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.
This was our only “must see” show on TV this season. I can’t believe it might not be renewed.
How can NBC even think of cancelling Harry’s Law!!! And replace it with —What? Another mindless “reality” show, which isn’t even reality. for the sake of the thinking aud
ience (which really exists) continue Harry’s Law.
Every time we find something we like it get cancelled. This really stinks
Harry’s Law should have been one of the last shows to be cancelled. It seems as though when we get a good show it gets taken off the air – in favor of one of these dumb reality shows. The show was very entertaining and I hope someone in “high places” will reconsider the decisiuon to cancel this show.
I can’t believe that you would even consider cancelling Harry’s Law. We love the fact that it deals with current problems in our society, has sharp writing and wonderful talented acting. This is one of the few shows on TV worth watching.
I Agree with You, Nancy!
PLEASE DO NOT TAKE HARRY’S LAW OFF THE AIR. SO TIRED OF THE BORING REALITY SHOWS AND THIS HAS WONDERFUL STORY LINES AND FEATURES GREAT ACTORS. JUST BECAUSE IT DOESN’T PLAY TO THE 20 SOMETHING DEMOGRAPHIC DOESN’T MEAN ITS NOT A GOOD SHOW. TAKE OFF SOME OF THE RIDICULOUS “VAMPIRE” SHOWS AND GET REAL!!!!!!!!
Please do not take Harry’s Law off the air, as an older female I admire this show very much.
I was told because you don’t like the older generation that this is why you are canceling this show. Most of us older folks don’t get out much so we watch a lot of t.v., what do you have against the older crowd?
Please do not take it off
Please do not take Harry’s law off. You are making to many mistakes.
PLEASE DO NOT CANCEL THIS PROGRAM, it is difficult to find decent programs with excellent actors for an audience that likes to think.
Is there a reason that all programs have to be geared to the 25 and under mindless audience?
How could they even CONSIDER canceling Harry’s Law? It s the best show on TV. Incredible cast, amazing story lines.
Love, Love, Love “Harry’s Law!” The reason for the low ratings might be due to switching it from Wednesday to Sunday and then the program was hardly ever on.
I LOVE Harry’s Law. It is such a refreshing change from all of the reality crap on TV these days. It seems like any show where you have to have a brain to follow it, gets cancelled by the network. Please give us many more seasons of Harry !
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I love Harry’s Law! Please don’t cancel. Kathy Bates and cast really became a family and I hate to see it all end.
How can NBC even think of cancelling Harry’s Law!!! And replace it with —What? Another mindless “reality” show, which isn’t even reality. for the sake of the thinking audience (which really exists) continue Harry’s Law.