Editing Countdown (game show) (section)

===Regular===
{{sticky header}}
{| class="wikitable sticky-header-multi" style="font-size:90%"
! rowspan="2"| Series !! rowspan="2" width=120pt| Start date !! rowspan="2" width=120pt| End date !! colspan="2"| Episodes !! rowspan="2" width=90pt| Main presenter !! rowspan="2"| Notes
|-
! Series !! Cumulative
|-
| '''1''' || 2 November 1982<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.itnsource.com/en/shotlist/ITVProgs/1982/11/02/Y21760001/ |title=Countdown (Series 1, Episode 1) |publisher=[[ITN Source]] |access-date=11 August 2014}}</ref> || 16 December 1982<ref name=ITNSource>{{cite web |url=http://www.itnsource.com/en/shotlist/ITVProgs/1982/12/16/Y21760027/ |title=Countdown (Series 1, Episode 27) |publisher=ITN Source |access-date=11 August 2014}}</ref> || 27<ref name="ITNSource"/> || 27<ref name=ITNSource/> || rowspan="53"| [[Richard Whiteley]] || First series to be hosted by Richard Whiteley, who was assisted by Cathy Hytner, Beverley Isherwood, Linda Barrett and Carol Vorderman. The first to feature the Pastel set and filmed at the Yorkshire Television Studios in Leeds. Mary Craig was the original and only lexicographer in Series 1.
|-
| '''2''' || 5 April 1983<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.itnsource.com/en/shotlist/ITVProgs/1983/04/05/Y21760028/ |title=Countdown (Series 2, Episode 1) |publisher=ITN Source |access-date=11 August 2014}}</ref> || 2 July 1983<ref name=ITNSource2>{{cite web |url=http://www.itnsource.com/en/shotlist/ITVProgs/1983/07/02/Y21760080/ |title=Countdown (Series 2, Episode 53) |publisher=ITN Source |access-date=11 August 2014}}</ref> || 53<ref name=ITNSource2/> || 80<ref name=ITNSource2/> || Last series to feature Barrett who alternated as 'vital statistician' with Vorderman. Angela O'Dougherty stood in for Hytner for five episodes. Only series to feature Joyce Hawkins and Lesley Burnett as lexicographers.
|-
| '''3''' || 19 September 1983<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.itnsource.com/en/shotlist/ITVProgs/1983/09/19/Y21760081/ |title=Countdown (Series 3, Episode 1) |publisher=ITN Source |access-date=11 August 2014}}</ref> || 15 December 1983<ref name=ITNSource3>{{cite web |url=http://www.itnsource.com/en/shotlist/ITVProgs/1983/12/15/Y21760132/ |title=Countdown (Series 3, Episode 52) |publisher=ITN Source |access-date=11 August 2014}}</ref> || 52<ref name=ITNSource3/> || 132<ref name=ITNSource3/> || Last series to feature Isherwood as 'Numbers Girl' who left after 21 November. First series with Julia Swannell and Yvonne Warburton as lexicographers.
|-
| '''4''' || 2 April 1984<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.itnsource.com/en/shotlist/ITVProgs/1984/04/02/Y21760133/ |title=Countdown (Series 4, Episode 1) |publisher=ITN Source |access-date=11 August 2014}}</ref> || 28 June 1984<ref name=ITNSource4>{{cite web |url=http://www.itnsource.com/en/shotlist/ITVProgs/1984/06/28/Y21760184/ |title=Countdown (Series 4, Episode 52) |publisher=ITN Source |access-date=11 August 2014}}</ref> || 52<ref name=ITNSource4/> || 184<ref name=ITNSource4/> ||
|-
| '''5''' || 15 October 1984<ref name=ITNSource5>{{cite web |url=http://www.itnsource.com/en/shotlist/ITVProgs/1984/10/15/Y21760185/ |title=Countdown (Series 5, Episode 1) |publisher=ITN Source |access-date=11 August 2014}}</ref> || 21 December 1984<ref name=ITNSource6>{{cite web |url=http://www.itnsource.com/en/shotlist/ITVProgs/1984/12/21/Y21760234/ |title=Countdown (Series 5, Episode 50) |publisher=ITN Source |access-date=11 August 2014}}</ref> || 50<ref name=ITNSource6/> || 234<ref name=ITNSource6/> || Championship of Champions I aired on 15<ref name="ITNSource5"/>–23 October.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.itnsource.com/en/shotlist/ITVProgs/1984/10/23/Y21760191/ |title=Countdown (Series 5, Episode 7) |publisher=ITN Source |access-date=11 August 2014}}</ref> Yvonne Warburton was the sole lexicographer this series.
|-
| '''6''' || 7 January 1985<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.itnsource.com/en/shotlist/ITVProgs/1985/01/07/Y21760235/ |title=Countdown (Series 6, Episode 1) |publisher=ITN Source |access-date=11 August 2014}}</ref> || 21 March 1985<ref name=ITNSource7>{{cite web |url=http://www.itnsource.com/en/shotlist/ITVProgs/1985/03/21/Y21760288/ |title=Countdown (Series 6, Episode 54) |publisher=ITN Source |access-date=11 August 2014}}</ref> || 54<ref name=ITNSource7/> || 288<ref name=ITNSource7/> || First series to feature Della Thompson and the last with Warburton as lexicographer.
|-
| '''7''' || 14 October 1985<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.itnsource.com/en/shotlist/ITVProgs/1985/10/14/Y21760289/ |title=Countdown (Series 7, Episode 1) |publisher=ITN Source |access-date=11 August 2014}}</ref> || 20 December 1985<ref name=ITNSource8>{{cite web |url=http://www.itnsource.com/en/shotlist/ITVProgs/1985/12/20/Y21760338/ |title=Countdown (Series 7, Episode 50) |publisher=ITN Source |access-date=11 August 2014}}</ref> || 50<ref name=ITNSource8/> || 338<ref name=ITNSource8/> || First series to be affected by horse racing.
|-
| '''8''' || 6 January 1986<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.itnsource.com/en/shotlist/ITVProgs/1986/01/06/Y21760339/ |title=Countdown (Series 8, Episode 1) |publisher=ITN Source |access-date=11 August 2014}}</ref> || 27 March 1986<ref name=ITNSource9>{{cite web |url=http://www.itnsource.com/en/shotlist/ITVProgs/1986/03/27/Y21760397/ |title=Countdown (Series 8, Episode 59) |publisher=ITN Source |access-date=11 August 2014}}</ref> || 59<ref name=ITNSource9/> || 397<ref name=ITNSource9/> || Only series to feature Hilary McGlynn as lexicographer.
|-
| '''9''' || 31 March 1986<ref name=ITNSource10>{{cite web |url=http://www.itnsource.com/en/shotlist/ITVProgs/1986/03/31/Y21760398/ |title=Countdown (Series 9, Episode 1) |publisher=ITN Source |access-date=11 August 2014}}</ref> || 3 June 1986<ref name=ITNSource11>{{cite web |url=http://www.itnsource.com/en/shotlist/ITVProgs/1986/06/03/Y21760444/ |title=Countdown (Series 9, Episode 47) |publisher=ITN Source |access-date=11 August 2014}}</ref> || 47<ref name=ITNSource11/> || 444<ref name=ITNSource11/> || Championship of Champions II aired on 31 March<ref name=ITNSource10/>–8 April.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.itnsource.com/en/shotlist/ITVProgs/1986/04/08/Y21760404/ |title=Countdown (Series 9, Episode 7) |publisher=ITN Source |access-date=11 August 2014}}</ref> First series to feature Catherine Clarke as lexicographer.
|-
| '''10''' || 13 October 1986<ref name=ITNSource12>{{cite web |url=http://www.itnsource.com/en/shotlist/ITVProgs/1986/10/13/Y21760445/ |title=Countdown (Series 10, Episode 1) |publisher=ITN Source |access-date=11 August 2014}}</ref> || 19 December 1986<ref name=ITNSource13>{{cite web |url=http://www.itnsource.com/en/shotlist/ITVProgs/1986/12/19/Y21760494/ |title=Countdown (Series 10, Episode 50) |publisher=ITN Source |access-date=11 August 2014}}</ref> || 50<ref name=ITNSource13/> || 494<ref name=ITNSource13/> || Championship of Champions I & II aired on 13 October.<ref name=ITNSource12/> First series with Freda Thornton as lexicographer.
|-
| '''11''' || 2 February 1987<ref name=ITNSource14>{{cite web |url=http://www.itnsource.com/en/shotlist/ITVProgs/1987/02/02/Y21760500/ |title=Countdown (Series 11, Episode 1) |publisher=ITN Source |access-date=11 August 2014}}</ref> || 10 April 1987<ref name=ITNSource15>{{cite web |url=http://www.itnsource.com/en/shotlist/ITVProgs/1987/04/10/Y21760549/ |title=Countdown (Series 11, Episode 50) |publisher=ITN Source |access-date=11 August 2014}}</ref> || 50<ref name=ITNSource15/> || 544<ref name=ITNSource15/> || 500th episode aired on 9 February.<ref name=ITNSource14/>
|-
| '''12''' || 13 April 1987<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.itnsource.com/en/shotlist/ITVProgs/1987/04/13/Y21760550/ |title=Countdown (Series 12, Episode 1) |publisher=ITN Source |access-date=11 August 2014}}</ref> || 19 June 1987<ref name=ITNSource16>{{cite web |url=http://www.itnsource.com/en/shotlist/ITVProgs/1987/06/19/Y21760599/ |title=Countdown (Series 12, Episode 50) |publisher=ITN Source |access-date=11 August 2014}}</ref> || 50<ref name=ITNSource16/> || 594<ref name=ITNSource16/> ||
|-
| '''13''' || 22 June 1987<ref name=ITNSource17>{{cite web |url=http://www.itnsource.com/en/shotlist/ITVProgs/1987/06/22/Y21760600/ |title=Countdown (Series 13, Episode 1) |publisher=ITN Source |access-date=11 August 2014}}</ref> || 28 August 1987<ref name=ITNSource18>{{cite web |url=http://www.itnsource.com/en/shotlist/ITVProgs/1987/08/28/Y21760649/ |title=Countdown (Series 13, Episode 50) |publisher=ITN Source |access-date=11 August 2014}}</ref> || 50<ref name="ITNSource18"/> || 644<ref name=ITNSource18/> || Championship of Champions III aired on 22<ref name=ITNSource17/>–30 June.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.itnsource.com/en/shotlist/ITVProgs/1987/06/30/Y21760606/ |title=Countdown (Series 13, Episode 7) |publisher=ITN Source |access-date=11 August 2014}}</ref> Last series to feature Hytner as 'Letters Girl'.
|-
| '''14''' || 5 October 1987<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.itnsource.com/en/shotlist/ITVProgs/1987/10/05/Y21760650/ |title=Countdown (Series 14, Episode 1) |publisher=ITN Source |access-date=11 August 2014}}</ref> || 25 December 1987<ref name=ITNSource19>{{cite web |url=http://www.itnsource.com/en/shotlist/ITVProgs/1987/12/25/Y21760712/ |title=Countdown (Series 14, Episode 63) |publisher=ITN Source |access-date=11 August 2014}}</ref> || 63<ref name=ITNSource19/> || 707<ref name=ITNSource19/> || First series to feature Karen Loughlin as 'Letters Girl'.
|-
| '''15''' || 11 April 1988<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.itnsource.com/en/shotlist/ITVProgs/1988/04/11/Y21760713/ |title=Countdown (Series 15, Episode 1) |publisher=ITN Source |access-date=11 August 2014}}</ref> || 17 June 1988<ref name=ITNSource20>{{cite web |url=http://www.itnsource.com/en/shotlist/ITVProgs/1988/06/17/Y21760762/ |title=Countdown (Series 15, Episode 50) |publisher=ITN Source |access-date=11 August 2014}}</ref> || 50<ref name=ITNSource20/> || 757<ref name=ITNSource20/> || ''Countdown'' was not broadcast on 11 January–1 April because of ''[[Fifteen to One]]'', originally hosted by [[William G. Stewart]], it remained that way until 1996. Last series to feature Swannell as lexicographer.
|-
| '''16''' || 20 June 1988<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.itnsource.com/en/shotlist/ITVProgs/1988/06/20/Y21760763/ |title=Countdown (Series 16, Episode 1) |publisher=ITN Source |access-date=11 August 2014}}</ref> || 2 September 1988<ref name=ITNSource21>{{cite web |url=http://www.itnsource.com/en/shotlist/ITVProgs/1988/09/02/Y21760817/ |title=Countdown (Series 16, Episode 55) |publisher=ITN Source |access-date=11 August 2014}}</ref> || 55<ref name=ITNSource21/> || 812<ref name=ITNSource21/> || Last series to feature Loughlin as 'Letters Girl'.
|-
| '''17''' || 2 January 1989<ref name=ITNSource22>{{cite web |url=http://www.itnsource.com/en/shotlist/ITVProgs/1989/01/02/Y21760818/ |title=Countdown (Series 17, Episode 1) |publisher=ITN Source |access-date=11 August 2014}}</ref> || 17 March 1989<ref name=ITNSource23>{{cite web |url=http://www.itnsource.com/en/shotlist/ITVProgs/1989/03/17/Y21760872/ |title=Countdown (Series 17, Episode 55) |publisher=ITN Source |access-date=11 August 2014}}</ref> || 55<ref name="ITNSource23"/> || 867<ref name="ITNSource23"/> || Championship of Champions IV aired on 2<ref name=ITNSource22/>–10 January.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.itnsource.com/en/shotlist/ITVProgs/1989/01/10/Y21760824/ |title=Countdown (Series 17, Episode 7) |publisher=ITN Source |access-date=11 August 2014}}</ref> Last series to feature the Pastel set and use original concept. Only series with Lucy Summers as 'Letters Girl' and Georgia Hole as lexicographer.
|-
| '''18''' || 10 July 1989<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.itnsource.com/en/shotlist/ITVProgs/1989/07/10/Y21760873/ |title=Countdown (Series 18, Episode 1) |publisher=ITN Source |access-date=11 August 2014}}</ref> || 13 October 1989<ref name=ITNSource24>{{cite web |url=http://www.itnsource.com/en/shotlist/ITVProgs/1989/10/13/Y21760942/ |title=Countdown (Series 18, Episode 70) |publisher=ITN Source |access-date=11 August 2014}}</ref> || 70<ref name=ITNSource24/> || 937<ref name=ITNSource24/> || First series to feature the wooden set, Simon Mason as lexicographer and to have Vorderman placing both letters and numbers on the board.
|-
| '''19''' || 1 January 1990<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.itnsource.com/en/shotlist/ITVProgs/1990/01/01/Y21760943/ |title=Countdown (Series 19, Episode 1) |publisher=ITN Source |access-date=11 August 2014}}</ref> || 30 March 1990<ref name=ITNSource25>{{cite web |url=http://www.itnsource.com/en/shotlist/ITVProgs/1990/03/30/Y21761007/ |title=Countdown (Series 19, Episode 65) |publisher=ITN Source |access-date=11 August 2014}}</ref> || 65<ref name=ITNSource25/> || 1,002<ref name=ITNSource25/> || 1,000th episode aired on 28 March.
|-
| '''20''' || 2 July 1990<ref name=ITNSource26>{{cite web |url=http://www.itnsource.com/en/shotlist/ITVProgs/1990/07/02/Y21761008/ |title=Countdown (Series 20, Episode 1) |publisher=ITN Source |access-date=11 August 2014}}</ref> || 28 September 1990<ref name=ITNSource27>{{cite web |url=http://www.itnsource.com/en/shotlist/ITVProgs/1990/09/28/Y21761072/ |title=Countdown (Series 20, Episode 65) |publisher=ITN Source |access-date=11 August 2014}}</ref> || 65<ref name=ITNSource27/> || 1,067<ref name=ITNSource27/> || First series to feature Mark Nyman, winner of the inaugural Championship of Champions and later show producer, as a lexicographer.
|-
| '''21''' || 31 December 1990<ref name=ITNSource28>{{cite web |url=http://www.itnsource.com/en/shotlist/ITVProgs/1990/12/31/Y21761073/ |title=Countdown (Series 21, Episode 1) |publisher=ITN Source |access-date=11 August 2014}}</ref> || 29 March 1991<ref name=ITNSource29>{{cite web |url=http://www.itnsource.com/en/shotlist/ITVProgs/1991/03/29/Y21761137/ |title=Countdown (Series 21, Episode 65) |publisher=ITN Source |access-date=11 August 2014}}</ref> || 65<ref name=ITNSource29/> || 1,132<ref name=ITNSource29/> || Championship of Champions V aired on 31 December<ref name=ITNSource28/>–8 January.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.itnsource.com/en/shotlist/ITVProgs/1991/01/08/Y21761079/ |title=Countdown (Series 21, Episode 7) |publisher=ITN Source |access-date=11 August 2014}}</ref> Last series to feature the wooden set, Thompson and Mason as lexicographers and to feature rematches in the case of tied games. The first series with Alexandra Clayton, Judy Pearsall and Richard Samson.
|-
| '''22''' || 1 July 1991<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.itnsource.com/en/shotlist/ITVProgs/1991/07/01/Y21761138/ |title=Countdown (Series 22, Episode 1) |publisher=ITN Source |access-date=11 August 2014}}</ref> || 27 September 1991<ref name=ITNSource30>{{cite web |url=http://www.itnsource.com/en/shotlist/ITVProgs/1991/09/26/Y21761202/ |title=Countdown (Series 22, Episode 65) |publisher=ITN Source |access-date=11 August 2014}}</ref> || 65<ref name=ITNSource30/> || 1,197<ref name=ITNSource30/> || First series to feature the red Wings set and tie-break conundrums, last to feature Clayton as lexicographer.
|-
| '''23''' || 30 December 1991<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.itnsource.com/en/shotlist/ITVProgs/1991/12/30/Y21761203/ |title=Countdown (Series 23, Episode 1) |publisher=ITN Source |access-date=11 August 2014}}</ref> || 27 March 1992<ref name=ITNSource31>{{cite web |url=http://www.itnsource.com/en/shotlist/ITVProgs/1992/03/27/Y21761267/ |title=Countdown (Series 23, Episode 65) |publisher=ITN Source |access-date=11 August 2014}}</ref> || 65<ref name=ITNSource31/> || 1,262<ref name=ITNSource31/> || Last series with Thornton as lexicographer.
|-
| '''24''' || 29 June 1992<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.itnsource.com/en/shotlist/ITVProgs/1992/06/29/Y21761268/ |title=Countdown (Series 24, Episode 1) |publisher=ITN Source |access-date=11 August 2014}}</ref> || 25 September 1992<ref name=ITNSource32>{{cite web |url=http://www.itnsource.com/en/shotlist/ITVProgs/1992/09/25/Y21761332/ |title=Countdown (Series 24, Episode 65) |publisher=ITN Source |access-date=11 August 2014}}</ref> || 65<ref name=ITNSource32/> || 1,327<ref name=ITNSource32/> || First series to feature Susie Dent as lexicographer, also the only series with Sara Tulloch and the last featuring Pearsall in the role.
|-
| '''25''' || 4 January 1993<ref name=ITNSource33>{{cite web |url=http://www.itnsource.com/en/shotlist/ITVProgs/1993/01/04/Y21761333/ |title=Countdown (Series 25, Episode 1) |publisher=ITN Source |access-date=11 August 2014}}</ref> || 2 April 1993<ref name=ITNSource34>{{cite web |url=http://www.itnsource.com/en/shotlist/ITVProgs/1993/04/02/Y21761397/ |title=Countdown (Series 25, Episode 65) |publisher=ITN Source |access-date=11 August 2014}}</ref> || 65<ref name=ITNSource34/> || 1,392<ref name=ITNSource34/> || Championship of Champions VI aired on 4<ref name=ITNSource33/>–12 January.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.itnsource.com/en/shotlist/ITVProgs/1993/01/12/Y21761339/ |title=Countdown (Series 25, Episode 7) |publisher=ITN Source |access-date=11 August 2014}}</ref>
|-
| '''26''' || 5 July 1993<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.itnsource.com/en/shotlist/ITVProgs/1993/07/05/Y21761398/ |title=Countdown (Series 26, Episode 1) |publisher=ITN Source |access-date=11 August 2014}}</ref> || 1 October 1993<ref name=ITNSource35>{{cite web |url=http://www.itnsource.com/en/shotlist/ITVProgs/1993/10/01/Y21761462/ |title=Countdown (Series 26, Episode 65) |publisher=ITN Source |access-date=11 August 2014}}</ref> || 65<ref name=ITNSource35/> || 1,457<ref name=ITNSource35/> || First series with Ruth Killick as lexicographer.
|-
| '''27''' || 3 January 1994<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.itnsource.com/en/shotlist/ITVProgs/1994/01/03/Y21761463/ |title=Countdown (Series 27, Episode 1) |publisher=ITN Source |access-date=11 August 2014}}</ref> || 1 April 1994<ref name=ITNSource36>{{cite web |url=http://www.itnsource.com/en/shotlist/ITVProgs/1994/04/01/Y21761527/ |title=Countdown (Series 26, Episode 65) |publisher=ITN Source |access-date=11 August 2014}}</ref> || 65<ref name=ITNSource36/> || 1,522<ref name=ITNSource36/> || 1,500th episode aired on 2 March.
|-
| '''28''' || 4 July 1994<ref name=ITNSource37>{{cite web |url=http://www.itnsource.com/en/shotlist/ITVProgs/1994/07/04/Y21761528/ |title=Countdown (Series 28, Episode 1) |publisher=ITN Source |access-date=11 August 2014}}</ref> || 30 September 1994<ref name=ITNSource38>{{cite web |url=http://www.itnsource.com/en/shotlist/ITVProgs/1994/09/30/Y21761592/ |title=Countdown (Series 28, Episode 65) |publisher=ITN Source |access-date=11 August 2014}}</ref> || 65<ref name=ITNSource38/> || 1,587<ref name=ITNSource38/> ||
|-
| '''29''' || 2 January 1995<ref name=ITNSource39>{{cite web |url=http://www.itnsource.com/en/shotlist/ITVProgs/1995/01/02/Y21761593/ |title=Countdown (Series 29, Episode 1) |publisher=ITN Source |access-date=11 August 2014}}</ref> || 31 March 1995<ref name=ITNSource40>{{cite web |url=http://www.itnsource.com/en/shotlist/ITVProgs/1995/03/31/Y21761657/ |title=Countdown (Series 29, Episode 65) |publisher=ITN Source |access-date=11 August 2014}}</ref> || 65<ref name=ITNSource40/> || 1,652<ref name=ITNSource40/> || Championship of Champions VII aired on 2<ref name=ITNSource39/>–10 January.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.itnsource.com/en/shotlist/ITVProgs/1995/01/10/Y21761599/ |title=Countdown (Series 29, Episode 7) |publisher=ITN Source |access-date=11 August 2014}}</ref>
|-
| '''30''' || 3 July 1995<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.itnsource.com/en/shotlist/ITVProgs/1995/07/03/Y21761658/ |title=Countdown (Series 30, Episode 1) |publisher=ITN Source |access-date=11 August 2014}}</ref> || 29 September 1995<ref name=ITNSource41>{{cite web |url=http://www.itnsource.com/en/shotlist/ITVProgs/1995/09/29/Y21761722/ |title=Countdown (Series 30, Episode 65) |publisher=ITN Source |access-date=11 August 2014}}</ref> || 65<ref name=ITNSource41/> || 1,717<ref name=ITNSource41/> || Last series to feature the red Wings set and Killick as lexicographer.
|-
| '''31''' || 1 January 1996<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.itnsource.com/en/shotlist/ITVProgs/1996/01/01/Y21761723/ |title=Countdown (Series 31, Episode 1) |publisher=ITN Source |access-date=11 August 2014}}</ref> || 29 March 1996<ref name=ITNSource42>{{cite web |url=http://www.itnsource.com/en/shotlist/ITVProgs/1996/03/29/Y21761787/ |title=Countdown (Series 31, Episode 65) |publisher=ITN Source |access-date=11 August 2014}}</ref> || 65<ref name=ITNSource42/> || 1,782<ref name=ITNSource42/> || First series to feature the purple Wings set, with the Extra Intensity clock music being used for the first twelve episodes, and with Catherine Stokes and Kendall Clarke as lexicographers. Last series to be affected by Channel 4's rival gameshow ''Fifteen to One''.
|-
| '''32''' || 1 July 1996<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.itnsource.com/en/shotlist/ITVProgs/1996/07/01/Y21761788/ |title=Countdown (Series 32, Episode 1) |publisher=ITN Source |access-date=11 August 2014}}</ref> || 27 September 1996<ref name=ITNSource43>{{cite web |url=http://www.itnsource.com/en/shotlist/ITVProgs/1996/09/27/Y21761852/ |title=Countdown (Series 32, Episode 65) |publisher=ITN Source |access-date=11 August 2014}}</ref> || 65<ref name=ITNSource43/> || 1,847<ref name=ITNSource43/> || Last series to feature Kendall Clarke as lexicographer.
|-
| '''33''' || 30 September 1996<ref name=ITNSource44>{{cite web |url=http://www.itnsource.com/en/shotlist/ITVProgs/1996/09/30/Y21761853/ |title=Countdown (Series 33, Episode 1) |publisher=ITN Source |access-date=11 August 2014}}</ref> || 20 December 1996<ref name=ITNSource45>{{cite web |url=http://www.itnsource.com/en/shotlist/ITVProgs/1996/12/20/Y21761912/ |title=Countdown (Series 33, Episode 60) |publisher=ITN Source |access-date=11 August 2014}}</ref> || 60<ref name=ITNSource45/> || 1,907<ref name=ITNSource45/> || Championship of Champions VIII aired on 30 September<ref name=ITNSource44/>–8 October<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.itnsource.com/en/shotlist/ITVProgs/1996/10/08/Y21761859/ |title=Countdown (Series 33, Episode 7) |publisher=ITN Source |access-date=11 August 2014}}</ref> the remainder of series was the Supreme Championship. First series to air all-year round and only to feature David Swarbrick as lexicographer.
|-
| '''34''' || 30 December 1996<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.itnsource.com/en/shotlist/ITVProgs/1996/12/30/Y21761913/ |title=Countdown (Series 34, Episode 1) |publisher=ITN Source |access-date=11 August 2014}}</ref> || 28 March 1997<ref name=ITNSource46>{{cite web |url=http://www.itnsource.com/en/shotlist/ITVProgs/1997/03/28/Y21761977/ |title=Countdown (Series 34, Episode 65) |publisher=ITN Source |access-date=11 August 2014}}</ref> || 65<ref name=ITNSource46/> || 1,972<ref name=ITNSource46/> || First series with Rob Scriven but the only series to feature Joanna Kay, David Howson and Michael Cox as lexicographers.
|-
| '''35''' || 31 March 1997<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.itnsource.com/en/shotlist/ITVProgs/1997/03/31/Y21761978/ |title=Countdown (Series 35, Episode 1) |publisher=ITN Source |access-date=11 August 2014}}</ref> || 27 June 1997<ref name=ITNSource47>{{cite web |url=http://www.itnsource.com/en/shotlist/ITVProgs/1997/06/27/Y21762043/ |title=Countdown (Series 35, Episode 65) |publisher=ITN Source |access-date=11 August 2014}}</ref> || 65<ref name=ITNSource47/> || 2,037<ref name=ITNSource47/> || 2,000th retrospective episode aired on 7 May presented by ''Fifteen to One'' host William G. Stewart. First series with Peter Sweasey, Hania Porucznik and Alyson McGaw but last to feature Scriven as lexicographer.
|-
| '''36''' || 30 June 1997<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.itnsource.com/en/shotlist/ITVProgs/1997/06/30/Y21762044/ |title=Countdown (Series 36, Episode 1) |publisher=ITN Source |access-date=11 August 2014}}</ref> || 26&nbsp;September 1997<ref name=ITNSource48>{{cite web |url=http://www.itnsource.com/en/shotlist/ITVProgs/1997/09/26/Y21762108/ |title=Countdown (Series 36, Episode 65) |publisher=ITN Source |access-date=11 August 2014}}</ref> || 65<ref name=ITNSource48/> || 2,102<ref name=ITNSource48/> || First series to feature Hannah Robertson but the last to feature Stokes, Porucznik, Sweasey and McGaw as lexicographers.
|-
| '''37''' || 29 September 1997<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.itnsource.com/en/shotlist/ITVProgs/1997/09/29/Y21762109/ |title=Countdown (Series 37, Episode 1) |publisher=ITN Source |access-date=11 August 2014}}</ref> || 19 December 1997<ref name=ITNSource49>{{cite web |url=http://www.itnsource.com/en/shotlist/ITVProgs/1997/12/19/Y21762168/ |title=Countdown (Series 37, Episode 60) |publisher=ITN Source |access-date=11 August 2014}}</ref> || 60<ref name=ITNSource49/> || 2,162<ref name=ITNSource49/> || Last series to run for three months and the first series to have the Champion's and Challenger's chairs. First series with Anna Eaton and the only series to feature Sarah Kinsella as lexicographer.
|-
| '''38''' || 29 December 1997<ref name=ITNSource50>{{cite web |url=http://www.itnsource.com/en/shotlist/ITVProgs/1997/12/29/Y21762170/ |title=Countdown (Series 38, Episode 1) |publisher=ITN Source |access-date=11 August 2014}}</ref> || 26 June 1998 || 130 || 2,292 || Championship of Champions IX aired on 29 December<ref name="ITNSource50"/>–16 January.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.itnsource.com/en/shotlist/ITVProgs/1998/01/16/Y21762184/ |title=Countdown (Series 38, Episode 15) |publisher=ITN Source |access-date=11 August 2014}}</ref> First series to run for six months.
|-
| '''39''' || 29 June 1998 || 25 December 1998 || 130 || 2,422 ||
|-
| '''40''' || 28 December 1998 || 25 June 1999 || 130 || 2,552 || First series with Damian Eadie, the champion of Series 28, and the last to feature both Eaton and Robertson as lexicographers.
|-
| '''41''' || 28 June 1999 || 25 December 1999 || 121 || 2,673 || Last series to feature the purple Wings set.
|-
| '''42''' || 27 December 1999 || 23 June 2000 || 124 || 2,797 || Championship of Champions X aired on 27–31 December. First series to feature the orange Wings set as well as the green score displays and target display on CECIL. First series with Tania Styles and last to feature Nyman as lexicographer.
|-
| '''43''' || 26 June 2000 || 25 December 2000 || 114 || 2,911 || 18th Birthday episode aired on 2 November. Only series to feature Penny Silva and the first with Gillian Evans as lexicographer.
|-
| '''44''' || 26 December 2000 || 29 June 2001 || 131 || 3,042 || 3,000th episode aired on 27 April. Last series with Clarke and Evans as lexicographers.
|-
| '''45''' || 2 July 2001 || 21 September 2001 || 43 || 3,085 || Last series to use the 9-round-format and 30-minute runtime.
|-
| '''46''' || 24 September 2001 || 25 December 2001 || 67 || 3,152 || First series to use the original 15-round-format and 45-minute runtime and to feature Clare Pemberton and Phiona Stanley as lexicographers.
|-
| '''47''' || 26 January 2002 || 28 June 2002 || 127 || 3,279 || Junior Championship aired on 12–14 March. Last series to feature Pemberton, Kay Celtel (only appeared in this series) and Styles as lexicographers.
|-
| '''48''' || 1 July 2002 || 20 December 2002 || 110 || 3,389 || Last series to feature the orange Wings set, Phiona Stanley and Damian Eadie as lexicographers.
|-
| '''49''' || 6 January 2003 || 27 June 2003 || 122 || 3,511 || Championship of Champions XI aired on 6–24 January and Ladies' Championship aired on 11–13 March. First series to feature Alison Heard and the pink and purple striped set.
|-
| '''50''' || 30 June 2003 || 19 December 2003 || 103 || 3,614 || Last series to feature Samson as a lexicographer. Also the last series to be affected by ''Fifteen to One'' with the original host, William G. Stewart.
|-
| '''51''' || 5 January 2004 || 25 June 2004 || 114 || 3,728 ||
|-
| '''52''' || 28 June 2004 || 17 December 2004 || 112 || 3,840 || Last series to feature Heard as a regular lexicographer.
|-
| '''53''' || 4 January 2005 || 1 July 2005 || 119 || 3,959 || First series where Susie Dent was sole lexicographer. Last series to be hosted by Richard Whiteley, he died on 26 June 2005 after the last five shows were in post-production.
|-
| '''54''' || 31 October 2005 || 26 May 2006 || 153 || 4,112 || rowspan="2"| [[Des Lynam]] || First series to be hosted by Des Lynam. 4,000th episode aired on 4 January. Saturday episodes aired between 7 January and 8 April.
|-
| '''55''' || 29 May 2006 || 22 December 2006 || 150 || 4,262 || Championship of Champions XII aired on 29 May–16 June. Last series to be hosted by Des Lynam.
|-
| '''56''' || 2 January 2007 || 22 June 2007 || 120 || 4,382 || rowspan="4"| [[Des O'Connor]] || First series to be hosted by Des O'Connor. Michael Wylie, who was the runner-up of Series 1 and later assistant show producer, made three appearances in the role of lexicographer, filling in for Dent who was absent due to illness.
|-
| '''57''' || 25 June 2007 || 21 December 2007 || 126 || 4,508 || 25th Birthday episode aired on 2 November. Alison Heard returned as lexicographer for the last two months of the series as Dent was on maternity leave.
|-
| '''58''' || 2 January 2008 || 20 June 2008 || 119 || 4,627 || Heard continued as stand-in for Dent, who was maternity leave until February.
|-
| '''59''' || 23 June 2008 || 12 December 2008 || 105 || 4,732 || Last series to be hosted by Des O'Connor and Carol Vorderman, also the last series to feature the pink and purple striped set.
|-
| '''60''' || 12 January 2009 || 19 June 2009 || 111 || 4,843 || rowspan="6"| [[Jeff Stelling]] || Championship of Champions XIII aired on 12–30 January. First series to be hosted by Jeff Stelling and Rachel Riley, also the first series to feature the original blue set and the last series filmed at the Yorkshire Television Studios in Leeds.
|-
| '''61''' || 22 June 2009 || 18 December 2009 || 110 || 4,953 || First series filmed at the Granada Studios in Manchester.
|-
| '''62''' || 11 January 2010 || 18 June 2010 || 110 || 5,063 || 5,000th episode aired on 23 March.
|-
| '''63''' || 21 June 2010 || 17 December 2010 || 115 || 5,178 || Last series to allow contestants under the age of 16 to participate on the show.
|-
| '''64''' || 10 January 2011 || 3 June 2011 || 100 || 5,278 ||
|-
| '''65''' || 6 June 2011 || 16 December 2011 || 120 || 5,398 || Last series to be hosted by Jeff Stelling.
|-
| '''66''' || 9 January 2012 || 29 June 2012 || 119 || 5,517 || rowspan="18"|[[Nick Hewer]] || First series to be hosted by Nick Hewer.
|-
| '''67''' || 2 July 2012 || 21 December 2012 || 97 || 5,614 || Last series filmed at the Granada Studios in Manchester as well as the last full series to feature the original 15-round-format and have the green score displays and target display on CECIL.
|-
| '''68''' || 7 January 2013 || 28 June 2013 || 107 || 5,721 || 30th Birthday Championship aired on 7 January–1 March. First series filmed at MediaCityUK in Salford as well as the first to feature the blue score displays and target display on CECIL, starting on 21 January<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://wiki.apterous.org/Episode_5625|title=Episode 5625 - Countdown|website=wiki.apterous.org|accessdate=22 February 2025}}</ref> and the new 15-round format starting on 25 March.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://wiki.apterous.org/Episode_5666|title=Episode 5666 - Countdown|website=wiki.apterous.org|accessdate=22 February 2025}}</ref>
|-
| '''69''' || 1 July 2013 || 20 December 2013 || 118 || 5,839 ||
|-
| '''70''' || 6 January 2014 || 27 June 2014 || 107 || 5,946 || Last series to use a paper dictionary for word adjudication. First series to be affected by the revived series of ''Fifteen to One'' featuring the new host [[Sandi Toksvig]]. 
|-
| '''71''' || 30 June 2014 || 19 December 2014 || 110 || 6,056 || First series to use ODO (Oxford Dictionary Online) for word adjudication. 6,000th episode aired on 29th September.
|-
| '''72''' || 5 January 2015 || 12 June 2015 || 100 || 6,156 ||
|-
| '''73''' || 15 June 2015 || 23 December 2015 || 121 || 6,277 ||
|-
| '''74''' || 4 January 2016 || 24 June 2016 || 107 || 6,384 || Championship of Champions XIV aired on 4–22 January.
|-
| '''75''' || 27 June 2016 || 23 December 2016 || 109 || 6,493 || Last series to be affected by horse racing which moved to ITV on 1 January 2017.
|-
| '''76''' || 3 January 2017 || 30 June 2017 || 121 || 6,614 || Last series to feature the original blue set.
|-
| '''77''' || 3 July 2017 || 22 December 2017 || 122 || 6,736 || First series to feature the new blue set.
|-
| '''78''' || 2 January 2018 || 22 June 2018 || 117 || 6,853 ||
|-
| '''79''' || 25 June 2018 || 21 December 2018 || 126 || 6,979 ||
|-
| '''80''' || 2 January 2019 || 28 June 2019 || 128 || 7,107 || Championship of Champions XV aired on 2–22 January. 7,000th episode aired on 30 January. Last series to be affected by the revived series of ''Fifteen to One'' with Sandi Toksvig. 
|-
| '''81''' || 1 July 2019 || 20 December 2019 || 124 || 7,231 ||
|-
| '''82''' || 2 January 2020 || 18 December 2020 || 182{{efn|Series 82 consisted of 182 episodes, but the episode that was due to be broadcast on 24 March was pulled from the schedules because of a comment made by Nick Hewer that could have been deemed insensitive in relation to the pandemic.}} || 7,413 || This series was impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic, resulting in a hiatus on 4 May–7 August. Three special episodes were broadcast on 21–23 December which were guest-hosted by Colin Murray. Former host Des O'Connor died on 14 November 2020 and the episode aired on 16 November was dedicated to his memory.
|-
| '''83''' || 4 January 2021 || 25 June 2021 || 125 || 7,538 || Last series to be hosted by Nick Hewer. Colin Murray presented the episodes on 13 January–9 February and 3–16 March as Hewer shielded at home because of the second COVID-19 lockdown and after he was vaccinated, both of which occurred during this series' recording.
|-
| '''84''' || 28 June 2021 || 23 December 2021 || 128 || 7,666 || rowspan="2"| [[Anne Robinson]] || First series to be hosted by Anne Robinson and have two different mathematicians as Dr Anne-Marie Imafidon stood in for Rachel Riley at the end of the series due to the latter departing for maternity leave. On 10 September, Trevor McDonald guest presented a special episode as part of Channel 4's ''Black To Front Day'' with Dr Anne-Marie Imafidon and Lemn Sissay as lexicographer.
|-
| '''85''' || 3 January 2022 || 17 June 2022 || 120 || 7,786 || Dr Anne-Marie Imafidon continued as mathematician until 14 March with Rachel Riley returning the following day. Last full series to be hosted by Anne Robinson.
|-
| '''86''' || 20 June 2022 || 23 December 2022 || 135 || 7,921 || [[Anne Robinson]]<br>[[Colin Murray]] || Only series to have more than one official host. Robinson departed the show on 13 July and Murray replaced her as the host on 14 July. Guest hosts took over Murray's hosting duties on 31 October–25 November as part of the show's 40th anniversary celebrations with Floella Benjamin on 31 October–4 November, Richard Coles on 7–11 November, Trevor McDonald 14–18 November and Moira Stuart on 21–25 November. Les Dennis hosted on 4–15 August and Jenny Eclair hosted on 16–19 August because Murray tested positive for COVID-19.
|-
| '''87''' || 2 January 2023 || 29 June 2023 || 129 || 8,050 || rowspan="5" | [[Colin Murray]] || Championship of Champions XVI aired on 2–20 January. 8,000th episode aired on 20 April. First full series to be hosted by Colin Murray who was announced as the new permanent host on 11 January. Ended prematurely due to Rachel Riley falling ill during a recording.{{fact|date=October 2024}}
|-
| '''88''' || 30 June 2023 || 22 December 2023 || 126 || 8,176 || Featured former host [[Jeff Stelling]] as a guest in Dictionary Corner on 21–25 August.
|-
| '''89''' || 2 January 2024 || 28 June 2024 || 129 || 8,305 || The theme tune was played on piano on 29 April–3 May to promote Series 2 of ''[[The Piano (TV series)|The Piano]]''.
|-
| '''90''' || 1 July 2024 || 20 December 2024 || 118 || 8,423 || Due to coverage of the [[2024 Summer Paralympics]], the series was taken off air on 29 August–6 September.
|-
| '''91''' || 6 January 2025 || 27 June 2025 || 125 || 8,548 || Dr Tom Crawford stood in for Riley on 24 February–14 March while she worked on another project.
<!--|-
| '''92''' || 2025 || 2025 || TBA || TBA ||-->
|}