Charlie's Angels stars reunite for 50th anniversary

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

Apr. 7, 2026 at 2:35pm

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An abstract macro photograph of shimmering sequins and glittering disco ball fragments, capturing the high-fashion aesthetic and celebratory energy of the 'Charlie's Angels' reunion.The iconic 'Charlie's Angels' trio reunite to celebrate the show's 50th anniversary, evoking the glitz and glamour that made the series a pop culture phenomenon.Los Angeles Today

The original stars of the hit 1970s TV series 'Charlie's Angels' - Kate Jackson, Jaclyn Smith and Cheryl Ladd - reunited at PaleyFest LA to mark the show's 50th anniversary. The trio received a standing ovation from the audience as they reminisced about their time on the groundbreaking crime drama and the show's lasting impact.

Why it matters

'Charlie's Angels' was a pioneering series that featured three strong, capable women as the lead characters, challenging traditional gender norms on television at the time. The show's popularity and influence endures decades later, making this reunion a significant cultural moment.

The details

The hour-long crime adventure series debuted in 1976 and ran for five seasons. Farrah Fawcett-Majors was originally part of the trio but left after the first season. She was replaced by Cheryl Ladd, who was initially hesitant to join but ended up becoming an integral part of the show. Despite some critical dismissal of the show as 'jiggle television', the actresses maintain the series had a meaningful impact in helping 'punch a hole in that glass ceiling'.

  • The 'Charlie's Angels' TV series debuted on September 22, 1976.
  • The reunion took place at PaleyFest LA on Monday, April 7, 2026, marking the show's 50th anniversary.

The players

Kate Jackson

One of the original 'Charlie's Angels' who starred in the show for three seasons before leaving the business nearly 20 years ago to raise her son. She is now 77 years old and says she is 'ready to go back' to acting.

Jaclyn Smith

Another original 'Charlie's Angel' who was on the show's 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

The actress who replaced Farrah Fawcett-Majors on 'Charlie's Angels' and was initially hesitant to join the show, knowing how beloved Fawcett had been. Now 74, Ladd revealed for the first time publicly that she had battled an aggressive form of breast cancer at some point.

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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 'Charlie's Angels' stars will reunite again on May 14 when they are among the recipients at the Paley Honors gala in New York. Jaclyn Smith's memoir 'I Once Knew a Guy Named Charlie' is also set to be released in September.

The takeaway

This reunion of the original 'Charlie's Angels' stars is a testament to the enduring legacy and cultural impact of the pioneering TV series. Despite some initial criticism, the show empowered women and challenged gender norms, paving the way for more diverse and complex female characters on television.