Remembering “Evening Shade” : a nostalgic look at the beloved TV show

Remembering "Evening Shade" : a nostalgic look at the beloved TV show

On September 21, 1990, CBS premiered a new comedy series that would soon find a special place in the hearts of many Americans. Evening Shade, set in the quaint town of Evening Shade in Sharp County, Arkansas, featured an impressive cast led by Burt Reynolds, Marilu Henner, Hal Holbrook, and Michael Jeter, among others. For the next four years, this television show offered a charming and positive representation of life in small-town Arkansas, contrasting with typical media portrayals.

Genesis of evening shade : from idea to small screen

Evening Shade was brought to life by the talented duo Harry Thomason and Linda Bloodworth-Thomason. After their remarkable success with Designing Women, which was set in Atlanta but used various scenes from Little Rock, Arkansas, the Thomasons decided to create a new series closer to their own roots. Harry Thomason, originally from Hampton, Arkansas, and Linda Bloodworth, from Poplar Bluff, Missouri, found a middle-ground setting for their new show in the real town of Evening Shade in Sharp County.

Their friend Hillary Clinton, then the First Lady of Arkansas, suggested the location and title, adding a touch of genuine Arkansas charm to the series. Even though the population of Evening Shade was a mere 328 in 1990, and had grown to 420 by 2020, the show managed to capture the essence of life in such small communities. Bloodworth-Thomason’s scripts vividly reflected her experiences of small-town living, making the show relatable and grounded.

The unforgettable cast of evening shade

Burt Reynolds starred as the main character, Wood Newton, a former professional football player who returns to his hometown to coach the high school football team. His wife, Ava, played by Marilu Henner, balanced her ambitious career as a lawyer with raising their children, including an unexpected pregnancy in the first season. Hal Holbrook portrayed Ava’s father, often providing comedic tension with Reynolds’ character.

Michael Jeter’s performance as Herman Stiles, the math teacher turned assistant coach with minimal football knowledge, added a lively touch to each episode. Ossie Davis narrated each episode as Ponder Blue, the owner of the local BBQ restaurant, emphasizing Arkansas’s love for great BBQ. The dynamic between these characters, along with others like Dr. Harlan Elldridge played by Charles Durning, created a community that felt authentic and familiar to viewers.

Impact and legacy of evening shade

Although Evening Shade was filmed at CBS Studio Center in Los Angeles, the opening scenes featured various locations from Evening Shade and Arkansas, marking it as the first television series set in the state. Unlike previous media portrayals of Arkansas, the show depicted a more positive and realistic view of small-town life, focusing on relationships, careers, and community rather than clichéd stereotypes.

During its four-year run, Evening Shade produced 99 episodes and consistently ranked among the top 20 shows on television for two years. The series garnered numerous awards, with Burt Reynolds winning a People’s Choice Award, a Golden Globe, and an Emmy. Michael Jeter also received an Emmy for his outstanding performance. Despite a dip in ratings during its fourth season and speculation about the impact of Reynolds’ turbulent personal life, the show’s influence endured beyond its final episode in 1994.

The lasting influence of evening shade

Few shows have captured the charm and complexity of small-town life in Arkansas quite like Evening Shade. Although not currently available on streaming platforms, the complete series is available for purchase on DVD. The town of Evening Shade continues to feel the show’s impact. Local initiatives, such as the cookbook “Evening Shade : Recipes from Burt Reynolds and the Folks of Evening Shade”, compiled recipes from residents and cast members and funded the construction of a new school gymnasium and auditorium named after Burt Reynolds and Linda Bloodworth-Thomason.

The show’s influence persists, reminding us of a time when television brought the everyday joys and challenges of life in small-town Arkansas to the forefront in a heartwarming and entertaining manner. Its legacy continues to inspire other productions, though few have matched its unique blend of humor, warmth, and authenticity.

Lance Brownfield
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