Born Charles Andrew Parsons, he was brought up in Kent and went to public school, followed by Oxford University where he read English. He was a reporter for the Ealing Gazette from 1980 to 1982. From 1982 to 1987 he was a researcher for London Weekend Television. In 1987 he was a producer for the Channel 4 television series Network 7, and in 1988 he was the series editor. In 1989 he was the series editor for the Channel 4 television series Club X.

He became an executive producer for 24 Hour Productions Ltd. which changed its name to Planet 24 Productions Ltd. which he founded with his business partner and boyfriend Lord Waheed Alli. They live together in Islington. They sold Planet 24 and then set up the company Castaway Television. Together they have been part of the New Labour establishment. Charlie Parsons's 40th birthday party was held at their country mansion in Kent and included among the guests Peter Mandelson, Mo Mowlam, and Chris Smith.