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.
I love Harry’s Law. It’s one of the best shows and the only show on NBC I watch. If they take it off the air I’m completely done with NBC. All my other favorite shows are on CBS. Maybe they will pick it up.
We want Harry’s law back. Give the situation a little fight. Get it back
They killed Harry’s Law when they took it from a store front and made it Corpporate and changed the actors. What the hell were they thinking?
One of the best shows on TV today. I think the day and time is the issue not that people do not like it. I know I have to record it and watch it later because of when it is scheduled. It is well acted, well thought out, realistic, current issues handled tastefully, funny and fun. How about taking off some of the drivel like non-talent related reality shows. Two come to mind – Bachelor and bachelorette. What a bunch of hogwash….especially compared to Harry’s Law.
THIS SHOW, WRITERS TAKE ON SOME OF THE TOUGH SUBJECTS ON OLDER PEOLPLES MINDS. IT REALLY HAS SUPRISED AND PLEASED ME. NOT THAT I AGREE WITH THE OUT COME BUT THAT IS LIFE
Harry’s Law is the only show on TV that I look forward to watching.
The actors are all great & the story lines are wonderfully written.
WITHOUT HARRY’S LAW THERE IS ABSOLUTELY NOTHING WORTHWHILE WATCHING.
THAT 18-49 DEMOGRAPHIC IS A LOAD OF BS.
IT’S ABOUT MONEY FOR THE NETWORK.
JUST PUT HARRY’S LAW BACK ON-NOW!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
I totally agree!! Who do they think is going yo watch a Wonder Woman remake??? I didn’ watch Wonder Woman when I was actually in that “demographic” that the networks and their sponsors are always looking for. But then, it isn’t surprising because ABC, NBC and CBS all cancel every good show they have. I hope one of the cable networks pick-up Harry’s Law, The Firm and Missing. Then the three big networks will be stuck with their No-Brainers!!!
Harry’s Law is one of the best shows on TV. Entertaining, good story lines, and just plain funny without blood and gore…Hope TNT or another channels picks it up. How about trying another time slot?
As an older adult, I don’t watch a lot of TV. Harry’s Law and the news are about it. It’s funny, non-violent, thought provoking, and please don’t cancel it!
I LOVE HARRY’S LAW IT WAS ONE OF THE BEST LAW SHOWS ON TV TODAY. PLEASE DON’T CANCEL IT. I HAVEN’T SEEN THIS MUCH GOOD COURTROOM DRAMA SINCE LA LAW. IF ANYONE REMEMBERS THE SHOW WITH SUSAN DEY, HARRY HAMLIN
best adult show on tv–without the guns, rapes, and bloody killing
best show on tv. Adult, clever, funny without the guns, rapes and bloody violence.
Harry’s Law was one of the ONLY good shows left on TV! It was well written, sensitive, funny, interesting, with a cast of extremely talented actors. What the H— was NBC thinking! I remember when they (Jeff Zucker), made a huge error cancelling Providence, another hit show, with great family values, no less.
It’s a shame all shows are now geared for the teeny boppers, who don’t pay the bills that support the networks.
Totally disgusted!
ABC made a huge error, cancelling Ashley Judd’s Missing, as well! Revenge will be next!
Insane!
One of the best shows on TV. I hope it’s not canned.
I was shocked when I went to watch “Harry’s Law” and it wasn’t on! PLEASE don’t cancell one of the BEST shows on TV. Maybe USA or TNT could pick it up if NBC doesn’t want it.