Celebrating the 40th anniversary of iconic Australian music television program COUNTDOWN, is this two part documentary to air on Sunday the 16th and 23rd of November.

COUNTDOWN influenced a generation and kick-started the careers of some of the world’s greatest musical artists. 

Originally intended as an 8 x 30 min show,  Countdown went on to become a flagship ABC program with a presenter like no other. The producers certainly got more than they bargained for with Ian ‘Molly’ Meldrum.

Meldrum’s enthusiasm shot through television sets all over the country in a way Australians had never seen before. The production values and Meldrum’s ability to spot a hit meant COUNTDOWN was quickly able to establish a stable of local stars. John Paul Young, Skyhooks, Sherbet, John Farnham, Marcia Hines and AC/DC were all regular artists who benefitted.

Molly could hear a hit at 20 paces. They occasionally made decisions having far-reaching consequences. Forcing ABBA to release Mamma Mia was a major breakthrough never forgotten and friendships were made with artists such as Rod Stewart, Elton John and KISS.

A new generation in the Australian suburbs was quietly discovering its sexuality. And via an unprecedented performance by Iggy Pop in 1979, some of them even discovered punk. 

Hosted by Julia Zemiro this special will take viewers on a journey of discovery with the story of COUNTDOWN. Backed by a stellar cast of stars and with original footage and music, this is a program which brings the music of the 70’s and 80’s alive. The first episode is focused on 1974-1980 while the second is 1980-1987.

And to celebrate the special a 2CD anthology Countdown 40th Anniversary will be released on November 7