Cheryl Ladd Reflects on 'Intimidated' Male Viewers of Charlie's Angels

The actress says men in the press and general public had to 'put down' the show's empowered female characters.

Mar. 5, 2026 at 8:03pm

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Cheryl Ladd, who joined the cast of Charlie's Angels in its second season, is remembering how the show's depiction of empowered and intelligent women seemed to intimidate male viewers and members of the press when it first debuted in 1976. Ladd says the men 'had to put it down in some way' rather than appreciate the show's portrayal of female characters who were capable of solving cases through wit and skill.

Why it matters

Charlie's Angels was groundbreaking in its representation of strong, capable women on television at a time when such depictions were still relatively rare. Ladd's comments shed light on the cultural attitudes and biases that the show challenged, and how its success threatened some male viewers and critics.

The details

Ladd, now 74, joined the cast of Charlie's Angels in 1977, replacing Farrah Fawcett as one of the lead private investigators. She remained on the show until its cancellation in 1981. In a new interview, Ladd said that 'men in the press and in general were by the show' because the female characters were 'young women who wore bathing suits' but also 'empowered and highly intelligent' who 'had to act on their feet and make quick decisions and look after each other.'

  • Charlie's Angels debuted on television in 1976.
  • Cheryl Ladd joined the cast in the show's second season in 1977.
  • The series ran until its cancellation in 1981.

The players

Cheryl Ladd

An actress who joined the cast of Charlie's Angels in its second season in 1977, replacing Farrah Fawcett as one of the lead private investigators.

Kate Jackson

One of the original lead actresses on Charlie's Angels, along with Farrah Fawcett and Jaclyn Smith.

Jaclyn Smith

One of the original lead actresses on Charlie's Angels, along with Farrah Fawcett and Kate Jackson.

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What they’re saying

“Isn't it interesting how intimidated men in the press and in general were by the show? They had to put it down in some way.”

— Cheryl Ladd

What’s next

Ladd, Jackson, and Smith will reunite at PaleyFest in Los Angeles on April 6 to mark the 50th anniversary of Charlie's Angels.

The takeaway

Charlie's Angels challenged cultural attitudes about women's capabilities, empowering female viewers and threatening some male viewers and critics who felt intimidated by the show's portrayal of strong, intelligent women. Decades later, the series' impact continues to be celebrated.