Is Countdown coming back?

Countdown is currently airing on Channel 4; the next episode airs 2026-05-13. The show in which two contestants engage in a battle of wits, competing against the clock in games of lexical dexterity and numerical agility, first premiered in 1982. It has been a long-standing quiz series that tests contestants' vocabulary and math skills through a series of timed challenges. Countdown was a game show that combined word puzzles and number problems, with the goal of solving as many as possible within a limited time. Over the years, it became known for its distinctive format and hosts, providing entertainment and mental exercise for viewers of all ages. The current cast includes Susie Dent as Lexicographer, Carol Vorderman, Rachel Riley, and Cathy Hytner. The show is rated 6.6 on TVMaze and has a runtime of 42 minutes per episode.