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.
How about NBC giving this show a good time slot and keeping it there. Who can get a good rating when the station keeps changing day and time. NBC is responsible for the low rating not the SHOW…
If “Harry’s Law” is cancelled, the only reason to tune into the channel will be “Grimm”. Why not send it to CBS and shut down all together. By the way, if you want to give a show a chance, stop ******** with its schedule. Your people in charge of programing must be hysterical IDIOTS. I refuse to watch so-called reality TV. People behaving badly can be observed all too frequently absolutely free.
Absolutely love the show. Love how “Harry” faces each case with an open mind. The acting is fantastic and the writing is superb. I too hate the reality circuit and would no doubt miss this show. Save the Shoe Store!!
Harry’s Law is a fantastic show. It blends drama with comedy but also gives those outside of the united states an insight into American law. This is not just show to entertain it also teaches those who travel from outside of the States To cancel this great show not only removes a form of entertainment but also an educational tool. It makes the law seem interesting to watch and sometimes touches on commonsense. So CBS do not cancel this great show just because ratings have dropped to echo other comments cancel the reality shows because in truth they are not… Read more »
Please, please don’t cancel one of the few good shows on the air!! Harry’s Law has a great cast, interesting shows, good acting and is fun to watch. If the networks would dump all the NOT interesting reality junk they would probably get a much larger audience share.
Cathy Bates can outshine Wonder Woman anytime!!
Harry’s Law is the best show since Boston Legal. Seems some of the same guys and the controversial subjects. Love the show. Please do not cancel.
I and my family really like this show. Cathy Bates and crew seem to work together like a family. The show is interesting in that it brings out many of the current absurd things that the governments, corporations, and law enforcement elements force upon the citizens of our great country. It has realism, facts and general information that keep the show entertaining and informative. Please don’t cancel this wonderful show. None other compare!!!!
Harry’s Law is one of the few shows that’s really worth watching. Cathy Bates is a superb actress who keeps the show interesting, informative and entertaining. I am in my 70’s and my wife, daughters and grand daughter all enjoy it immensely. The rest of the cast are great for the show. Please don’t cancel this show.
I like this show, would hate to see it cancelled. Tiered of reality and talent shows do we h
it’s the best show on tv maybe cbs should take it they seem to pick up the best of the best we should boycott nbc…..
HARRYS LAW IS A REALISTIC YET WARM & SOME WHAT AT TIMES FUNNY. TO CANCEL THIS SHOW WOULD BE AN INJUSTICE TO THE VIEWING PUBLIC,
PLEASE DO NOT CANCEL HARRYS LAW! ITS ONE OF THE BEST SHOWS I HAVE SEEN ON TV IN A LONG TIME. IF THEY WANT TO CANCEL ANYTHING ITS THE
REALITY SHOWS. I HAVE SEEN ENOUGH OF PEOPLES PERSONAL LIFES TO LAST ME FOR THE REST OF MY LIFE!!!!!!!!!
Great Show! Not eveyone is interested in watching reality TV, this is so much better. Much more entertaining than sit-coms and reality. Great cast, keep it on.
Fantastic show among my friends in their 60’s. Cathy Bates is great please bring it back
Please don’t cancel “Harry’s Law.” Is one of the best in it’s category i have seen in a long time…has humor, great acting and trials that are interesting and educational at time. Well scripted! Please don’t do it!!