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.
change the time from Sunday, why isn’t it ok for there to me more older people watching
A very well written program.
Ive been waiting for it to come back on. Why would they take it off. Any thing Kathy Bates and the older lawyer are in is top notch. I lived for Sun. night to watch Harrys Law.No wonder your ratings stay down. This is not the first time you have taken a good show off. Please dont do this. This better not be some way to get my email address.
I did not know they took it off the air. The show was very good and I do not think they should have moved it to Sunday. This is when the ratings probably dropped.
LEE AND JACK
WE BOTH LOVED THIS SERIES, IT WAS THE BEST. IT HAD EVERYTHING, COMEDY, DRAMA AND CHARACTERS THAT WERE ALL TERRIFIC. WE ARE SO DISAPPOINTED THAT THIS PROGRAM WAS NOT RETURNING. PLEASE BRING
THIS SHOW BACK.
PLEASE keep Harry’s Law on TV.It is the best show on TV.Kathy Bates is great, David Kelly does a wonderful job. Why would you cancel this show? I tell freinds about the show and they become fans with the first show. PLEASE keep it on,there is not a thing about that show that i don’t love. I don’t care what day it’s on, I will work around it or record to view at my leisure.
One of my all time favorite shows. Bring back Harry”s Law on any day, any time. No changes needed for me. Why are the decent shows always dropped and those stupid reality shows allowed to remain.
This was one of most decent and likable shows on TV. Most of the shows now are all blood and F words and killing and violent. Harry’s Law was refreshing and entertaining with one of the bast actress in the business. PLEASE BRING IT BACK!!!!!
Harry’s Law was one of the best shows on TV, not like those realty, sex, dumb shows. Please bring it back!!
PLEASE BRING IT BACK ON!!!!!
The is a large segment here in Central Ohio who miss not seeing Harry’s Law. Wednesday night was the best time.
Leave Harry’s Law on it is a great show. It is more close to life as you can get and be funny at the same time. Love Kathy Bates, your rating will get better your’ll see
NBC should seriously re-think cancelling Harry’s Law. It’s one of the best programs on television, with a very talented cast, and starring the Academy Award winner Kathy Bates. I’m not sure how to change Harry’s Law to attract more viewers, but changing the day and time it aired, may have had some negative affect. Did viewership drop when the program went from Wednesday night to Sunday night? All of my family, friends and neighbors faithfully watched Harry’s Law, so it’s difficult to believe that the ratings were low enough to cancel it. I hope that a fine program likes Harry’s… Read more »
Absolutely love Harry’s Law. I hated that it was moved to Sundays because I couldn’t watch it on Sundays. Please keep it and bring it back during the week.
definately should be renewed!!!
Harry’ law best program on TV