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.
We love “Harry’s Law” and think it provokes some great social and ethical situations. It has humor, diversity and great entertainment. I do think the last couple of episodes were a bit too much like other series in similar timeslots, but Kathy Bates can pull it off no matter what material she is given. Given some of the other “foolish” series that have run for several seasons, this should be given a second season!
I enjoy the mix of characters, the kooky, the bizarre, and the regular. It’s ensemble acting and the writers do a wonderful job of writing storylines to exhibit the talent of each. I am a faithful viewer and hope that it gets renewed! We want to know what happens to these people every week and beyond. The writers have made us care about them. I hope the network cares about them, too.
Court scenes may at times seem more fantasy than not, but the characters are real and their interactions are what make the show grab a viewer’s attention. I, too, am sick of reality shows and sex-and-violence shows. Harry’s Law is like a good “yarn” and keeps you glued to the set until the last minute to find out how it all turns out.
Finally a decent show, Harry’s Law. My husband and I love Kathy Bates so please renew this show! Even though the show is a little non conventional, it has meaning. It deals with many of the problems our society has today. What has happened to our morals in the U.S.? Children having children, families acting like it’s wonderful that their young teenage daughter is having a baby. We have no shame in America anymore. Just thought I’d give the writers something to think about for their next shows! Looking forward to next season, RENEW THIS PROGRAM!
It has become appointment tv for me. The only other shows that I like are 2.5 Men, House and Big Bang Theory. I like Harry’s laid back attitude and her fast talking lawyer friend. TV is a business. So, NBC will do what they think is best financially for NBC. They would be wise in my opinion to give it a full season. If they don’t, a cable channel may.
My husband ans I love Harry’s Law. With so many shows now being either reality shows or utter nonsense Harry’s Law is like a breath of fresh air. The characters are interesting as is their interaction with one another. Kathy Bates is awesome as always and gives me a reason to love watching tv on a Monday night when nothing else is on worth watching.
harrys law is great.leave it on.
RENEW!!!!!!!! This show has legs. It’s the ONLY one I watch regularly as it’s well, and intelligently written, well-paced and has one of the best and most respected actresses out of Hollywood in the lead role.
Most of us are sick to death of reality shows with no reality, the “look at me me me” shows and stupid brides which, if nothing else, should cause intelligent grooms to RUN!!!!
Keep Harry’s Law! My 17 old daughter and I LOVE this show! We discuss the topics after the show. I have loved everything David E Kelly does PLUS I love Kathy Bates and the rest of the crew. There is so much junk on so many of the TV stations, PLEASE keep this gem!
Harry’s Law is a great show. Please keep it on NBC. I don’t watch very much TV but make a point to what the show. Kathy is great too.
Kathy Bates is the best, no matter what role she’s in. We also love Tommy Jefferson. Please keep this show on.
Enjoy the show a lot–writing, cast and plots. There are so few things to fill the bill on TV anymore–reality TV is not entertainment but exploitation. Maybe a different timeslot would improve the ratings–I hope it returns next season.
My husband and I enjoy Harry’s Law and we would like to see it renewed. However, toward the end of the series Kathy Bates character was frumpy and frowning all the time – so it is hard to follow her motivation to be there in the first place. Harry should lighten up and let loose a little. We think all the rest of the characters (and actors) are fine. We would like to see the series return.
I really hope it’s renewed. It’s smart, funny, engaging, and caring. It addresses many issues important today, and reflects attitudes that seem to be growing in today’s society. I love the interaction between the characters and the story line. Just love it!!!!!
I never watch “regular” television until Hawaii 5 O, Harry’s Law and a decent American Idol began this year. Hope NBC keeps Harry, love the cast and especially Kathy Bates.