Watch Evening Shade

Evening Shade was a popular American sitcom that aired on CBS from September 1990 to May 1994. The show was created by Linda Bloodworth-Thomason and featured a star-studded cast of actors, including Burt Reynolds, Marilu Henner, Ossie Davis, and Hal Holbrook. The series was set in the fictional town of Evening Shade, Arkansas, a small, sleepy community where everyone knows everyone else's business. The show revolved around the lives of the residents of Evening Shade, particularly former NFL quarterback Woodrow 'Wood' Newton (Burt Reynolds), who returns to his hometown to become the high school football coach.

Wood is a charismatic and charming character who is determined to turn Evening Shade's mediocre football team into a force to be reckoned with. However, his plans are constantly being thwarted by the antics of his eccentric and often unpredictable family and friends, who seem to be more concerned with their own problems and dramas than with football.

The other main characters in the show include Wood's wife, Ava (Marilu Henner), a former beauty queen who loves her husband but sometimes finds him exasperating; Wood's father-in-law, Judge Luther Charbonnet (Ossie Davis), a wise and humorous man who dispenses wisdom and advice to anyone who will listen; and Harlan Elldridge (Charles Durning), Wood's assistant coach and best friend, who is always ready with a drink and a joke.

Throughout the show's four seasons, the residents of Evening Shade find themselves dealing with everything from romantic entanglements and family squabbles to business dealings and health issues. The show's humor is derived from the characters' interactions with each other, as they navigate the challenges of small-town life with wit and charm.

The show also had a strong musical component, featuring performances by country music stars such as Tanya Tucker, Clint Black, and Kathy Mattea. The show's theme song, "Evening Shade", was written by country music legend Waylon Jennings.

One of the strengths of Evening Shade was its ability to balance humor with more serious themes. The show tackled issues such as alcoholism, racism, and domestic violence with sensitivity and insight, without sacrificing its comedic tone.

Despite its popularity, Evening Shade was canceled by CBS after its fourth season due to declining ratings. However, the show remains a beloved part of 1990s television, and its cast and creators are remembered fondly by fans.

In conclusion, Evening Shade was a charming and humorous sitcom that captured the essence of small-town life in America. Its talented cast and witty writing made it a favorite among audiences, and its legacy lives on today as a classic example of 1990s television.