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.
You have to be kidding me. Cancel the best show on TV. Harry’s Law!!!!!
I think that Kathy Bates is the greatest thing since peanut butter. It is very sad that they would even entertain the idea of cancelling Harry’s Law. Please Please do not cancel this show. I look forward to this show every week.
I love Harrys Law!!! LOVE Kathy Bates..Don’ cancel!!!!!!!!!!!!!
This show is great and Kathy Bates is a wonder. It would be criminal to take this show off the air.
don’t cancel. Best show on TV. Love Kathy Bates and supporting cast.
I love this show. How would I change it? Not sure I would. I think that people just don’t know about it. I do think that because it doesn’t come on every week makes it difficult to remember the day and time.
So if I were to change anything it would be to make it a weekly show.
Pleeeeeeeeeease DO NOT cancel Harry’s Law. You have already made one huge mistake in cancelling Law and Order. It was the benchmark that all other dramas of this genre tried to achieve! Even when you changed personnel you managed to find replacements who had the kind of chemistry you need in an ensemble cast to have great success. If you give Harry’s cast the same chance it will be a resounding success. Just quit jacking around with it and let the outstanding cast do their jobs. David E. Kelley has the track record to bring this show to the top… Read more »
I thin it would be a great mistake to end the series, since it says the sort of things that should not be unsaid, plus the standard of acting is high. There is a pastiche humour and sad reflection on injustice that is so evident in both the US & UK where venality has been the dominant element which is derived from greed, that is eating into pockets of the least well off, where the wealthy will benefit all the time , when in fact the ineptitude of the overpaid will be overlooked {certainly in the UK) where being poor… Read more »
I love to watch Hary’s Law, Kathy Bates is a winner, She puts 100% in her acting.
We want to see moee of Harry’s Law” Pleas don’t cancel.
Tje james Family
Ever since “The Practice” was cancelled, I’ve been waiting for a show as thought provoking and entertaining and finally found it in Harry’s Law. I’m doing my part in encouraging others to watch, what are you doing? I agree with Monica above, not at all interested in a remake of wonder woman, won’t watch it. You have a good show make it work.
I don’t watch much television other than news but…
…this show really rocks!!!
Of course, the corporate folks who seem to be cracking down on independent critical thinking don’t like it and, thus, they will probably stick a knife in it’s back…
Bob
Harry’s Law is my favorite show; I am constantly entertained, and frequently amused, at the dialogue, and the variety of cases they come up with. It would break my heart if it’s canceled!
This is a refreshingly great show and I’m glad that it’s being renewed for Season 2. I’m sure as the cameras start rolling in 2012, the writers will come up with some great story lines and even more interesting characters. It’s not easy to write shows that are based on the legal system. It takes tons of research into state laws (and they all differ). Boston Legal was also one of the great ones and it withstood the test of time. I think Harry’s Law will too if given a chance. So please give it a chance so that we… Read more »
To NBC: Harry’s Law is one of the best if the not the best show that you have this season. Outside of Prime Suspect, this is the only show that I watch on NBC. Cathy Bates is great. The writers/creator of the show found a very unique way to deal with very controversial issues and make it very humorous. This show is very refreshing and it would be a disgrace to cancel it. ….AND PLEASE do not try to do a re-make of Wonder Woman. I was a huge Wonder Woman fan and in my book there was only one… Read more »
Harry’s Law is a delight, it’s witty and entertaining with a great cast. It’s a must watch for my husband and I each week. I sincerely hope Harry returns for another season. This is a funny show, didn’t quite understand the move upstairs.. and Jenna leaving. Liked the shoestore office… maybe Oliver could leave and they could move back downstairs. Love Tommy’s character . Keep Harry on the air!