Countdown is an iconic game show that is loved in households all over the UK. Popular for combining English-language anagrams and numeracy challenges, the show remains a hit with players of all ages due to its educational gameplay that can sharpen the mind of contestants and viewers alike.
Rules of Countdown
In each episode of Countdown, two contestants compete against each other to score the maximum score possible across three types of rounds, letters rounds, numbers rounds and finally the Countdown Conundrum. Unlike other shows, Countdown contestants do not play for money, but the winning contestant is allowed to play again in the next episode.
Letters round
In these rounds, a contestant will pick letters from two face-down stacks of either vowels or consonants until 9 letters have been chosen. When all letters have been chosen, there must be at least three vowels and four consonants on the board.
Next, the two contestants have 30 seconds to form the longest word possible using only the letters given, with none of the letters appearing more than the amount of times they are shown. Players must write down the words that they think of, in the case that they both choose to play the same word.
Once the 30 second timer has run out, the host of the show will ask each of the contestants to declare the word length they would like to play, starting with the contestant who chose the letters on the board. The contestant who has made the longest valid word will score 1 point per letter, however if a 9-letter word has been created, they will score 18 points.
In the case that each contestant has used valid identical words or words of equal length, both of the contestants will score points. Furthermore, when the same word has been played by both players, they must show each other their written words as proof that they match.
Any contestant that inaccurately declares their word length will score 0 points even if the word is valid. Each letters round will end with the experts from Dictionary Corner informing the participants and the viewer of the longest words and/or unusual words that could have been formed using the letters given.
Numbers round
Each number round follows two letter Rounds, with a contestantchoosing the numbers on the board to be used. In this round, the chosen contestant must choose 6 of 24 face-down and shuffled number tiles that are arranged into two groups (small numbers from 1 – 10 and large numbers of 25, 50, 75 & 100).
To do so, they must declare how many large numbers they wish to use, between 0 and 4, and the remaining number of small numbers to reach 6 in total will be chosen at random.
Next, a three-digit target number will be calculated and shown on the screen of an electronic machine (“CECIL”) and the contestants have a total of 30 seconds to use the determined numbers to make a calculation that lands on or is as close to the target number as possible. When making their calculation, contestants do not have to use all of the 6 numbers and are only allowed to use the four basic operations of mathematics: addition, subtraction, multiplication and division.
Division can only be applied where there is no remainder and each number can only be used as many times as it appears. As in the letters round, both contestants must declare their best result and if they both claim the same number, they should show each other their written work before discussing their calculations.
Only the contestant who has got closest to the target will score points and points are scored in the following way.
- 10 to 6 points away from target: 5 points
- 5 to 1 point away from target: 7 points
- Achieve target number: 10 points
Both contestants will score if they both prove they can land on the same scorable number and if no contestant can reach the target, the game’s assistant will be called upon to provide a solution.
Countdown Conundrum
For the game’s final round, both contestants will be shown a 9-letter anagram at the same time that needs to be rearranged to form a new word. For this round, again players have a total of 30 seconds to answer and the first to buzz in and answer correctly will earn themself 10 points.
In addition, each player is only allowed 1 guess at the Countdown Conundrum. If neither contestant is unable to solve the word, the presenter will ask the audience if anybody knows the answer.
In the event that the game is tied after this round, players will play an additional Conundrum (or multiple Conundrums) until one player gains the additional points needed to win. Once the game has ended, the loser will go home with a goody bag while the winner will receive a special teapot and the chance to return for the next edition of the show.
If a player is able to win 8 times in a row, they will be declared an Octochamp and forced to retire from the show.
Broadcasting history of Countdown
Due to its popularity in the UK, the main series of Countdown has been running since 1982 in addition to having many special series and episodes since 1989.
Main series
- As of 2024, there have been 89 seasons of Countdown, with an additional season to be released later in the year.
- There have been a total of 8,305 episodes broadcast to date.
- All of Countdown’s seasons have been broadcast on Channel 4.
- Countdown has had 7 official main hosts at various points throughout the show’s history, Richard Whiteley, Des Lynam, Des O’Connor, Jeff Stelling, Nick Hewer, Anne Robinson and Colin Murray.
Years | Season | Total episodes | Broadcaster | Main host(s) |
1982 – 1982 | 1 | 27 | Channel 4 | Richard Whiteley |
1983 – 1983 | 2 | 53 | Channel 4 | Richard Whiteley |
1983 – 1983 | 3 | 52 | Channel 4 | Richard Whiteley |
1984 – 1984 | 4 | 52 | Channel 4 | Richard Whiteley |
1984 – 1984 | 5 | 50 | Channel 4 | Richard Whiteley |
1985 – 1985 | 6 | 54 | Channel 4 | Richard Whiteley |
1985 – 1985 | 7 | 50 | Channel 4 | Richard Whiteley |
1986 – 1986 | 8 | 59 | Channel 4 | Richard Whiteley |
1986 – 1986 | 9 | 47 | Channel 4 | Richard Whiteley |
1986 – 1986 | 10 | 50 | Channel 4 | Richard Whiteley |
1987 – 1987 | 11 | 50 | Channel 4 | Richard Whiteley |
1987 – 1987 | 12 | 50 | Channel 4 | Richard Whiteley |
1987 – 1987 | 13 | 50 | Channel 4 | Richard Whiteley |
1987 – 1987 | 14 | 63 | Channel 4 | Richard Whiteley |
1988 – 1988 | 15 | 50 | Channel 4 | Richard Whiteley |
1988 – 1988 | 16 | 55 | Channel 4 | Richard Whiteley |
1989 – 1989 | 17 | 55 | Channel 4 | Richard Whiteley |
1989 – 1989 | 18 | 70 | Channel 4 | Richard Whiteley |
1990 – 1990 | 19 | 65 | Channel 4 | Richard Whiteley |
1990 – 1990 | 20 | 65 | Channel 4 | Richard Whiteley |
1991 – 1991 | 21 | 65 | Channel 4 | Richard Whiteley |
1991 – 1991 | 22 | 65 | Channel 4 | Richard Whiteley |
1991 – 1992 | 23 | 65 | Channel 4 | Richard Whiteley |
1992 – 1992 | 24 | 65 | Channel 4 | Richard Whiteley |
1993 – 1993 | 25 | 65 | Channel 4 | Richard Whiteley |
1993 – 1993 | 26 | 65 | Channel 4 | Richard Whiteley |
1994 – 1994 | 27 | 65 | Channel 4 | Richard Whiteley |
1994 – 1994 | 28 | 65 | Channel 4 | Richard Whiteley |
1995 – 1995 | 29 | 65 | Channel 4 | Richard Whiteley |
1995 – 1995 | 30 | 65 | Channel 4 | Richard Whiteley |
1996 – 1996 | 31 | 65 | Channel 4 | Richard Whiteley |
1996 – 1996 | 32 | 65 | Channel 4 | Richard Whiteley |
1996 – 1996 | 33 | 60 | Channel 4 | Richard Whiteley |
1996 – 1997 | 34 | 65 | Channel 4 | Richard Whiteley |
1997 – 1997 | 35 | 65 | Channel 4 | Richard Whiteley |
1997 – 1997 | 36 | 65 | Channel 4 | Richard Whiteley |
1997 – 1997 | 37 | 60 | Channel 4 | Richard Whiteley |
1997 – 1998 | 38 | 130 | Channel 4 | Richard Whiteley |
1998 – 1998 | 39 | 130 | Channel 4 | Richard Whiteley |
1998 – 1999 | 40 | 130 | Channel 4 | Richard Whiteley |
1999 – 1999 | 41 | 121 | Channel 4 | Richard Whiteley |
1999 – 2000 | 42 | 124 | Channel 4 | Richard Whiteley |
2000 – 2000 | 43 | 114 | Channel 4 | Richard Whiteley |
2000 – 2001 | 44 | 131 | Channel 4 | Richard Whiteley |
2001 – 2001 | 45 | 43 | Channel 4 | Richard Whiteley |
2001 – 2001 | 46 | 67 | Channel 4 | Richard Whiteley |
2002 – 2002 | 47 | 127 | Channel 4 | Richard Whiteley |
2002 – 2002 | 48 | 110 | Channel 4 | Richard Whiteley |
2003 – 2003 | 49 | 122 | Channel 4 | Richard Whiteley |
2003 – 2003 | 50 | 103 | Channel 4 | Richard Whiteley |
2004 – 2004 | 51 | 114 | Channel 4 | Richard Whiteley |
2004 – 2004 | 52 | 112 | Channel 4 | Richard Whiteley |
2005 – 2005 | 53 | 119 | Channel 4 | Richard Whiteley |
2005 – 2006 | 54 | 153 | Channel 4 | Des Lynam |
2006 – 2006 | 55 | 150 | Channel 4 | Des Lynam |
2007 – 2007 | 56 | 120 | Channel 4 | Des O’Connor |
2007 – 2007 | 57 | 126 | Channel 4 | Des O’Connor |
2008 – 2008 | 58 | 119 | Channel 4 | Des O’Connor |
2008 – 2008 | 59 | 105 | Channel 4 | Des O’Connor |
2009 – 2009 | 60 | 111 | Channel 4 | Jeff Stelling |
2009 – 2009 | 61 | 110 | Channel 4 | Jeff Stelling |
2010 – 2010 | 62 | 110 | Channel 4 | Jeff Stelling |
2010 – 2010 | 63 | 115 | Channel 4 | Jeff Stelling |
2011 – 2011 | 64 | 100 | Channel 4 | Jeff Stelling |
2011 – 2011 | 65 | 120 | Channel 4 | Jeff Stelling |
2012 – 2012 | 66 | 119 | Channel 4 | Nick Hewer |
2012 – 2012 | 67 | 97 | Channel 4 | Nick Hewer |
2013 – 2013 | 68 | 107 | Channel 4 | Nick Hewer |
2013 – 2013 | 69 | 118 | Channel 4 | Nick Hewer |
2014 – 2014 | 70 | 107 | Channel 4 | Nick Hewer |
2014 – 2014 | 71 | 110 | Channel 4 | Nick Hewer |
2015 – 2015 | 72 | 100 | Channel 4 | Nick Hewer |
2015 – 2015 | 73 | 121 | Channel 4 | Nick Hewer |
2016 – 2016 | 74 | 107 | Channel 4 | Nick Hewer |
2016 – 2016 | 75 | 109 | Channel 4 | Nick Hewer |
2017 – 2017 | 76 | 121 | Channel 4 | Nick Hewer |
2017 – 2017 | 77 | 122 | Channel 4 | Nick Hewer |
2018 – 2018 | 78 | 117 | Channel 4 | Nick Hewer |
2018 – 2018 | 79 | 126 | Channel 4 | Nick Hewer |
2019 – 2019 | 80 | 128 | Channel 4 | Nick Hewer |
2019 – 2019 | 81 | 124 | Channel 4 | Nick Hewer |
2020 – 2020 | 82 | 182 | Channel 4 | Nick Hewer and Colin Murray |
2021 – 2021 | 83 | 125 | Channel 4 | Nick Hewer and Colin Murray |
2021 – 2021 | 84 | 128 | Channel 4 | Anne Robinson |
2022 – 2022 | 85 | 120 | Channel 4 | Anne Robinson |
2022 – 2022 | 86 | 135 | Channel 4 | Anne Robinson, Colin Murray, Les Dennis, Jenny Eclair and guest hosts |
2023 – 2023 | 87 | 129 | Channel 4 | Colin Murray |
2023 – 2023 | 88 | 126 | Channel 4 | Colin Murray |
2024 – 2024 | 89 | 129 | Channel 4 | Colin Murray |
2024 – 2024 | 90 | TBA | Channel 4 | Colin Murray |
Special series and episodes
- As of 2024, there have been 2 Masters seasons, 2 Celebrity seasons and several other special episodes of Countdown.
- In total, this amounts to 163 episodes from 1989 to the end of 2020.
- In addition to these, many spin-off episodes have been created based upon the Countdown format.
Years | Name* | Season | Total episodes | Broadcaster | Main host(s) |
1989 – 1990 | Masters | 1 | 52 | Channel 4 | Richard Whiteley |
1990 – 1991 | Masters | 2 | 52 | Channel 4 | Richard Whiteley |
1997 | Christmas Special | N/A | 1 | Channel 4 | William G. Stewart |
1998 – 1998 | Celebrity | 1 | 8 | Channel 4 | Richard Whiteley |
2003 | Husband & Wife | N/A | 1 | Channel 4 | Richard Whiteley |
2003 | Replayed Series 40 Final | N/A | 1 | Channel 4 | Richard Whiteley |
2003 | High Scoring Losers | N/A | 1 | Channel 4 | Richard Whiteley |
2003 | Maths Teachers | N/A | 1 | Channel 4 | Richard Whiteley |
2003 | Solicitors | N/A | 1 | Channel 4 | Richard Whiteley |
2003 | Clergymen | N/A | 1 | Channel 4 | Richard Whiteley |
2003 | Scrabble Masters | N/A | 1 | Channel 4 | Richard Whiteley |
2003 | Replayed Series 31 Final | N/A | 1 | Channel 4 | Richard Whiteley |
2003 | Champions of Champions IX & X | N/A | 1 | Channel 4 | Richard Whiteley |
2003 | Police Officers | N/A | 1 | Channel 4 | Richard Whiteley |
2003 | High Scoring Losers II | N/A | 1 | Channel 4 | Richard Whiteley |
2003 | Series 47 & 48 Champions | N/A | 1 | Channel 4 | Richard Whiteley |
2004 | Publicans | N/A | 1 | Channel 4 | Richard Whiteley |
2004 | Father & Daughter | N/A | 1 | Channel 4 | Richard Whiteley |
2004 | Replayed Series 35 Final | N/A | 1 | Channel 4 | Richard Whiteley |
2004 | Replayed Series 39 Final | N/A | 1 | Channel 4 | Richard Whiteley |
2004 | Aficionados | N/A | 1 | Channel 4 | Richard Whiteley |
2004 | Replayed Series 37 Final | N/A | 1 | Channel 4 | Richard Whiteley |
2004 | Mother & Son | N/A | 1 | Channel 4 | Richard Whiteley |
2004 | Starlets | N/A | 1 | Channel 4 | Richard Whiteley |
2004 | Brothers | N/A | 1 | Channel 4 | Richard Whiteley |
2005 | Cabaret Entertainers | N/A | 1 | Channel 4 | Richard Whiteley |
2005 | Starlets | N/A | 1 | Channel 4 | Richard Whiteley |
2010 | Series 60 & 61 Champions | N/A | 1 | Channel 4 | Jeff Stelling |
2010 | High Scoring Losers III | N/A | 1 | Channel 4 | Jeff Stelling |
2010 | Young Stars | N/A | 1 | Channel 4 | Jeff Stelling |
2010 | Replayed Series 59 Final | N/A | 1 | Channel 4 | Jeff Stelling |
2011 | Deciding Special | N/A | 1 | Channel 4 | Jeff Stelling |
2011 | Female Finalists | N/A | 1 | Channel 4 | Jeff Stelling |
2012 | Sister & Brother | N/A | 1 | Channel 4 | Nick Hewer |
2012 | Series 64 & 65 Champions | N/A | 1 | Channel 4 | Nick Hewer |
2012 | Female Winners | N/A | 1 | Channel 4 | Nick Hewer |
2012 | Husband & Wife | N/A | 1 | Channel 4 | Nick Hewer |
2012 | Male Finalists | N/A | 1 | Channel 4 | Nick Hewer |
2013 | Lovebirds | N/A | 1 | Channel 4 | Nick Hewer |
2014 | Battle of the Bobbys | N/A | 1 | Channel 4 | Nick Hewer |
2014 | Senior Females | N/A | 1 | Channel 4 | Nick Hewer |
2014 | Battle of the Mc’s | N/A | 1 | Channel 4 | Nick Hewer |
2015 | Sisters | N/A | 1 | Channel 4 | Nick Hewer |
2015 | Law & Order | N/A | 1 | Channel 4 | Nick Hewer |
2015 | Veterans | N/A | 1 | Channel 4 | Nick Hewer |
2019 – 2020 | Celebrity | 2 | 6 | Channel 4 | Nick Hewer |
2020 | Battle of Bingley | N/A | 1 | Channel 4 | Colin Murray |
2020 | Series 63 & 69 Champions | N/A | 1 | Channel 4 | Colin Murray |
2020 | All-time greats | N/A | 1 | Channel 4 | Colin Murray |
Countdown FAQ
What is 8 Out of 10 Cats Does Countdown?
- 8 Out of 10 Cats Does Countdown is a spin-off TV comedy game show hosted by comedian Jimmy Carr.
- Based on the Countdown format, the show also stars Susie Dent, Rachel Riley, Jon Richardson, Joe Wilkinson and previously Sean Lock.
- As of 2024, it has aired for 25 seasons and 157 episodes in total.
Where to watch Countdown?
Since its being introduced to UK Television in 1982, Countdown has been constantly available to watch on Channel 4 to the present day. However in Wales specifically, it was available on S4C until 2010.
What is the Countdown theme?
The Countdown “Chimes” theme music was composed by Alan Hawkshaw, who also produced a number of other famous theme tunes. In 1996, he was commissioned to rework the music to add extra intensity, however hundreds of complaints led to his original theme being reinstated after just 12 episodes.