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.
Are you kidding? Finally something worth turning the box on and You, NBC want to cancel it. You deserve to be in last place.
This is a great show. It’s not trash like most of the stuff on TV these days. Why do you have to keep messing around.
I fear that Harry’s Law jumped the shark when it changed tactics from the charming Law Firm in a undesirable part of town, (the shoe store) with clerks and fellow lawyers with a heart, to corporate law.
I see the ax a coming!!
Renew Harry’s Law! It is the only show on NBC that I watch! It is a very good program! Kathy Bates is excellent!
THe first season was interesting and quirky with clients walking in off the street and the whole shoe store thing going on. Then Harry jumped up about 4 levels with big offices and multiple lawyers. Not nearly as much fun. Also even when I do decide to watch it it seems like NBC keeps moving it around. WHy oh Why can’t they leave their series on at the same time on the same day of the week ? I am not playing Hide and Seek with a TV Series.
Love harry’s. Law. Do not take it off
We love Harry’s Law. Please do not cancel it.
Harry’s Law was one of the best. Please do not cancel. Take off the ‘stupid’ stuff and leave Harry alone……………..
I loved the first season, with the shoe store and struggling middle aged woman who had nothing to lose so would fight for her scruples. Everything about it was so off beat and kitchy. She was always on the edge of losing her practice, b/c she kept tilting at the windmill. She still upsets the status quo, she just doesn’t get enough screen time and you’ve added some pretty dull characters except for the always provocative Jean Smart. Just because they’re young and pretty, doesn’t mean they are interesting. It felt more raw and close to the bone. As if… Read more »
My schedule is set around Harry’s Law, i.e. I never miss an episode. Kathy Bates is a wonderful, versatile actress; I tuned in for the first show only because she was the lead. I keep watching it for the same reason. I like the adult story lines; how can NBC lose when David Kelley is involved. There is no vulgarity or reality show silliness. This is a hit & why would NBC execs turn their backs on a hit. Perhaps because they are unfamiliar with how to handle a hit show. I’ve seen my favorite hit shows cancelled before &… Read more »
Harry’s Law is one of the best shows on TV in years…my favorite along with Blue Bloods. I plan my Wednesdays around this show. NBC, please don’t cancel it for maybe another sitcom. Harry is a treasure!
Harry’s Law is my favorite tv show and I definitely DO NOT want it cancelled. I love Harry’s wit and down to earth outlook.
Are they crazy??? This is one of the few networks shows that you can just enjoy watching that’s not disgusting. It’s just good clean fun with a few lessons thrown in. To Whom It May Concern: Leave it on the air or bring it back whatever you have to do. Take off some of the other garbage on TV that all it has going for it are boobs hanging out, swearing, and just plain foul language.
I really don’t like the changes they made this year. The law firm in the shoe store was hilarious and unique. This year has been kind of boring. Kathy Bates’ character is in the background and I don’t really care for the new characters. Why or why did NBC mess with success.
I’m with you. The ratings have dropped because of the never ending messages. Can’t we just have a plain court room drama without all the social messages. The best episode this season was with Gene Smart. It’s more interesting to watch a leagal show like The Firm which has several cases at once along with a constant story line.
If they keep Harry’s Law go back to the first season writers.
I love this show and I do not understand NBC when they get rid of good dhows and God knows there aren’t very many anymore with reality shows etc that are junk. I hope they do not do Wonder Woman, really! seriously ??? Harrys Law kicks their behinds and I have not even seen it.
Tv is supposed to be enjoyment and not a cavalcade of cheap junk to produce. Keep it on, NBC, Please!
I love the show can hardly wait to see it again. hope you renew it
We love it best new show of 2011 and I hope 2012