Machine Description

The Charlie's Angels pinball machine, released by Gottlieb in 1978, perfectly captured the zeitgeist of the immensely popular television series that was at its peak during the late 1970s. This pinball machine represented one of the earliest licensed TV show themes in the solid-state era of pinball, marking an important transition point in pinball history as manufacturers moved from electro-mechanical to electronic systems.

The machine's artwork prominently featured the three lead actresses - Jaclyn Smith, Kate Jackson, and Farrah Fawcett - who had become cultural icons of the era. The playfield design incorporated elements from the show's action-adventure theme, with special targets and features named after characters and elements from the series. As one of Gottlieb's early solid-state machines, it combined traditional pinball mechanics with modern electronic scoring and sound effects.

While not considered one of Gottlieb's most innovative designs from a pure gameplay perspective, Charlie's Angels holds historical significance as an example of how pinball manufacturers were increasingly turning to popular media licenses to attract players during a crucial period of technological transition. The machine's release coincided with a time when arcade operators were looking for games that could compete with the rising popularity of video games, and recognized brands like Charlie's Angels helped draw players to pinball.

Production numbers for the Charlie's Angels pinball machine were moderate by late 1970s standards, though exact figures aren't widely documented. Today, the machine is sought after by collectors both for its historical significance during the solid-state transition period and its representation of iconic 1970s pop culture.