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.
Definetly keep it !! Really like this show and have gotten others to watch too !
Just wish it was on a bit earlier, but Saturday repeats are always good for catch up.
(PS as for the comment above about Jenna – I was once told that if you don’t like a character/ actress in a show , that may mean the actress is doing a very good job portraying that character .)
It should be renewed but stop being so “preachy” and move her to a different neighborhood with more interesting clients.
Harry’s Law is a hoot. The characters are zany and fun. Why NBC aired it opposite two top shows on ABC and CBS is a mystery. If it had been given a chance it would gather many fans.
Keep Harry’s Law–it is smartly writtenly and intelligent which is really difficult to find these days on TV. It has wonderful social commentary with heartful insight to the struggles of life in our society.
Performances are terrific! Also difficult to find these days on TV. All are strong!
More quick witted dialogue and interactions with Kathy would be wondeful.
keep harry’s law its great
KEEP Harry’s Law! FINALLY, a sign of brilliant, intelligent TV!!!! LOVE, LOVE, LOVE the show!
Harry’s Law has real potential. Hope the show is renewed. Give it a little more time so the characters can continue to develop. What we don’t need is another cop show, mindless sit com or reality show.
Harry’s Law is one of my favorite shows this year. Kathy Bates’ is brilliant, as his her cast of supporting actors. The writers/cast deliver a touching look at real life situations and gives heart, care and hope to the underdog getting legal representation by lawyers who care, often pro bono. They represent the heart that we wish to see in our judicial system. It would be an injustice to cancel this series.
This show tells it like it is. We need to keep this, but put it in a time slot where it can be seen.
I love the show. I hope it is renewed
In the sad world of television viewing — i.e. reality shows — it was refreshing to have a series that entertained you throughout the whole hour. Kathy Bates is superb at developing her character and the whole cast is great! My husband and I will be very disappointed if NBC
cancels this programme.
Loved the first show, after it the show went downhill. The emphasis seemed to become more political , with a prepnderence of liberal commentary from Harriet. I don’t watch anymore.
My husband and I both love this show–fun, smart, and entertaining. Please don’t cancel it.
I don’t watch much TV, but I put a note on my calendar to remember Harry’s Law on Monday. I laugh out loud and quote the good lines to my poor husband who doesn’t watch. The young male lawyer’s girl friend is a scream–her acting is brilliant. I can’t stop watching her face whenever she shows up. Tommy is absolutely hilarious–the role is perfect. Bates hold it all together although the old-*****-potty-mouth is a bit of a clichet.
I’m 1 of those folks who watched for the 1st few weeks then let it slip…caught all the remaining episodes on nbc on demand,and as all the characters developed it became an engaging show. The problem is NBC never gives shows like this enough time to develop…bunces them from time slot to time slot(see friday night lights)..and then there gone…they deserve what they get…..and no, I won’t be watching wonder woman….