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.
Harry’s Law should return but not be as “corny” (Korn? Hmm).It should be more realistic & not far out like last night’s foolishness of the D.A . taking off his clothes & his other antics.That’s not even remotely real.Just stupid.Also, a couple weeks ago when they had a transvestite who had a legal problem.The show should have light & serious scenes but not nonsensical mixed with heavy violence. Even things out & put more emphasis on the excellent scenes showing more Kathy Bates in her believable courtroom arguments.Cut out sooo much “cutsy” stuff.Too many shows have that,like Castle & NCIS.
Please don’t cancel Harry’s Law. The acting on this show is the best I’ve seen in years. Each and every actor is superb. This is absolutely the best show on TV in YEARS!
I love, love, love Harry’s Law. All the cast are great. I love Malcolm/Jenna paring. I think it works. I’m looking forward to see more of them. I don’t like Adam together with that girl, they have no chemistry.
Please don’t cancel Harry’s Law…best new show in a long time…I love it!
LOVE THE SHOW KATHY IS THE BOMB PLEASE DONT TAKE IT OFF THE AIR
At first Harry’s Law seemed a little ho-hum, but has since grown on me. Despite what some critics say, the show and its characters have heart and the stories have just enough of a zany unpredictability to keep me interested. Moreover, the overarching story line has become more engrossing as the characters have gained in complexity. I hope NBC has the wisdom to keep it around.
PLEASE DON’T CANCELL HARRY’S LAW.IT’S THE BEST SHOW I HAVE SEEN FOR A LONG TIME.FIRSY YOU CANCELL TRAMA THEN MERCY AND THEY WERE VERY GOOD.PLEASE NOT HARRY’S LAW.THERE ARE OTHER SHOWS THAT NEED TO BE CANCELL GET RID OF THEM INSTEAD.KEEP HARRY’S LAW.
Funny, I never thought of this show as a law show. In my mind, it is more about the characters and their interrelationships. I don’t care how far-fetched the court cases are or how unrealistic the law office is; I tune in to watch the marvelous characters. We should all note how Kathy Bates imbues Harry with that much-needed mentoring skill that guides the young generation–and those older folks who need a little tweaking. My Mondays are very long and I love coming home just in time to catch Harry. Competing with big sports events and filling a time slot… Read more »
Please renew Harry’s Law. It is the only show on Monday night that I even turn on my TV set to watch. Most of my retired friends agree with me. We always discuss this show, pro’s and con’s every Tues. Morning over coffee. All of us feel that this is a very entertaining show. Funny, lovable cast. Interesting topics are covered. Reality? maybe not, but still fun to watch.
Keep it, it’s original..but Harry needs a love interest
Please, Please, Please don’t cancel Harry’s Law. It is a good show without all the dirty language and violence and horrible stuff that usually is in todays shows. It is a good decent show that is for the whole family. Don’t have to worry about bad language or story content that would keep you up at night from fright.
Too many CSI’s and stuff like that.
Please keep this on tv.!!!!!!!!!!
I really like this show. It’s a usual David E Kelley production (quirky, deep characters and fairly riveting courtroom scenes)–one issue some people have is the preaching, but and I agree, but I can get past that because of the quality of Kelly’s shows. Just because a show “preaches” to you, (a) you don’t have to agree and (b) you don’t have to change your politics because some tv show wants you to. From the Practice, Boston Legal, to Harry’s Law I’m a fan of David E Kelly’s shows, even though I’m not a fan of his politics. After all… Read more »
I really enjoy Harry’s Law. It is different and Cathy Bates is terrific. I hope they decide to keep it. Maybe move it somewhere else. Right now it is against Castle.
please do not cancel harry’s law. the plots started out a little slow but they are getting better. and i really like kathy bates. i can’t imagine anyone watching wonder woman instead of harry’s law
please do not cancel Harry’s Law — it is my favorite new show and I was very sad to have the season finale happen so soon — I will miss it immensely and truly hope to see it back on the air!!
Please don’t cancel Harrys Law, this actually is a grey show that everyone in my family can watch together. I have a household of six My mother also watches it, and if you only go by households, please consider how may people in tat home that are watching, and how many are re-watching when they record it on the dvr. I absolutely hate when a network only gives the viewers one season to watch a show and takes it away right when we ger into it, and right when we get our friends into it, give us a little credit… Read more »
My husband and I love Harry’s Law and hope it won’t be canceled.