The set of Calendar Countdown was very similar to the early set of Countdown on 4, though they didn't have CECIL at that point - they had a thing with rotating drums called Harry. I forget the name of the girl who did the hostessing on the show, but I think it's mentioned in the "Countdown: Spreading The Word" book. She was famously lousy at the numbers game and once declared a very easy one "impossible". Clips have appeared in a few programmes down the years - I think the 2000th episode special had some clips in it. Certainly at least one episode must survive.
I'd presume all episodes survive, though whether they'll actually be shown again is another matter. They did show some clips on the 3000th episode documentry, I remember seeing it. One thing all these documentries show is the Paul Coia "it is me pleasure to be able to say Welcome to Channel 4" announcement preceding the first episode of Countdown, as it didn't- that famous annoucnement was followed by a preview. The real announcement is on TV Ark and is much more bland.
A few clips of Calander Countdown were shown on "It Shouldn't Happen To a Game Show Presenter" a few years ago. One of which featured Richard talking to a contestant about crosswords:
Richard: "And I understand that you're a very big crossword fan."
Contestant: "Yes indeed."
Richard: "And how many do you do each day?"
Contestant: "Compile or solve?"
Richard: "Well, I hope you have fun today."
The documentary that was edited heavily on Richard - can anyone tell me what the music was that was included just before most of the breaks. (where the break up points were).
It was used extensily throughout.
They did have some good shows in the past. These included Games World, Spellbound, Blockbusters (Sky Version), DJ Kat.
Basically if Sky One wants to improve it needs better entertainment shows, less crap sex shows, and better documentries (some of this you mention above Padzter)
What do other people think Sky One needs to do to improve?
A few clips of Calander Countdown were shown on "It Shouldn't Happen To a Game Show Presenter" a few years ago. One of which featured Richard talking to a contestant about crosswords:
Richard: "And I understand that you're a very big crossword fan."
Contestant: "Yes indeed."
Richard: "And how many do you do each day?"
Contestant: "Compile or solve?"
Richard: "Well, I hope you have fun today."
In the Sun TV Mag for 2-8th July, in the 'Heaven & Hell' section on page 31, Chris Jarvis is talking about what he does and doesn't like on TV. Countdown is classed as 'Rubbish telly', and it states:
Countdown- "Oh, my God. I don't find this funny or interesting. Why is it on telly? I'd rather put together an MDF wardrobe than watch it- and that's saying something!"
Fair enough if he doesn't like it, but surely this could have been edited out after what's happened?
