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.
I love Harry’s Law, I would T-Bow it and watch it again. We have all the CSI and NCIS, and Law and Order now how about some law with a little comdey. It was, no it is great… Don’t change a thing. Bring it back. The city needs it. Great city by the way.
I love Harry’s Law. It’s always great to see Kathy Bates and the rest of the cast has really good chemistry. I do think they need to be on earlier. It’s a lot better than those stupid reality shows.
I liked the show, Harry’s Law. Cute, funny, good cast. Does every show have to be a big money maker? Better than all the reality crap, and info commercials. Why don’t they remove these undesirables?
Please renew it….!
I really like that show….
i like the very much; and i would love to see another season.
This show was one of the bright spots to watch last season. In order to improve the ratings, they might try putting it into an earlier time slot.
Please bring Harry’s Law back. The only show I watched every episode!
I have enjoyed Harys Law it was one of the best shows on TV which says a lot since there isn’t much of any good on TV
Harrys law is such a good show,along with being a bit different
It’s more true to life than lawyers of today!
Please continue airing it!
I have been so disappointed by the demise of Harry’s Law. It held my complete interest for the entire hour and I looked forward to it all week long. In my opinion it is much more interesting than any other law show on tv since bosyon Legal. Put it back on.
I think Harry’s Law is one of the best shows to hit TV for years. It is intelligent and funny and a very welocme relief from the mindless reality shows.
I love ANYTHING that Kathy Bates is in. I care nothing for a series about a fictional character called “wonder woman!” Get real! Harry’s Law portrays real life episodes, displaying varying degrees of emotion! I say, “KEEP IT ON!”
Harry’s Law should absolutely come back! This was one of my favorite shows on tv. My husband was sure he wouldn’t like it because of Kathy Bates. (he could never watch her again after “Misery”) but she won him over in Harry’s Law. We both looked forward to it every week!
I love Harry’s Law. Want to see it back. Great to have such a veteran back on TV. Even Tommy Jefferson adds a little fun.
I truely wish that that they dont cancell Harry’s Law. It was a fun, & a new spin on your typical Law show’s . Personaly it was one of my favorite Show’sthis season . I recorded every episode & watched it with my friends Please give it a chance………….
I loved Harry’s Law – thought it was refreshing to think attorney’s don’t take all monetary, safe cases – that they help the underdog in the innercity setting. Kathy Bates is always amazing and talented. She put the heart in the job !!! As other comments state, she is “real”