By 1976, Countdown had cemented itself as Australia’s premier music program. Sherbet dominated charts, Marcia Hines rose as a powerhouse voice, and the Bay City Rollers fueled teenage fandom. Molly Meldrum’s Humdrum segment shaped national music tastes, while the show’s format—performances, interviews, and guest hosts—kept audiences engaged. Countdown was now more than entertainment; it was the soundtrack of a generation.
Show compered by Daryl Braithwaite, assisted by Molly Meldrum (hatless), surrounded by studio guests like John Paul Young, Ol'55, and Sherbet. Interviews include Rockwell T. Jones, and Sherbet receives a "Golden Gull" award from the manager of new radio station 3MP, promoting Australian talent. Current Top Ten hits are discussed, though not listed—except for the number one hit, ABBA’s “Money Money Money,” which plays in full during the closing credits.