Evening Shade
Evening Shade is an American sitcom television series that aired on CBS from 1990 to 1994. The series stars Burt Reynolds as Wood Newton, an ex-professional football player for the Pittsburgh Steelers, who returns to rural Evening Shade, Arkansas to coach a high school football team with a long losing streak. Reynolds personally requested to use the Steelers as his former team because he is a fan. The general theme of the show is the appeal of small town life. Episodes ended with a closing narration by Ossie Davis summing up the events of the episode, always closing with "... in a place called Evening Shade." The show's final episode saw the guest appearances of Willie Nelson and Buzz Aldrin as escaped convicts on the run from authorities, the final scene being a spectacular shoot-out reminiscent of the final scene of Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid. The opening segment included clips from around Arkansas, including the famous McClard's Bar-be-que, which is situated on Albert Pike Blvd. and South Patterson St. in Hot Springs National Park.
Insights
Plot Summary
Set in the small town of St. Louis, Arkansas, 'Evening Shade' follows the charming and somewhat eccentric basketball coach, Wood Newton. The series humorously navigates the daily lives, relationships, and minor crises of Wood, his wife, and the quirky residents of their community. Through witty dialogue and relatable situations, the show explores themes of friendship, family, and small-town charm.
Critical Reception
Evening Shade was a moderately successful sitcom that garnered attention for its ensemble cast and its Southern charm, particularly Burt Reynolds's lead performance. While it didn't achieve blockbuster status, it was generally well-received by audiences who appreciated its lighthearted humor and character-driven stories, earning a respectable number of award nominations and wins during its run.
What Reviewers Say
- Praised for Burt Reynolds's charismatic performance and the show's gentle humor.
- Appreciated for its warm portrayal of small-town life and strong ensemble cast.
- Some critics noted a lack of significant narrative depth or groundbreaking comedy.
Google audience: Audience reception was generally positive, with many viewers enjoying the show's humor and nostalgic feel. Fans often highlighted the performances of the main cast and the lighthearted, family-friendly nature of the episodes.
Awards & Accolades
Won 4 Emmy Awards (including Outstanding Lead Actor in a Comedy Series for Burt Reynolds in 1991) and received multiple other nominations.
Fun Fact
Burt Reynolds, who played Coach Wood Newton, actually coached the University of Miami's football team for a celebrity game during the show's production, reflecting his real-life interest in sports.
AI-generated overview · Verify ratings on official sources