The True Story Behind the Original TV Pilot of ‘Charlie’s Angels’

Fifty years ago, on March 21, 1976, ABC ran a double-feature movie night featuring the films Most Wanted and Charlie’s Angels. One of those films would change the course of TV history forever (and you know it). The other — does anyone even remember?

Both films in the double feature were pilots: Charlie’s Angels, starring Kate Jackson, Farrah Fawcett, and Jaclyn Smith, while Most Wanted, starring Robert Stack. Each nabbed huge ratings, allowing both shows to be added to ABC’s 1976 fall lineup.