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.
David Kelley’s show often touch on controversial, sensitive subjects and leave the
viewer with thought provoking endings.
Harry’s Law is one such show. Too bad the network is thinking of cancelling it.
We really like this show and especially the May 6th show where some of the
original characters returned.
Harrys Law is a well written series with an amazing cast. Although set with a comedy undertone, the show is relavent / current with today storylines and some dramatic performances. It is hard to explain low ratings but my guess is awkward time slot. Perhaps 9 pm is the answer since the show likely appeals to a mature audience. I’ll say it again, Awesome show !! Love Harry and the entire cast !!
Please renew Harry’s Law; it is 100% better than the so-called reality shows and always carries a good message. Thank you in advance.
Another David Kelley winner, so let’s replace another well-written, thought-provoking, well-cast (not to mention entertaining) show with some mind-numbing, reality, or rookey cop show. I thought when they took Boston Legal off the tube that I would never find another quite like it. Fortunately, Harry’s Law rolled out and saved the day. Please! There are a few people in North America who can think and who don’t mind having our minds challenged on a Sunday evening.
Harrys law should be renewed. Love the new concept. Too may shows are being cancelled and not given a chance.
Harrys law is awesome
Harry’s Law absolutely should be renewed. The acting is great, the show is entertaining, and caters to a wide audience. The writing is good. No reason to cancel it! Keep it going. Kathy Bates is the best…. and the other actors are awesome!! Love that show.
My mind boggles at the drivel that networks are willing to bring back year after year. Reality shows about celebrity couples trying to save their marriages, obese people being lifted by cranes out of their homes, drug intervention shows…I just don’t get it. The genius that is David E. Kelley has created another well crafted, well written series in Harry’s Law. Kathy Bates is in her prime. The cast is fantastic, the plot lines reflect current events. I think the network ought to ignore the approval (or lack there of) of the younger audiences, and those who need to be… Read more »
I agree with Gerard. I love Harrys Law. I am so sick of the stupid reality shows, celebrity couples airing their idiotic relationships, and I don’t care what a bunch of rich “Housewives of wherever” are doing. Get smart and stop airing the dumb “reality” shows and start airing more intelligent drama amd comedy shows,
please keepmharrys law on it’s the only show that i truely watch and love.
Is there really a doubt–no question– renew it–love the show
How can anyone not love this show? Kathy Bates’ character Harry pulls no punches. The story lines are thought provoking. And, who doesn’t like Tommy? The entire cast meld together and make the show enjoyable to watch. If I had to subscribe to the network just to see Harry’s Law continue, I would. Please keep Harry’s Law. Really great shows are few and far between, and this is a truly great show!
Best show on NBC. I’d gladly pay, if necessary for the show. Shame all the networks consider is the 18-49. Guess what the older folks are buyers of the advertisers products and services, probably more so.
On the top of our list of weekly shows we look forward to watching. Great cast and great writing. Maybe one of the cable stations will see the value in thie great show!
One of the best shows on tv. Give it more time and a solid time slot. GREAT SHOW
Please keep Harry’s Law, it is the only show I watch. I have watched since the first episode, love this show!