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, and many others absolutely love Harry’s Law. It’s one of the very best shows on television. Please don’t take it off the air. Soooo many people would be very disappointed.
TNT, FOX or USA should pick up this well acted, exceptionally well written show. There they can find an intelligent audience who knows what a good show is.
Harry’s Law is the best show on TV. That’s why it wouldn’t surprise me if it was cancelled!
We can’t wait for the next episode of Harry’s Law. The show is so into life. It keeps us laughing, crying and relating. Harry, you go girl! Such a wonderful show. Don’t let this go away. It’s not very often we find a show we love and Harry’s Law is one of them!
Please don’t cancel Harry’s Law. I Tivo it every week to be sure I don’t miss it.
HARRY’S LAW SHOULD NOT BE CANCELLED E SPECIALLY WHEN YOU CONSIDER MUCH OF THE RUBBISH THAT’S ON TV TODAY..KEEP IT..WE’LL KEEP WATCHING NBC
I am “middle age” and can’t wait until the next episode of Harry’s Law…I watch it every week and would be very saddened if it were to be cancelled. It is really one of the best shows on TV. If NBC can’t handle it …sell it to another network that cares for programs other than the TOO MANY reality shows.
I am one of seven siblings, all of which watch “Harry’s Law”, along with all our grown children (21). There are many of the employees here (37) that also watch the show. Why is it that when a good show that actually has MORALS gets cancelled while shows that show you how to be untruthfull and backstabing like Survival keeps on going. With situations like this on our TV’s, no wonder our country is going to hell. When did we stop showing the shows that have the bad guy loose and the good guy win?
Harry’s Law is one of the best shows on television. I’m a long way from 60 and I love this show. If NBC doesn’t bring it back, guess I won’t be watching NBC any more. By the way, I do spend money and watch the ads on tv.
Oh, and one more thing Kathy Bates is phenominal in the lead of Harry! She is just the kind of woman we love – tough but really filled with integrity!!!! How MANY PEOPLE ARE FILLED WITH THAT ANYMORE?????????????????????????
I am not in the category of the over 60’s crowd, but I can assure I am spending $ now I did not have in my 20’s, and I love this show! I DVR this every week. I love the actors, the plots, and the whole package. I hope the network reconsiders because this is a mistake to cancel this show!!!!!!!!!!
Harry’s Law, in my opinion, is a television show that should be watched. There have been several times I have been surprised at the ending. Attorneys, don’t always win their cases. Hope NBC keeps this entertaining show.
I love this show and the topics each week were thought provoking. Good acting and cannot understand why it is canceled. So much other ‘junk’ on TV and yet Harry’s Law gets canceled. Boo!!!
please dont cancel harrys law we love it!!!!!
Keep Harry’s Law. It is one of the few decent shows left on TV, and the only one that NBC has. If NBC was the only network to choose from I would have to sell the TV. Put Harry on at a decent time and date and LEAVE it alone.