Kate Jackson Says She Never Doubted “Charlie’s Angels” Was ‘Going to Be a Hit’ (Exclusive)

Caroline Killilea, Brianne TracySat, April 25, 2026 at 7:00 PM UTC

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Kate Jackson at PaleyFest LA 2026Credit: Steve Granitz/FilmMagic/Getty -

Kate Jackson revealed she pitched the original concept for Charlie's Angels to Spelling-Goldberg Productions

The actress said credited the TV series’ success to its unique premise and the chemistry of the cast

Jackson also said her friendships with costars Jaclyn Smith and Cheryl Ladd remain strong 50 years after the show’s debut

Fifty years after Charlie's Angels premiered in 1976, Kate Jackson revealed she always knew the TV show would be a success.

The actress reunited with costars Jaclyn Smith and Cheryl Ladd during PaleyFest LA 2026 for the Charlie's Angels 50th Anniversary Celebration on April 6. She opened up her role in pitching the show's premise to production company Spelling-Goldberg Productions.

Jackson, 77, told PEOPLE in an exclusive interview at the event that she sat down with executives, who had pitched a different concept that she had doubts about. “I was looking down, listening, thinking, ‘This is the worst thing I ever heard in my life,’ ” she recalled.

Kate Jackson in 'Charlie's Angels' (1976)Credit: ABC Photo Archives/Disney General Entertainment Content via Getty

She had previously brainstormed ideas for the subject of the new show and used her previous role as a rookie cop on The Rookies as inspiration for similar idea to pitch the executives.

"It was really easy because The Rookies was about three young rookie cops. So just flip that and have three young women who go to the police academy, meet each other, become close friends [and] work their way up to plainclothes detectives,” Jackson said.

She shared her idea for the new show with executive producer Aaron Spelling, and the show debuted just one year later. The star is credited with giving Charlie's Angels its name, after producers had originally pitched Alley Cats.

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"We started shooting the pilot, and I never doubted. I don't know why, but I never doubted that it was going to be a big hit. It was unique," the actress said.

Part of the reason she had such confidence in the show's success, Jackson said, is the chemistry she instantly shared with her costars.

"It was unusual. The three of us had chemistry that was ... I mean, we're still sisters today and you people are all so crazy that you're still around after 50 years. I can't believe it," she continued.

Kate Jackson in ‘Charlie’s Angels’ (1978)Credit: ABC Photo Archives/Disney General Entertainment Content via Getty

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Jackson said her friendships with Smith, 80, and Ladd, 74, remain strong as ever, even after the show's debut five decades ago. She said that "there's a real genuine care" between the actresses.

"It is a real love. It doesn't go away. You might not think about it every day, but you don't question it. It's just there," Jackson said.

on People

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Source: “AOL Entertainment”