Charlie's Angels stars reunite for 50th anniversary

Kate Jackson, Jaclyn Smith and Cheryl Ladd celebrate the iconic TV show's legacy

Apr. 7, 2026 at 12:17pm

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An abstract close-up image featuring a dazzling array of shimmering sequins and glittering disco ball fragments, captured in dramatic high-contrast studio lighting to evoke the glamour and star power associated with the 'Charlie's Angels' television series.The iconic 'Charlie's Angels' cast members reflect on the show's enduring legacy and their own personal bonds, 50 years after the series first debuted.Los Angeles Today

The original stars of the hit 1970s TV series 'Charlie's Angels' - Kate Jackson, Jaclyn Smith and Cheryl Ladd - reunited at the PaleyFest LA event to mark the show's 50th anniversary. The trio reflected on the show's impact, their memorable roles, and overcoming personal health challenges together over the years.

Why it matters

As one of the most iconic television shows of the 1970s, 'Charlie's Angels' broke new ground by featuring a team of capable, intelligent women as the lead characters, challenging gender stereotypes of the time. The show's enduring popularity and influence on pop culture is being celebrated through this special reunion.

The details

The hour-long crime drama series debuted in 1976 and ran for five seasons, becoming a top-10 hit for ABC in its first two years. While Farrah Fawcett-Majors left after the first season, Cheryl Ladd stepped in to replace her. The show was criticized by some for its 'jiggle television' depiction of the female characters, but the stars maintain it helped 'punch a hole in the glass ceiling' for women. Now in their 70s and 80s, the trio of Jackson, Smith and Ladd remain close and are celebrating the show's legacy, including overcoming health challenges like breast cancer together.

  • The 'Charlie's Angels' TV series debuted on September 22, 1976.
  • The show ran for five seasons, ending in 1981.
  • The 50th anniversary celebration took place at the PaleyFest LA event on April 6, 2026.

The players

Kate Jackson

One of the original 'Charlie's Angels' stars, she appeared on the show for the first three seasons before leaving the business nearly 20 years ago to raise her son. Now 77, she says she's 'ready to go back' to acting.

Jaclyn Smith

Another original 'Charlie's Angels' cast member, she was on the show for its entire five-season run. Now 80 years old, she has gone on to a prolific career in made-for-TV movies and guest appearances on other shows.

Cheryl Ladd

Replacing Farrah Fawcett-Majors after the first season, Ladd, now 74, stepped into the role of 'Kris Munroe' and remained with the show until its end. She revealed for the first time publicly that she had battled an aggressive form of breast cancer at some point.

Farrah Fawcett-Majors

The original 'Charlie's Angel' who became a 1970s icon with her feathered hair and sexy swimsuit poster, she left the show after the first season to pursue a film career. She passed away in 2009.

Aaron Spelling

The producer of 'Charlie's Angels' who had to convince Cheryl Ladd three times to join the show, knowing how beloved Farrah Fawcett had been.

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What they’re saying

“I knew the show was different, special and unique. Three women chasing danger instead of getting rescued.”

— Jaclyn Smith

“We were giving people an hour to sit back, put their feet up, forget everything and watch television, and then again just kind of subtly getting the message in there that women are just as capable, intelligent, can do anything that a man can do.”

— Kate Jackson

“I felt so loved. You couldn't be in a bad mood. It was always uplifting to hear it.”

— Cheryl Ladd

What’s next

The trio of Jackson, Smith and Ladd will reunite again on May 14 when they are among the recipients at the Paley Honors gala in New York. Jaclyn Smith's memoir titled 'I Once Knew a Guy Named Charlie' is also set to be released in September.

The takeaway

The 'Charlie's Angels' reunion highlights the enduring legacy of the iconic 1970s TV series, which challenged gender norms and paved the way for more empowered female characters on television. Despite the show's initial criticism, the stars' camaraderie and the positive impact it had on viewers has stood the test of time.