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 enjoyed watching Harry’s Law. Although NBC snuck in little inaccurate stereotypes for republicans in this show I would like to see it air again. Maybe that hurt the ratings.
You need to bring Harry’s Law back. There’s not many shows to watch that aren’t blood and gore, nudity. The show was filled with common sense stories and ethics on how to treat others.
“Harry’s Law” is still far better than the new programs I’ve seen on any of the big 3! “Harry’s Law” was far and away from “The Office”, to be realistic here it was created for the morons among us. Who’d a guessed there were so many morons… come on get “Harry’s Law” back. Even the morons need to exercise their brain from time to time… or is it just to much? I’ve already seen some bombs on all 3 networks. I like some thing I can wrap my brain around and it’s not there so far…
Harry’s Law was the best show on TV. It is smart, funny, and I learn something from every show.
Go back and watch “The Contest”. We laugh so hard, and I learn something about the day after pill. You had the best actors and writers on that show. Please bring it back.
Thank you,
Rose Mary
My husband asked me to find out what happened with Harry’s Law. We really enjoyed it and hope you bring it back. It’s a very good show. Thank you
Harry’s Law was EXCELLENT ! – As usual – we lose “another” great show that was intelligent, provocative, and current – To another round of stupid, pointless, relentless “(not) reality show mentality programing. ~ Really ? I’ve always been loyal to NBC over all the other major networks … gee, guess you’re trying to pull in that demographics who just watch crappy zombie series shows on cable. I’ll have to stick to MSNBC to stay hip to the issues that really affect people’s lives. Viva la Cable TV. Bring back Harry’s Law !!!!!!
TO WHOM IT MAY CONCERN, I AM SO PISSED OVER HARRY’S LAW BEING CANCELED!!!! ANY THING A SENIOR MITE INJOY IS ALWAYS KICK TO THE SIDE.NOT ENOUGHT BLOOD AND GUTTS OR SILLY STUPID CRAP .WE’RE GOING TO SEE WHAT CAN BE DONE TO GET ANOTHER STATION TO PICK THIS UP .THIS WAS A GREAT SHOW WITH STORY LINES TRYING TO TEACH PEOPLE IMPORTANT ISSUES ON EVERYDAY LIVE ,THAT MITE NOT BE DISCUSSED AT THE MC DONALDS , SINCE WE DON’T GO TO THE DINNER TABLE ANYMORE.NBC HAS POOR JUDGE MENT WE STOPPED WATCHING.
Please bring back Harrys Law!!!!! I think they need to bring back the original cast.Please renew the show.
We were big fans of Harry’s Law, but I think where you went wrong was when you went away from the small off in the shoe store. Going back to the first set-up would be better and have a more personal touch to Harry!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
I can’t believe they cancelled Harry’s Law which was the best show on TV. I will miss all of the great characters that I enjoyed watching every week. What is the matter with these morons! I pray that another station will pick this gem up.
I liked Harry’s Law and would like to see it come back. the stories were always interesting
because of Harry’s character. This was one of the good shows and there are other lousy shows to cancel not the good ones,
BRING HARRY BACK !!!!!! PLEASE
BRING HARRY’S LAW BACK!!!!! BEST SHOW ON TV.
Please bring back Harry’s Law. We love the show and hope it continues. Thank you. We’ve got our fingers crossed.
We were real fans of Harry’s Law. My husnand and I watch little TV, but this was one we had on regrlar PVR so we’d be sure not to miss it. Of the few shows we watch, this is one of 2 we both enjoy. Please, please bring it back. I have never cared enough to ask this before.