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.
Please!!!! Do Not Cancel Harry’s Law. We very much enjoy the show. In spite of having cable, there is very little on Television that is worth watching. We have greatly expanded our DVD collection of many of the “older” programs that are no longer on the air.
Well NBC has done it again. Cancelled a good show. Harry’s Law was entertaining and well written. Let me make this as simple as I can. 1. Keep the high rated shows and cancel the low rated ones.
2. Make the audience happy even though they have age. Not everyone is 25. The 25 year old people aren’t watching TV anyway but the over 40’s are. Bring back “Harry’s Law.”
Harrys Law was a show i have truly enjoyed…I dont watch alot of tv so….I will be so upset if they cancel it…everything is reality shows…I hate them …Please hold on to Harrys Law ….
Please, do not cancel Harry’s Law! I am a member of the older generation who appreciates a show where I don’t get the feeling that I am a viewer without a brain – I don’t have to listen to the “F” word every second word and I find their topics are usually very thought-provoking – even their match-up of characters sends a message .
I LOVE THAT SHOW. ONE OF THE BEST ON TV. PLEASE RENEW
Please don’t cancel Harry’s Law. This as stated above by many people is such a well written show, Kathy Bates and all the other actors are some of the best on TV. I’m not sure why this show gets cancelled when others shows that aren’t 1/2 this good are renewed!!! I hope that somehow these responses and the outcry from us as the fans have some bearing on getting this show back on the air. Is there a petition or anything we can sign? If so, please let us know, you have our email addresses!
Don’t cancel. It’s a good show we are all tired of all the music and reality shows. Please bring it back…
Why don’t the people that watch the show have the power to keep it on? The show was great and had alot of issues the need to be a dressed. Now they keep on meaningless shows and so far the new stuff doesn’t look any better. Sorry to see it leave and good luck with what they call entertainment.
you keep trash like the office on but cancel harrys law. what is up with that
Does NBC understand WHY they are at the bottom of the heap? Could it be that they make DUMB decisions such as canceling their highest quality shows? Harry’s Law is one of the best shows on TV: It’s well acted, well written, and addresses meaningful, timely topics. It may have an older, more educated, more sophisticated audience than is the norm for some of the TV pablum otherwise presented, but they have purchasing power too. If NBC cancels Harry’s Law, I hope the show moves to another network that appreciates good programming and loyal audiences. NBC will be the loser… Read more »
why in the world would you cancel Harry’s Law? How do you determine such? Apparently you don’t get the full view of your audience and that is really sad, now this good show will be replaced with junk most likely, why don’t you stick with what works? Soon there will be absolutely nothing to watch as you continue to dwindle off shows that people might just actually watch. Good luck, we are about done, guess its back to reading a good book, boo hoo to you.
This is one of the best programs on TV. Please do not cancel this program. Put it in the same time slot weekly and it will do well.
Please don’t cancel Harry’s law. It’s one of the few decent shows on tv. My wife and i thourghly enjoy this show. cancel a stupid reality show instead.
Why are you cancelling the only show that encourages thought, give valuable insight to social issues and is a joy to watch? Shame on you NBC.
I agree with many of the comments, DO NOT CANCEL THIS SHOW. IT IS VERY ENTERTAINING. THE ACTING AND CHARACTERS ARE GREAT.