Evening Shade

Evening Shade follows Wood Newton, a former pro football star who leaves the spotlight to coach a high school team in his hometown of Evening Shade, Arkansas. He returns to a place where neighbors, family, and football collide in a small town mood that values loyalty and a can do attitude. Wood is supported at home by his wife Ava Evans Newton, played by Marilu Henner, and by a circle of friends and neighbors. Hal Holbrook appears as Evan Evans and Charles Durning as Harlan Elldridge, adding humor and weight to community life as the team works to lift a long losing streak. The show blends warm comedy with down to earth charm and a sense of place.

Created by Linda Bloodworth-Thomason, the show aired on CBS from 1990 to 1994 and became a signature example of late 80s and early 90s family humor. Burt Reynolds stars as Wood Newton, a former Pittsburgh Steelers player who returns to coach a rural high school team in Evening Shade, Arkansas. The ensemble includes Marilu Henner as Ava Evans Newton, Hal Holbrook as Evan Evans, Charles Durning as Harlan Elldridge and Ann Wedgeworth as Merleen Elldridge, adding warmth and comic color to the town.

The series is closely tied to its sense of place. Opening clips showcase Arkansas scenery and local landmarks such as McClard's Bar-B-Que, giving audiences a concrete feel for small town life and food culture. Ossie Davis provides closing narration that frames each episode with a gentle reminder of community, a signature rhythm viewers recognized.

At its core the show is about community and mentorship as much as about football. It highlights teamwork, family ties, and resilience, wrapped in a warm, accessible humor that welcomed families. Critics noted Reynolds presence and the supporting cast delivering steady warmth, while the show balanced sports drama with everyday life in a rural town.