Coach (Syndicated)

IN COACH, Craig T. Nelson stars as Hayden Fox, head coach of a fictional division I-A college football team -- the Minnesota State University Screaming Eagles. Loosely modeled after University of Iowa coach Hayden Frye, Coach Fox is an old-school, no-nonsense man's man. He's aided by (and plays straight man to) his two assistant coaches/loyal sidekicks -- cheerful but vacuous Luther Van Dam (Jerry Van Dyke) and perpetual dim-witted student Dauber Dybinski (Bill Fagerbakke). There are several smart, strong women vying for Hayden's attention: his television reporter fiancé Christine Armstrong (Shelley Fabares) and his college-aged daughter Kelly (Clare Carey), to whom Hayden plays a doting and protective father. The talented ensemble cast is also enriched by Pam Stone, who plays Hayden's chief rival, women's basketball coach Judy Watkins; Kriss Kamm as Kelly's boyfriend, Stuart Rosebrock; and Kenneth Kimmins as annoying college athletic director Howard Burleigh.

Coach epitomizes many of the reasons people end up watching their favorite shows for seasons on end. It has a comforting rhythm: Each episode begins with a tight comedic scene that showcases good writing and strong acting before segueing into a catchy, energetic theme song that virtually compels you to tap along in rhythm. A problem is introduced, and resolution is almost always found within the allotted 30 minutes.

The show's funny, and its sometimes touching storylines benefit from strong writing, talented acting, and great on-screen chemistry. Most of the dilemmas Hayden faces are family-friendly fare; the show shouldn't raise too many eyebrows for parents of tweens and older kids.