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.
Episodes
A Day in the Life of Wood Newton
On his birthday/wedding anniversary, an innocent Wood is photographed with a stripper; and Prosecuting Attorney candidate Ava discovers she's pregnant despite Wood's vasectomy.
There Once Was A Boy Named Wood
Frieda babysits, and fills in for Evan on poker night when he has a date with Miss Beausoleil.
Whatever Happened to Clutch Newton?
On seeing an old game film, Wood discovers his most celebrated high school touchdown catch was actually out of bounds.
Sadie Hawkins Dance
During Sadie Hawkins week, the football team begins a seven-day series of pranks on Coach Newton.
Fast Women
Ava asks Wood to talk with both their son, Taylor, and her father about their choice in dates.
The Moustache Show
Ava's high-school flame visits; Will shaves off half of Wood's moustache.
All for Charity
Hoping to win Wood's favour, Herman, at a fundraiser, bids for and wins a weekend with Wood and his family.
Something to Hold Onto
Wood and the rest of town tutor the football players in algebra so they won't fail their classes and be barred from a big game.
Mr. Mom
With Ava's prosecutorial work taking her away from her household duties, a miserable Wood has to take up the slack.
Hooray for Wood
Wood gets a bit part when a movie company and its temperamental star arrive to shoot a Civil War mini-series.
The Wood Who Stole Christmas
Tired of his kids' materialism, Wood gives their presents to a needy family.
Wood and Ava and Gil and Madeline
Wood and Ava are asked to dinner by a married couple—who turn out to be swingers into spouse-swapping.
Wood's Thirtieth Reunion
At his 30-year high school reunion, Wood hooks up with two old pals and one old flame.
Vote Early and Vote Often
Wood and Ava recall how friends rallied to help her get elected Prosceuting Attorney over her opponent Jim Guy Puckett.
Chip Off the Old Brick
Herman's big, blustery father comes to visit, but talks football with Wood and chases after Frieda more than he sees his son.
The Trials of Wood Newton
Wood must testify against Evan, who's being defended by his daughter Ava.
Into the Woods
On Wood's annual deer-hunting trip, a local legend deer drops dead in front of his cabin—outside official hunting grounds.
Nothing to Fear But Harvey Lujack
A convict who'd threatened prosecutor Ava when she had him put away escapes and heads toward town.
Gambler Anonymous
Wood tries to keep secret the presence of his guest: old acquaintance country-music singer Kenny Rogers.
Sex Education
An in-over-his-head Herman substitute teaches a class in sex education, and calls in ""expert"" Wood.
I am Wood, Hear Me Roar
Two female students attempt to join the football team.
Herman and Margaret Sitting in a Tree
Herman's relationship with Margaret hits a snag when she refuses to be seen with Herman on a formal ""date"".
Far from the Madden Crowd
Ava goes into labor the night of the Booster Club Sports banquest, to which Wood has invited his football archrival Terry Bradshaw.
The Baby Show
Ava rides in the back of Ponder's catering truck on a chaotic ride to the hospital.
Top Cast
Burt Reynolds
Wood Newton
Marilu Henner
Ava Evans Newton
Hal Holbrook
Evan Evans
Charles Durning
Harlan Elldridge
Ann Wedgeworth
Merleen Elldridge
Michael Jeter
Herman Stiles
Jay R. Ferguson
Taylor Newton
Ossie Davis
Ponder Blue
Candace Hutson
Molly Newton
Elizabeth Ashley
Freida Evans
