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 love this show and my husband too! Please, Please, Please do not cancel this show too! Harry’s Law is awesome and look forward to watching it every week. I dvr the show just so I can repeat watching it before the next show comes on.
PLEASE PLEASE PLEASE PLEASE BRING THE SHOW BACK!!!
Harry’s Law is the best show on television. I haven’t been this excited about an evening program since Boston Legal.
Please bring this show back.
I like Harry. I look forward to it every week. That said, I’d like to see the pace pick up slightly.
Bring it back, please.
Story line is OK but some of the actors are weak. Kathy Bates is good but her fellow lawyer (young guy) is very weak. I see they’ve already written out his asian girlfriend (she was not much of an actress either). Like Tommy and the new cast Cameryn Manheim and the DA. Hopefully if the show comes back they will play more of a role. The blond receptionist is also very weak.
HARRY’S LAW ONE OF THE FEW DECENT SHOWS ON TV PLEASE PLEASE PLEASE RENEW IT. IT IS GREATLY WRITTEN AND KATHY BATES IS THE BEST. FINALLY A MIDDLE AGED WOMAN STAR OF A SHOW THATS SMART AND FUNNY AND SERIOUS WHEN IT NEEDS TO ME.
Harry’s Law started out great slid back in the middle and then picked up in the last few episodes. Cathy Bates is wonderful! The staff can be a bit much to deal with – all that slamming of the doors – but the show has the potential of all Kelly’s tongue in cheek law shows. Loved them all and can’t wait for season two of Harry.
PLEASE!!!!! BRING BACK “‘HARRY’S LAW!!!”‘ Great show, love the whole cast!!
Keep it.
Harry’s Law is awesome. I also liked Chase just as much. I’m tired of getting hooked on a new show, just to see it get canceled. If Harry’s Law gets canceled, I’m not only done watching NBC, I’m done with all the networks.
Renew please!!! I was looking for future episodes on my DVR because I didn’t realize 4/4 was the season finale. Kathy Bates was the hook for me. An actress of her caliber doing TV? I had to tune in. I was not disappointed. Just when I think I know what she is going to say she comes up with something clever and witty. It would be a shame not to bring the show back. It’s so enjoyable. So again I say please renew.
Harry’s Law is a breath of fresh air. The writing is exceptional and Kathy Bates is the perfect actress for the role of Harriet Korn. The cast and chemistry of member on this program work together very well. In my opinion Harry’s Law should return for a follow up season. There are far too many detective scenario programming on today it’s nice to have a show such as Harry’s Law. Give a little more time for viewers to warm to this intelligent, witty and moving program and I’m sure the ratings will turn favorable.
I love this show! It’s a hit, please don’t get rid of it! The cast is fabulous, the whole premise of a law firm/shoe store is wonderful, and Kathy Bates is one of the best actresses I’ve ever seen. Everyone on the show is good, it’s a good mix of funny, serious, and heartwarming.
Please renew Harry’s Law next season!! We look forward to watching it… Kathy Bates and the rest of the cast are outstanding! Finally there is a GREAT Show on television !!!
i cant wait to see this show every week its probably the only show i make time to watch im in Australia in its doing well in the ratings and it would be a big lose to channel 9 in australia if the show was canceled
This is such a good show, the writing is clever, the subject is up to date, and the plot is good. I like very much that way they have used the characters. I only watch 4 shows a week on television. Most of what is being shown is insipid, too intense, or too silly. I am tired of having my intelligence insulted or my emotions strung out. I love this show. I hope it is renewed. Otherwise I will be watching 3 shows a week.