Last week, NBC unveiled their newest legal drama series, Harry’s Law. Interestingly, this isn’t a new Law & Order spin-off but rather the brainchild of David E. Kelley who created shows like ABC’s Boston Legal. He also worked on NBC’s popular LA Law many years ago. Will this legal series last as long as those or be quickly cancelled instead?
Harry’s Law revolves around Harriet “Harry” Korn (Kathy Bates), a curmudgeonly ex-patent lawyer. She’s abruptly fired from her blue chip law firm, forcing her to search for a fresh start. Harry finds it when she meets Malcolm Davies (Aml Ameen), a college student who desperately needs her help and ends up working for her. A young legal hotshot named Adam Branch (Nate Corddry) accidentally hits her and gives up his corporate job to join the team. With the help of Harry’s shoe-obsessed assistant, Jenna (Brittany Snow), they open for business as Harriet’s Law and Fine Shoes.
The TV series debuted last Monday and it attracted an okay 2.2 rating in the 18-49 demographic with 11.07 million viewers. It ranked in second place for the timeslot though probably would have been third if Castle had not been a repeat. Though that’s not a great debut, it’s a 47% improvement over Chase’s last original episode in the same timeslot. That’s very positive for NBC.
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Last night’s episode of Harry’s Law drew a 2.1 in the demo and 10.43 million viewers. That’s a loss of about 5% in the demo from the premiere but still positive since most shows lose between 10 and 15% of their viewership in week two. Most people who watched last week obviously liked it and returned and perhaps even told a friend or two.
After just two airings, Harry’s Law ranks in sixth place on the list of NBC’s most-watched scripted programs, just below 30 Rock. That’s very positive, especially considering NBC’s string of bad luck in the Mondays at 10pm timeslot. If the series can sustain or even build on these early numbers, it looks certain that NBC will renew it for season two.
But, what do you think? Do you like Harry’s Law? Do you think NBC should keep it going or just cancel it? What do you like or dislike about the new series?
Image courtesy NBC.
This is a great–different–show. I think it is a winner! Bates will loosen up as she goes along. And get so much better then she is right now..and I like her performance right now! The 2nd.show was wonderful as you root for the hero to win out,and her client and you expect she will..only you are not sure, or how,but you keep tuned in…..like my other only TV favorite HOUSE. Certainly you want it to come out ok..why would we watch a tv show that dissapoints us with a bad ending..? The full cast are so promising, so just give… Read more »
It is “campy” but I like it…a change from the usual. Don’t want much network tv because it “stinks”…but this is good ! Also, Detroit 187, different network, but a great show!
I am disappointed with the neighborhood and people that the story takes place in and the language that Kathy Bates uses. Her attitude is disrespectful to the authorities and she is rude. Kathy Bates is my very favorite actress and I am disappointed that she would play such a charactor. I was so looking forward to this new show especially with Kathy starring in it but after watching the show for the second time I turned it off in the middle of it. Her character is too obnoxious for me to watch.
i love harrys law hope it gets a 2nd season ….
To All Who Create Harry, It’s such a wonderful thing to look forward to Monday night TV, again. Kathy Bates, you are the personification of a brilliant actor. I have followed your career in that I have probably seen all of your films over the years, and I just wanted to say thank you. My mother is 98 1/2 and is watching only your show in her nursing home room. The entire ensemble is just wonderful. Please let me thank you all for the warm and biting humor, sensitive commentary, view of the human side of living in this Country.… Read more »
I think this show is witty and fun. It is actually a drama-with an air of GOOD comedy. Kathy Bates is an amazing actress and knows how to make her audience laugh. I think this show is a keeper because I really admire the character’s unorthodox style in the court. She actually fights and persists when she knows she is right and the justice system is wrong. Unlike other crime/court series, the lawyers are all traditional and never attempt anything different. As seen in episode 3 when Harry is facing the appelate court, you can see how she sways the… Read more »
Harry’s Law could be one of those rare breed of shows like ‘Northern Exposure’ or David Kelly’s ‘Ally McBeal”; a legal show without lawyers and sex to sell it. Just well written humor and intriguing story lines. This is an absolute must show for NBC to keep for several years. Kathy Bates is perfect for her part, and the suppporting cast has been well picked. NBC, by all means , keep the good stuff and get rid of the reality overload. Incidentally I do not know Brittany Snow directly, but do know her family members; Brittany comes from a great… Read more »
Very well written, not the same old redo of police programs we’re fed all the time. Bates is great, the cast is sincere and believable and I hope it does well and survives until next year.
one of the best shows I watch. love it
I always enjoy kathy bates. She is a wonderful actress. Being an older woman I love
the way Harry connects to the people she helps. The other charcters in the series
are outstanding. I LOVE IT. Please keep it going.
I LOVED this show! A lawyer not afraid to take on the establishment and not out to line her own pockets. I will definitely be watching when I can find it. It seems to be changing time slots in this area frequently.
I am loving Harry’s Law. I am a fan of David E. Kelley’s work! Kathy Bates is a wonderful actress and the rest of the cast is very diverse. However, I do love Castle so It is a delima for me. Since I don’t have a DVR I will turn 1 tv on Harry Law for ratings and watch another.
That’s a very supportive idea, but it will only work if you’re part of the Nielsen panel that determines the ratings…
I think it is a fun show, with some very funny lines. I had to see if it was depicted as a drama or comedy. The acting was very good, you want to root for the characters, but it does remind me a bit of Outlaw. Prominent lawyer leaves firm (fired or not) and goes against business and basically pretty mush espouses a liberal veiwpoint. That said, we enjoy it and wil DVR it on our bedroom tv and watch on weekends (watch hawaii 5-0 & castle on main DVR).
I absolutely love Kathy Bates. She’s an amazing actress and with the rest of the cast (Nathan Corddry, Brittany Snow) I think this show is off to a great start. You know, as a DISH Network customer and employee I’m really glad that I was able to record this in full HD. DISH Network has more HD channels than any other provider and the quality is amazing.
I loved Harry’s law. I’ts nice to see an older mature woman as a lead character for a change. It’s a keeper. My family of four really enjoyed watching it and look forward to seeing more of Harry’s Law.