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.
This has been one of the most intertaining show to be on in a long time. Not bad murders, blood and guts and good stores about the everyday person trial and tribulations with the court sytem and dealing with attorneys. There is humor along with some sadness but always leaves you feeling that there is hope in this world. My husband and I really enjoy this show along with all of my family and friends. Please don’t take this away. There is enough of this reality shows and shows that seem to be about sex it one form or another.… Read more »
Please do not cancel Harry’s Law. Like previous viewers have stated, it is a great show, good story lines and up on the issues that are happening now. Please give it another shot on an evening where there are no reality shows which all of the above viewers do not care to watch anyways. Please “PLEASE DO NO CANCEL, WE LOVE HARRY”
The cancellation of Harry’s Law by NBC clearly illustrates the network doesn’t care about aged viewership. We are a demographic that appreciated good TV drama and adhor reality TV. Harry’s Law is an intelligent legal drama as was “The Practice” that brings forth important, relevant, and perplexing legal issues confronting our society today. The actors are fabulous that the scenes make you smile, laugh, and yes–cry. You empathize with the characters. Harry’s Law is an outstanding show but hasn’t found its true slot because it’s been moved too often and hasn’t got the good lead in show in the right… Read more »
I can’t believe that you would cancel a great show like Harry’s Law there are many more that should be canceled and you leave on… Leave Harry’s Law alone and renew it.. Kathy Bates and the rest of the cast are great. and they always have a reason for there story line on what is happening in the real world… Please dont cancel it..
WHAT???? Really!! Lets cancel the number one show on this network. To quote another post, STOP shoving reality shows down our throats!!! We have to listen to a degree all the political crap and have no release?? PLEASE, don’t cancel this wonderful show. We look so forward to watching it. Think of all the emotions we use watching this. We laugh, cry & yell with them. Everyone of the actors are great. You could not have put a better group together to turn out a great performance. If you do drop it maybe TNT or USA will pick it up.… Read more »
Please continue to give us a real life show NOT the stupid “reality shows” that seem to be popular but are really entertainment for the feeble minded with nothing to do but look at the lives of others….whether it be loosing weight, treading through really stupid stunts or traveling over hundreds of miles to win……what? Dear God, the choices are so bad these days. Harry’s Law is such a nice alternative. Great acting, important issues etc. I would really miss this show. I’m sorry that the ratings aren’t great. Please reconsider. Just tell me what products to buy.
NBC has had it in for this show for the past two years. First, they can’t stop moving it around both last year and this year. Then they take it off for a few months and start a rumor that it has been cancelled. Also at the beginning of this year, they redid the whole show and I have to say the first few episodes were not nearly as good and I was disappointed. But the show got a lot better as the season went on. NBC obviously doesn’t give a damn about its viewers. I don’t think it has… Read more »
I heard that they are cancelling Harry’s Law because of the age factor – only old people watch it. Isn’t that discrimination? For my money it’s the best show on TV right now. Keep those so-called reality shows and don’t shove them down our throats.
Let’s kick up our heels for Harry’s Law. Harry’s Law is more than entertaining . It’s a show with down to earth life situations that the general public can relate to. Kathy Bates is an incredible actress who exemplifies women the way they are. How refreshing to have the star not be model thin but instead someone that many can relate to physically.
Please do not cancel this show. We can’t tell you how much we look forward to seeing this show every week. Please don’t cancel it! Thank you
Please do not cancel Harry’s Law. It is one of the few showsleft worth watching. Love Kathy Bates!!
May 21. WHAT?!!! Please do not cancel “Harry’s Law”. It is not only entertaining, but also discusses today’s social issues and very educational!! To say that just older people watch it and that is why you are cancelling it is just discriminating against us!!! I am very angry and sure hope that you listen to us!!! Thank you for listening.
Can’t believe your cancelling Harry’s Law!!! The only show left on NBC that is worth watching. Used to watch America’s got Talent, Then you put that idiot on there as a Judge (Howard Stern!) What has NBC come too?
Pls don”t cancel Harrys Law, it was difficult to find when it was on just give us a clue when and where and we will be there to watch.
My husband and I love Harry’s Law! We enjoy all of the characters and love to figure out the show’s theme for the evening. Both story lines are always linked in some way and we like discussing that link in addition to the current events.
It is such a shame if NBC doesn’t renew Harry’s Law. It such a refreshing show.