What started off as an American crime drama television series in 1976, Charlie's Angels has left an undeniable dent in popular culture, so much so, that it has come back to our screens again and again.
The latest instalment is the Sunday night movie this week and stars the very talented Elizabeth Banks, Kristen Stewart, Naomi Scott, and Ella Balinska.
But before them, there were Kate Jackson, Farrah Fawcett, and Jaclyn Smith. Let's rewind.
Premise: Three women work at a private detective agency in Los Angeles, California and the show chronicles their crime busting adventures.
The angels' names: Sabrina Duncan, Jill Munroe, and Kelly Garrett.
Starring: Kate Jackson, Farrah Fawcett, and Jaclyn Smith. Fawcett departed after the first season and Cheryl Ladd became an angel. When Jackson left, Shelley Hack got her angel wings, who was eventually replaced by Tanya Roberts.
Their boss: Charles 'Charlie' Townsend, whom is never seen directly. He assigns them, and John Bosley, investigations via a speakerphone.
Created and produced by: Ivan Goff, Ben Roberts, and Aaron Spelling.
Number of seasons and episodes: There were five seasons and 115 episodes.
Did you know?
Smith is the only actor to appear in all five seasons of the show. Speaking to People magazine for its special issue 'Celebrate the ’70s: 1976 Edition', she says, “It was ground-breaking. It was about three emotionally and financially independent women. We shot at beautiful locations with fancy fast cars, and they cared about each other, so there was a heart to the show.”
She adds: “We were very inspirational to a lot of young women. Young women would write us and say, ‘I want to be like you. I want to be a cop when I grow up and taking chances to be something else other than the acceptable school teacher or secretary.’ ”
Premise: It was continued from the TV series.
The angels' names: Natalie Cook, Dylan Sanders, and Alex Munday.
Starring: Cameron Diaz, Drew Barrymore, and Lucy Liu.
Their boss: It stayed true to the TV series.
Produced by: Drew Barrymore, Leonard Goldberg, and Nancy Juvonen.
Number of movies: There were two movies, Charlie's Angels and Charlie's Angels: Full Throttle.
Did you know?
The original three angels in the TV series, Smith, Jackson, Fawcett were invited to do cameos but declined. Smith, however, had a cameo in the movie sequel, Charlie's Angels: Full Throttle.
In Townsend's office, there are pictures of former angels Jackson, Smith and Tanya Roberts hanging on the wall.
Premise: It continued the premise of the TV series and previous movies.
The angels' names: Sabina Wilson, Elena Houghlin (❗️ spoiler❗️ who later becomes an angel), and Jane Kano.
Starring: Kristen Stewart, Naomi Scott, and Ella Balinska.
Their boss: Same as the TV series and previous movies. But this time Elizabeth Banks takes on the role of Rebekah "Bosley", who is also a former angel.
Directed by: Elizabeth Banks.
Number of movies: There is one movie at the time of publishing this article.
Did you know?
In this movie, Townsend's security agency has gone global with multiple Bosleys and angels .
Patrick Stewart plays John Bosley, Townsend's original assistant. He replaces Bill Murray, who portrayed the character in the 2000 movie.
Watch Charlie's Angels, your Sunday night movie on 31 January at 20:05 (CAT) on M-Net channel 101.
Featured image: Sony. Article images: Getty
Sources: People magazine, IMDB
If you miss any of these movies on M-Net 101 you can always catch up on DStv or on M-Net Movies 1, channel 104.
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