A couple months ago, NBC premiered a new legal TV series from David E. Kelley called Harry’s Law. The series started out decently in the ratings but has fallen quite a bit since then. Tonight is the season finale. Will it be back for season two or end up cancelled?
Harry’s Law revolves around Harriet “Harry” Korn (Kathy Bates), a cranky former patent lawyer. She’s abruptly fired from a big firm, forcing Harry to search for a fresh start. She 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 Harry and gives up his corporate job to join the team. With the help of Harry’s footwear-obsessed assistant, Jenna (Brittany Snow), they open for business as Harriet’s Law and Fine Shoes.
The NBC series debuted in January with a 2.2 rating in the prized 18-49 demographic and 11.07 million viewers. That was an improvement of nearly 50% in the demo when compared to the last original episode of Chase, the previous timeslot occupant and NBC has had a hard time filling that spot for quite some time. The second episode only came down 5% to a 2.1 rating and 10.43 million. Week three held steady. It was looking like NBC had a hit — or as close as the network seems to get these days.
Then, the fourth installment took a big tumble, dropping 19% to a 1.7 demo rating and 9.22 million. It stayed at that level for a couple weeks, popped up to a 1.8 rating, and has most recently been holding steady at a 1.6 rating. That’s pretty close to what Chase had been doing and that’s all but cancelled.
Tonight marks the twelfth and final episode of the season and Harry’s Law is averaging a 1.8 rating and 9.54 million viewers. It’s the 10th highest rated scripted series on the network, tied with Chuck. On the other big networks, the series would certainly doomed but NBC has lots of ratings problems.
In truth, based on the demo numbers alone, NBC shouldn’t bring back this series for a second season. However, though it ranks towards the bottom of the demo rankings, it’s the most-watched TV show on the network. Though that doesn’t count for much, considering the state of NBC, it may be enough to get Harry’s Law a renewal.
On the other hand, with David E. Kelley likely having another series on NBC next season — the new Wonder Woman — network execs might prefer that he focus on that one and let Harry’s Law go. If they don’t like the Wonder Woman pilot, that may be enough to save Kathy Bates and company.
NBC probably won’t reveal the fate of Harry’s Law until the advertiser upfronts on May 16th. We’ll keep you posted.
What do you think? Should Harry’s Law be renewed or cancelled? If it does comes back, how would you suggest they change it to attract more viewers?
Image courtesy NBC.
PLEASE KEEP IT:) KEEP IT KEEP IT
I MEAN RENEW, RENEW,RENEW, RENEW, RENEW!!!!
Love it, bring it back!
Renew Harry’s Law. Best thing on television. And of course DEK can do more than 1 show.. why would you sacrifice a show receiving top ratings? Welcome to the future.. where 2 good shows can be produced. We need more DEK!
Us viewers would like to see a little romance behind the everyday legal battles.
The story lines tend to be a bit dry, without enough drama. It is the same law show as all of them on tv. Always in court, battling it out, to see who is guilty or not guilty.
Harry, needs a love life, all work and no play makes a very boring show.
Just love the character Tommy Jefferson. He brings in more drama, than the otherscharacters, but we do not see him every week.
I so hope they keep this on. All of my friends and I love this show. Ms. Bates is fabulous, as usual!
holds my attention more than most programs. has alot of wit and wisdom. kathy bates is a great actress.
I really like the show, there’s nothing to change…….Castle is in competition and some people tend to watch one and tape another, I hear that’s bad for a show but I also am quilty! Keep it on, give some of these shows a break, we like them and then you cancel! There is so much time in between also, at least it seems that way. By next season you’ve forgotten them!!
It should definitely be renewed. While it may not be a hit with the coveted demographic, it is a hit — particularly by NBC standards — and provides NBC with an opportunity to market its other shows. But beyond the business reasons, it should be renewed because it is a smart show that takes risks and has really found its groove late in the season and will likely be able to build on that should the show be renewed. It has a great cast, an interesting franchise (that they have only scratched the surface of) and, last but not least,… Read more »
Absolutely love it – it is just different enough, funny enough, with a good twist to keep me watching it – both on Monday and repeat on Saturday. The characters are great!
Please keep.
I REALLY hope that Harry’s Law returns . I LOVE Kathy Bates in anything I’ve ever seen her in and this show is added to that list . It isn’t THIS SHOW , it’s NBC and the fact their lineups and show choices have not been up to par . Don’t get rid of the show get rid of some OVERPAID A__hole who doesn’t know the making of a good show when they see it . David Kelley is Terrific and has pulled out some kick a__ shows . He shouldn’t underestimate himself and especially Kathy Bates . I wish… Read more »
Renew it! but don’t put it at same time as Castle and Hawaii 50
Yes I would like Harry’s Law to come back. Getting to know the characters has been fun. I prefer the programs that feature Kathy Bates but especially love Tommy Jefferson
Keep Harry’s law and cancel the office
My family LOVES Harry’s Law, it’s the perfect blend of comedy, drama, law, and great actors. Please don’t cancel Harry’s Law, it makes Monday nights fun!
I like Harry’s Law. I DVR it and watch it on Saturday evening though. Maybe they could bring a good looking hunk of a son out of the shadows to practice law with his eccentric Mom. I’m not in the targeted demo, however. At my age of 62, advertisers don’t care what I like and dislike. Add to that…I DVR almost everything I watch and view it later. I skip the commercials. I can’t stand to watch TV commercials. I frequently watch some programs like Off The Map and CSI Miami online. I can tolerate the few short commercials they… Read more »