Watch The White Shadow

Name: The White Shadow
Genre: Drama
Released: 1978-11-27
Cast: Ken Howard

TV-PG
1978
3 Seasons
8.0 (1,557)

The White Shadow is a critically acclaimed television drama series that aired on CBS for three seasons from 1978 until 1981. The show was created by Bruce Paltrow, father of Hollywood actress Gwyneth Paltrow, and starred Ken Howard as the lead character, Ken Reeves.

Ken Reeves is a former basketball player who has retired from the sport due to a knee injury. He takes a job at an inner-city high school in Los Angeles as a basketball coach, hoping to pass on his love of the game to a group of unruly teenagers. Despite their initial mistrust of him, Ken soon gains the respect of his students and becomes a role model to them both on and off the court.

The show addresses a number of social issues, including racism, drugs, and poverty. Ken and his team must navigate these issues as they play against other high school basketball teams, many of whom come from wealthier and more privileged backgrounds. The White Shadow also explores the personal lives of the characters, including their relationships with their families and each other.

Ken Howard delivers a standout performance in his role as Ken Reeves, bringing a sense of warmth and authenticity to the character. The supporting cast is also excellent, featuring actors such as Kevin Hooks, Byron Stewart, and Thomas Carter, who went on to become a successful television director.

One of the most notable aspects of The White Shadow is its use of music. The show features an eclectic soundtrack that includes jazz, funk, and soul music, as well as contemporary pop songs of the time. The music helps to create a sense of atmosphere and adds to the show's overall emotional impact.

The White Shadow was well received by both audiences and critics, earning a loyal following during its three-season run. It was praised for its realistic portrayal of inner-city life and its commitment to addressing important social issues. Many viewers also appreciated the show's emphasis on strong characters and relationships, which helped to make the storylines more engaging and relatable.

Overall, The White Shadow remains a beloved classic of 1970s television. Its unique blend of drama, sports, and social commentary make it a compelling and entertaining watch even today. Whether you're a fan of basketball or simply looking for a well-crafted and thought-provoking drama, The White Shadow is a show that should not be missed.

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Seasons

3 2 1

15. A Day in the Life

March 16, 1981

Goldstein, Gomez, Hayward, and Reese all return for an "alumni" exhibition game, amid all the troubles the four have encountered in "real life" since graduating. Hayward is in college and wants to go to law school, but doesn't believe he'll be given the chance because of his skin color. Goldstein, after a year in the Marines, now believes he has the confidence to ask out a girl he admired while at Carver. Gomez is struggling to make ends meet as a car mechanic with a pregnant wife. And, finally, Reese is driving a cab and pursuing his dream of becoming a singer.

14. Burnout

March 9, 1981

One of Carver's teachers, Ms. Mackey, starts showing signs of burnout by handing out undeserved grades, and this hurts Rutherford, who enjoys the class.

13. Cops

March 2, 1981

Coolidge, Thorpe and Franklin are charged with robbing a woman based upon the description she provided tehe police. Things turn bad to worst when one of the officers assualts Coolidge.

12. Psyched Out

February 23, 1981

Ms. Stanley needs the team's help when a psychotic student is after her.

11. Car Repo

February 16, 1981

Salami and Vitaglia take on a part-time job reposessing cars, but the ungodly work hours and the harassments from the car owners affect both their performances in school and on the basketball court.

10. Trial and Error

February 9, 1981

Coach Reeves lies to get out of jury duty and it backfires in his face when Franklin lies to get out of practice.

9. B.M.O.C

February 2, 1981

Coolidge starts having problems stemming from his abnormal height and size, such as normal clothes not fitting. He gets self-conscious and defensive until Coach Reeves, who has dealt with the same problems, takes him under his wing and tries to let him know he's not alone.

8. Mister Hero

January 13, 1981

Stone saves an elderly woman's life by rescuing her from a burning car, and the experience goes to his head after he appears on the TV news and sensationalizes the story.

7. Vanity Fare

January 6, 1981

The team decides to get a record deal to take advantage of their shower singing skills, while Reeves mulls an offer to do a TV commercial.

6. No Blood, No Foul

December 30, 1980

Salami faces possible jail time after breaking an opposing team's player's jaw during an on court brawl.

5. Christmas Story

December 23, 1980

Reeves and the team help conduct a basketball clinic at a local Catholic school, and Reeves takes a dating interest in the female basketball coaches.

4. If Your Number's Up, Get It Down

December 16, 1980

In order to raise money for Carver's athletics, the team decides to organize a benefit. However, they publicize that Coach Reeves is dead in order to entice major sports and entertainment figures like Sparky Anderson, Elgin Baylor, and Willie Tyler and Lester to attend.

3. Georgia on My Mind

October 30, 1980

Coolidge is tired of school and wants to join the Harlem Globetrotters.

2. Reunion (2)

October 23, 1980

Coach Reeves heals his strained relationship with his dying father, breaks things off once and for all with Paula, and returns to Carver for the new school year, where some new players have joined the team: Wardell Stone, Mitchell, Rutherford, Paddy Falahey, and Eddie Franklin