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.
Harry’s Law is one of my favorite shows, good evening shows are hard to find and the one’s that we do have always seem to get replaced with garbage. I watched Harry’s Law every week it was on. Please do not cancel.
I really like this show, one of the best most refreshing, informative subject matter, and just plain made me laugh without even trying shows on TV!!! The cast of characters is outstanding. I WANT IT BACK!!!!!
MAD AS HELL
It is beyond my comprehension that NBC would consider cancelling “Harry’s Law!” It is, in my opinion, one of the best acted and most well written series on TV. And it is not a “reality” or a “game” show. We all know networks prefer those because they are cheaper to produce, but I am a consumer, and prefer a good drama or sitcom, which are becoming very difficult to find.
This is one of the best shows on current television. Its plots are topical, thoughtful and nuanced. I will be very upset if it is cancelled. We need more TV like this show.
They don’t have enough good shows on anymore with stories…..seems like it’s people participating in game shows, skills show and it is all about people off the street which may be cheaper for the networks….Harry’s Law has actors that make a living on their craft that they had for years…I’m about ready to only watch soaps and turn the tv off at night and read a good book which has a good story so looking for better ratings, advertise the show more and let people know about it…and tell us that Harry’s Law is going be back in the Fall….hey,… Read more »
i hope this show will not be cancelled. its unique, funny, clever, and most of all is not a reality show. please keep it going – maybe people will come to their senses and watch it.
How about doing re-runs so we can catch up on the ones we’ve missed due to lousy programming at the local level. I like Harry’s Law and she’s got a lot of heart to take on the tasks she does. Never mind the suggestion that she’s crotchety or what ever version it was, and she knows her stuff. We should all have access to such as Harry, when we need a lawyer, she’s in it tooth and toe nail.
One of my favorite shows! Love it and Harry! They tackle current social issues. From both sides. One of only a few good shows left on tv. Rest is so much junk.
I’m just sick that Harry’s Law is being canceled. The one show that older folks like me love!
Who cares about all these terrible, tasteless TV shows that are supposed to be so funny.
Not me. Kathy Bates is so down to earth and like the rest of us. She deserves better and so do the other actors on the show. PLEASE BRING THIS SERIES BACK!!!!!!
I love Harry’s Law and yes it should be renewed. Shows like Harry’s Law are few and far between, please bring the show back I would greatly miss it.
Bring it back as is. It is intelligent, funny and thought provoking all at the same time. The writing and topics is excellent. Get better sponsers if it is a mature audience get grown up sponsors such as Mercedes, BMW, Jewelers, quality products
I love Harry’s Law and was very sad to hear that they are not renewing it for another season. I looked forward to watching it every week. I really hate to see it end. NBC should not cancel.
Harry’s law if my favourite. I watch each episode mopre than once
Harry’s Law was a great show and should not be cancled, we watch every week!! Good evening show that are not “Reality TV” are hard to find and to be honest we are over the Reality TV!! they have ran their course and need to end!
I love Harry’s Law NBC should renew it
or television will not be the same
I totally agree, good evening shows are hard to find and Harry’s Law ROCKED!!!!