New 'Charlie's Angels' Less About Pretty Faces, More About Redemption
After a successful television run in the 70s and two popular films, the ladies of "Charlie's Angels" are gearing back up for action.
This time around, however, creators are going for greater depth and making the series more about redemption and second chances and less about pretty faces and curvy figures.
When the original series started its run on ABC in 1976, critics were not immediately drawn to the show and rival networks had a field day describing the show as "eye candy" and "jiggle TV."
The new "Charlie's Angels" series, airing in September 22 at 8 p.m. on ABC, will be different this time around, producers insisted Sunday at the Television Critics Association’s summer press tour in Beverly Hills.
Executive producers Al Gough and Miles Millar told reporters that the revamped show about the glamorous, crime-fighting trio will not be a carbon copy of its predecessor or as over-the-top as the 2000 and 2003 film versions staring Drew Barrymore, Lucy Liu, and Cameron Diaz.
"We wanted to make this more grounded, make these women feel real, to give them a past," Gough said. "We wanted audiences to have something to come back to each week."
The angels all have dark, questionable passes, Gough explained, and their best chance at living somewhat normal lives comes with Charlie giving them the opportunity to move beyond their histories.
"The show is about redemption and second chances," Gough told reporters. "They are getting that chance and giving it to others."
The new show, which takes place in Miami, stars Rachael Taylor as Abby Simpson, Minka Kelly as Eve French, and Annie Ilonzeh as Kate Prince. The series also stars Ramon Rodriguez in the role of John Bosley.
Who will be playing the legendary Charlie has yet to be decided. Actor Robert Wagner had been tapped to reprise his original role as Charlie, but scheduling conflicts have gotten in the way, producers said.
Farrah Fawcett, who passed away earlier this year, starred in the 1976 to 1981 series alongside Kate Jackson, and Jaclyn Smith.
