AVERAGE

In the 1990s, Burt Reynolds enjoyed some success on television with this agreeable show about a small town in Arkansas called Evening Shade (which incidentally is a real place).

The cast was larger than in many other sitcoms and it was an unruly but pleasant bunch that used to gather at the local diner. Reynolds was married to the city prosecuting attorney (Marilu Henner) and coached the high school football team (which never won any games); Charles Durning was the obese physician and Michael Jeter the ultra-wimpy math teacher/assistant coach.

The clownish intrigues that kept TV’s Evening Shade an odd place to visit were a lot more fun than stories involving Wood’s cute but boring family. 

1990-1994:U.S. 101 episodes. Color. Created by Linda Bloodworth-Thomason. Cast: Burt Reynolds (Wood Newton), Marilu Henner (Ava Newton), Hal Holbrook (Evan Evans), Ossie Davis, Charles Durning, Elizabeth Ashley, Michael Jeter, Jay R. Ferguson, Candace Hutson (91-94), Jacob Parker, Ann Wedgeworth, Linda Gehringer.

Trivia: Hilary Swank made recurring appearances in 1991-1992.

Emmys: Outstanding Actor (Reynolds) 90-91; Supporting Actor (Jeter) 91-92. Golden Globe: Best Actor (Reynolds) 92.