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 can NBC even think of cancelling HARRY’S LAW!!!!!It is the most intelligent, well-written, brilliantly acted show on TV! The subject matter is compelling–providing food for thought and discussion among people who can think beyond the latest scandal on EXTRA. It certainly beats all those awful “reality” shows, which aren’t really reality anyway. Keep H
Harry’s Law NEEDS YOUR HELP. NBC got rid of Harry’s Law because Viewers were TOO OLD and their Advertisers don’t like that. Help us bring this brilliantly well-written, compelling and imaginative series back to Television by joining our Facebook Page. Help us express to these Networks that people of 50 demand the right to watch QUALITY PROGRAMMING on Telelvision. Help us spread the word by clicking the ‘Share’ button beneath this message. Join our Facebook Page by visiting (http://www.facebook.com/WeWantHarry) and clicking on the ‘Like’ button at the top of the page.
Cathy,Cathy, please do not leave us,and the cast,just the best.We look forward to tuning in all week long.Current,topical subject matter,always inspiring ,emotionally gripping.Please,please do not relegate us to watching those nozziating ,so called reality shows,they make me want to puke.It just seems that any show that inspires like Harry,s Law,for some reason,the big wigs(upstairs) put on their dunce hats.Whatthe hell!!!
the best show on right now. what nbc can tell whats an hit show any more. if nbc cancel the show they might as well cancel nbc
Please don’t cancel this show! To me it is the best show going. Lots of laughs and cries.
should not be canceled, it is a very good show, a lot of my friends and family love this show,its funny, serious, and very well presented,
Anytime a show comes on that is thought provoking and addresses the social conscience, you can almost bet it won’t return. These are such good actors who entertain and educate at the same time. Who do we write to to voice our disapproval and campaign to bring Harry’s Law back?
NBC has their head in the sand to cancel Harry’s Law – this is a great show – and David E. Kelley should put it on another network if NBC is too stupid to see its value.
Harry’s Law is another great show of Kelly’s. I hate to see it cancelled. Kathy Bates and the whole gang are great.
Please don’t cancel Harriets Law. This is such a special show with superb writing. We enjoy it so much. Please keep it on the air.
Please do not cancel this quality show. Why do David E. Kelly shows only stay on air for a few years and then get cancelled? The writing is superb.
Of all the comments I have just read your ratings should go way up with Kathy Bates on Harry’s Law. What is the matter with you people, who wants to sit and watch REALITY coming out of our ears every night and boy can it all be STUPID. To bad we can’t have a different collection of shows, why can’t we have directors and producers that can put out shows that are different instead of shows that are competing with themselves. Just take a look at how many food channels we have, what a joke and I love to cook.… Read more »
Don’t cancel Harriets law. It is one of the top shows on TV. We never miss watching it.
This is one of the very few TV shows that I eagerly look forward to every week; it is fresh, real, dramatic, emotional, and funny. Please keep Harry’s Law on TV. It is one of the few shows worth watching every week. I gotta have something good to watch. I vote: Yes, keep Harry’s Law on the air.
Don’t get rid of Harry’s Law the topics make you think. Oh is that why you are getting rid of it people don’t want to think. The acting is great. Please, find a good spot for this it needs to stay.