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.
My husband and I love Harrys law it really is one of the few shows we watch on the 3 big channel. We think they should renew and give it another season a chance for other viewers to catch on. PLEASE don’t cancel!!!!!
As far as your question of how to get more viewers. Give it time! I have told all my friends about it over dinners and lunches- they wanted to be checking it out too – but is now off the air. I am sure other viewers who loved the show had simialr expereinces. It needs more time. Hope you bring it back! Miss it already.
PLEASE renew this show! I loved it! I am not a big tv fan – have not watched a series in many years – since West Wing. This show was refreshing and fun. Love Kathy Bates in this role. The casting was perfect. Odd twists – such as a shoe store- but fun. Would be so bumbed out to see this canceled. Bring it back!!!!
Please donot cancel Harry’s Law–It is my favorite show to watch–I can’t wait for Monday nights to watch the show–Please, please do not cancel this show–there are not that many shows on CBS–Chuck is boring to me–it has been on too long and is going in a different direction.
Harry’s Law should be renewed. Best show i have seen in a long time. Funny yet makes you think.
This is the only TV show that I watch. It is somewhat of a series…. in that it is probably hard to follow if tuning in for the first time. I love how it projects to real life… I catch myself thinking about a situation personally. Love the characters producer David Kelley has brought to life. Please consider changing the time…. 9:00 pm would be perfect. Thanks for any consideration. I would appreciate knowing if this show will continue. I have a feeling it will.
Blessings, Gwen
give it a chance. nbc doesnt have alot to offer. i dont think you should consider the rankings of shows during march madness. i think ppl had other things on their minds. get rid of the reality shows. Isn’t there any talented writers or actors in hollywood anymore? and more so, reality and “RICH” wives…seriously, dont they already have enough. I’d rather watch joe blow earn some money. true reality…..not the rich and famous that already know how to manipulate the camera
I love Harry’s Law and hope that it is renewed. It is one good show and Kathy Bates as well as the other cast members are superb!!!
RENEW! It is a great show, and I love Kathy Bates and the rest of the actors. It is a great mix of drama and comedy. I enjoy it very much!
Harry’s Law is great. It is one that I look forward to and I am voting to keep it running.
Please renew! I record it every week and save it until I can watch it uninterupted by my noisy family. It is my escape. Love it!
This is the only regular network TV show I watch. Sure hope it comes back. Love the dialog and character relationships. Scrips improved each week.
This is the only regular network TV show my husband and I watch. Sure hope it comes back. Love the dialog and character relationships. Scripts improved each week.
Harry’s Law is one of the few NBC shows I watch, excluding the news. I really like the show.
I love Harry’s Law!!! Kathy and the cast are fabulous; I wouldn’t change a thing, production-wise. I would get it a better time slot or move some of the hits over to their night. BTW, does the network also take into consideration they re-play the week’s episode on Saturdays? I do have some friends who catch it on that night, in particular. . .