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.
Keep this show on the air for us older vewiers. Go back to the original idea with the shoe shop and the street people like the enforcer. When you changed it to an upscale law firm you lost the best part of the show. Please keep it on the air.
I enjoy harry’s law, because of Kathy Bates,please don’t cancel it. I can think of other programs you should cancel, like Whitney it’s a piece of you know what…in my opinion
I look forward to wataching “Harry’s Law” each week….. Extremely enjoyable show….Nicw and clean…. Please do not cancel this show….
We liked this show, it was funny but good. it had a good story line, please don’t cancell it.
I think it should come back on, it was a good show, Bring it back
Love, love this show and many of my friends do, as well. Hope this will continue for many more seasons.
It would be a shame to cancel this show, NBC keeps the stupid comedies and cancel great shows like this. What’s wrong with these people at NBC that why people watch cable.
“Harry’s Law” is intelligent television programing that is the only program that I watch on network TV. I sincerely hope that the series is continued. Certainly the superb actors that have had guest appearances on the show are indicative of its quality. Thankfully, there is always excellent programming on PBS.
Please, please, PLEASE continue with “Harry’s Law”….immediately, if not sooner! Cancelling this excellent show can only prove that NBC execs know nothing about good television!
My husband and I truly enjoy Harry’s Law . We were very upset that we cannot find it on our tv. we agree alot of the stupid and silly and vulgar comedy shows .That my grandkids are not allowed to see .It is really sad. Kathy Bates is a great actress. and I enjoy the humor of everyone in the show. thank you
Myself and several of my friends just love this show. Bring it back!!
LOVE this show Kathy Bates is wonderrful I look forward to the show every week. Please Please dont cancel it
My husband and I looked forward to Wednesday nights and Harry”s Law. Then abruptly it was not there anymore. We found the program challenging, informative and even educational. Please don’t cancel it
Harry’s Law is a great program,keep it.
I really enjoy the show! Please do not cancel! As others have said, the networks keep the inane comedies, and cancel shows that are witty and informative. Harry’s Law is well written, witty and the actors are excellent. The show also raises awareness of current social and economic issues that we, as a society, need to address.