.

Half a century ago, Countdown, a new music program aired on ABC television, initially on Friday night but subsequently every Sunday evening. Few Australian popular TV shows have attracted such a loyal audience or produced such an enduring impact.