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.
Love this show. Finally a smart funny show that doesn’t revolve around a twelve year old. Keep it on.
ABSOLUTELY – BRING IT BACK. There is so little worth watching on tv any more and this was a good, clean show that anyone could watch. maybe that’s what is wrong, not enough smut. don’t change a thing – it a good show and we loved it. Kathy Bates is dynamite and the show had a lot of good value
Keep Harry’s Law! It is wonderful. I almost went through withdrawls when it wasn’t on last Monday. I do not like LA Law and Order: very poorly written! Harry’s Law, on the other hand, has characters who are interesting and have depth, often revealing something about themselves little bits at a time, which makes it fun getting to know them and follow their stories. And as for Kathie Bates, wow, she is a very fine actor!
Please dont cancel Harry’s Law—–I cant wait to see it every week——It is a great show—I was on a bus trip and we were all talking about how much we love it—–would like to see it change to 9:00pm. You couldn’t have found a better actress to play Harry than Kathy Bates.
Harry’s Law has been a breath of fresh air from the get-go. Kathy is a natural for this part . Just found out Season 1 is over and Iwe are very disappointed. My husband and I have really enjoyed this show and with our hectic schedules, we always made it a point to watch this particuler show. We are hoping it will be renewed.
I and my wife enjoy it . Something different. Bring it back.
Excellent show! Haven’t missed an episode. Hope they continue it.
Harry’s Law is great! Please bring it back.
Sue
Please keep Harry’s Law. I love Kathy Bates and honestly the show has a fresh scenario to it. Why is it that all the Good shows are cancelled and the reality shows stay?
Bring back Harry’s Law. Loved it so much! Had some good stories. It was my favorite show but was not aware that the finale was a couple of weeks ago. I was looking for it last week and instead Law and Order came on. Harry’s Law was a refreshing series! Enjoyed it very much! Please bring it back!!!!!!!!
This is one of our favorite programs and we do not want it cancelled, please!!
YESSSSS !!!!!!!! We want it back !!!!!!!!! We never miss it, and it is one of the best shows on TV. But, you can get rid of the reality shows, they ARE stupid.
family of four we love the show and the message really looked forward each week, very disappointed that it is not on SECOND SEASON PLEASE
family of four we all love the show and the messages , really look forward each week, SECOND SEASON PLEASE..
We watched from the beginning and was dissapointed when all of a sudden
it dissapeared. I think it should continue, the characters were well developed,
and they always won the case in the end. I think it’s a winner, that’s more
than I can say for NBC.
love love that show please keep it I would hate to see it go i look forward to it every mon