Charlie's Angels (franchise)

Charlie's Angels
Official logo of original television series.
Created by
Original workCharlie's Angels (1976–1981)
OwnerSony Pictures Entertainment
Years1976–2019
Print publications
Comics
  • Charlie's Angels (2018)
  • Charlie's Angels vs. the Bionic Woman
Films and television
Film(s)
Short film(s)Ru's Angels
Television series
Web seriesCharlie's Angels: Animated Adventures
Games
TraditionalThe Charlie's Angels Game
Video game(s)
  • Charlie's Angels
  • Charlie's Angels: Angel X
  • Charlie's Angels: Road Cyclone
  • Charlie's Angels: Hellfire
  • Charlie's Angels: The Game
Audio
Soundtrack(s)
Original music

Charlie's Angels is an American media franchise created by Ivan Goff and Ben Roberts and owned by Sony Pictures Entertainment, which began with the original television series of the same name. The franchise follows the adventures of the Angels, a team of women working for the Townsend Agency, a private secret agent agency, under the leadership of Charlie Townsend, their unseen boss.

The original television series enjoyed huge popularity with audiences and was a top ten hit in the Nielsen ratings for its first two seasons. Following its cancellation in 1981, the series continues to have a 1970s American cult and pop culture following through syndication and DVD releases.[1][2] A numerous variety of merchandise were produced, including dolls, a toy line, board games, beauty products, several sets of trading cards and a comic book series by Dynamite Entertainment.[3][4]

A film series was launched in 2000. Taking place after the events of the original series, the films are a continuation of the story with later generations of Angels. The films receive mixed reviews from critics and have grossed a total of $596 million, against a combined budget of $261 million.

The franchise was rebooted in 2011 with a television series of the same name, which was canceled after seven episodes.[5] Following the cancellation, a third and final film was produced which restored the original timeline of the franchise.[6]

  1. ^ "When Aaron Spelling Ruled Television: An Oral History of Entertainment's Prolific, Populist Producer". The Hollywood Reporter. 18 September 2015. Retrieved 19 November 2017.
  2. ^ "Charlie's Angels Turns 40: Jaclyn Smith Reflects on the 'Groundbreaking' Series That Had a $20,000 Per Episode Wardrobe Budget". PEOPLE.com.
  3. ^ Inness, Sherrie A (2003-01-13). Disco Divas: Women and Popular Culture in the 1970s. ISBN 978-0812218411.
  4. ^ "Charlie's Angels Comes To Comics in June with John Layman and Joe Eisma Embracing the '70s". Comicsbeat.com. 2018-03-20. Retrieved 2018-03-20.
  5. ^ Rice, Lynette (October 14, 2011). "Goodbye girls! ABC Cancels 'Charlie's Angels'". Entertainment Weekly. Retrieved October 14, 2011.
  6. ^ Shirley Li (April 12, 2019). "Charlie's Angels first look: See Kristen Stewart, Naomi Scott, and Ella Balinska in Elizabeth Banks' update". Entertainment Weekly. Retrieved April 12, 2019.