Below is the list of tables from the database along with their columns and datatype. Need to generate an accurate SQL query for the question.
Only use the columns present in the respective table. Only use the columns which are required to generate the SQL query. Only use table joins if required and not otherwise.

### Tables ###
TABLE: CREATE TABLE table_17467578_1 (original_airdate VARCHAR, episode__number VARCHAR)

### Question ###
What is the original air date of episode 8?  Answer: Dec. 21, 2006

### Accurate SQL ###

SELECT COUNT(original_airdate) FROM table_17467578_1 WHERE episode__number = 8