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 was just looking to be sure it was on the watch list to see it may be cancelled. Are they kidding! Good show, good writing and lots of potential. Please give it a change to grow.
I know it’s late, but I really, really miss Harry’s Law. loved it . It was fun and always inteesting. Hate so many of the ones thaqt have been around for so very long. I agree, you are polling the wrong people.Bring it back and with the same cast.
Why is it that when a great show comes around, it gets canceled so soon? Why not get rid of some of the crap reality shows like Swamp People and Hoggers. Bring Harry’ s Law back!! It’s smart, funny and entertaining. It’s a no-brainer.
Why is it every time there is a great show that comes around, it gets canceled?? Bring Harry’s Law back and get rid of some of the crap reality shows! Who watches that stuff anyway? Harry’s Law is smart, funny and entertaining as opposed to Swamp People and Hoggers. Really. This is a no-brainer.
Harry’s law should DEFINATELY be RENEWED!
We have been waiting for Harry’s Law to return. Great show and we always enjoy Kathy Bates.
Please bring Harry´s Law back it was a very entertaining show and I miss it. Thank you
My husband and I love the show!!!!!!!!!!!! Of course, Kathy Bates makes anything good;
but, her staff blended well.
It was not a blood and guts series, like we have toooooooooooooooo many of;
serious and comical at the same time, which all of us need.
Why do you all take off the Goooooooooooooood Shows???????????????????
I think you ask the wrong people, or tally the wrong people. (whatever it is)
PLEASE, PLEASE, PLEASE bring back Harry’s Law!!!! It’s a GREAT show: humorous & intriging; I learned some things from it as well! A TERRIFIC show!!! Love all of the cast; an interesting bunch of folks.
Bring it back. I haven’t religiously watched a tv series since MASH and Harry’s Law has got my attention. It’s not another NCIS or a Law & Order. Great cast, script..humor and drama. I want more.
Bring back Harrys Law!!!!! One of the better shows NBC had !!!
Please bring back Harry’s Law. It was a smart show that also had a lot of humor. The writing and acting was superb. I have lots of friends and we used to discuss the show the next day after it had aired. We miss everything about the show!!!! Love, love, love, Kathy Bates and the rest of the crew!!!! Again, please bring back Harry’s Law.
I like the show. It’s a lot better than most of the shows on prime time.
Bring it back. It was intertaining and funny. I truly enjoyed. Thanks pat
My husband and I really enjoyed Harry’s Law please bring it back on, it was actually a decent program minus the cursing. Thank you