"Countdown" is a popular game show that tests contestants' word and number skills. Participants compete in various rounds to create the longest words from a selection of letters and solve mathematical challenges using basic arithmetic. The show is known for its engaging format and the iconic Countdown clock, which adds excitement as players race against time. The program originally aired in the UK in 1982 and has since become a beloved staple of British television. It features a host and a lexicographer, who provides definitions for the words created. The show's blend of education and entertainment has garnered a loyal audience over the years.