The most common and most likely answer to this crossword clue is the 9 letter word COUNTDOWN
I've seen this crossword clue in The Daily Telegraph
C
O
U
N
T
D
O
W
N
More clues leading to the result COUNTDOWN
- Member of aristocracy leads part of NI in preparation for event
- Matter less: it comes to nothing
- Noble not up for launch preparation
- Second check where unknown leaves an Ulster district
- Judge on wretched TV show
- Dracula perhaps depressed with approaching deadline
- Nobleman’s wife coming in to put on show
- 3-2-1 is a popular TV show
- Reckoning that comes to nothing
- Declining figures for game show
Buddy explains!
The straight part
We know that "Quiz show" is the straight/definition part of the clue. The straight part is often a synonym or definition, in this case quiz show = countdown.The cryptic/wordplay part
In cryptic crossword there's often an wordplay/cryptic part as well.This part involves a more complex hint, such as an anagram, homophone, hidden word, etc.
Sadly, We don't have an explanation for this specific crossword clue yet.
What does COUNTDOWN mean?
COUNTDOWN noun- A count backward in fixed units to the time of some event, especially the launch of a space vehicle.
- The acts of preparation carried out during this period.
- A radio or television program counting down the top songs of a given week, usually in reverse order ending with the No. 1.
- To count down.