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.
One of the best programs broad-casted to date. Need more of this type of programs to bring the us all back together again. Unlike all of the law & crime scene programs, that is really getting boring and has no purpose, Harry’s Law brings back “that we care about others back into focus”. Kathy Bates does a fantastic job at it and I would really be disappointed if the series gets cancel.
HArry’s Law is the one showI watch without fail…
I’m not generally a tv watcher but this show captivated me with a fine actress and great supporting cast. It would really be a shame to cancel it…onemore reason to get rid of the tv.
It should be renewed. I think the time slot may have been unfortunate. The show is not your typical courtroom drama. It evokes tears, laughter, and hope in humanity. The cast presents a motley crew of unique characters that draw on many emotions. The plot has several spokes that need to be explored further. The network needs to be careful what’s opposite, if thats possible and maybe 9:00 time slot.
I have to say Harry’s Law is an excellent show,Kathy Bates is such versatile and brilliantly great actress, the characters are fun and refreshing. OMG they finally have a series worth watching and they might cancel it. How shows like CSI Miami can keep running with the absolute horrible acting is beyond me. Everytime a really good series starts its seems as though its doomed from the beginning, what a shame they don’t give some of these shows longer to see if they will catch on, thats what happened with Cheers, it took awhile but look at how popular it… Read more »
The only reason I’m on this page is that I was looking for Harry’s Law. It’s excellent. There are only a handful of dramas each season that even get my interest. It certanly deserves a long run. Why not move it to a better time when all the junk is on?
Great show do not cancel Improvement could be , Get the other people more involved with stories of their personel lives Altho the court room drama is educationa and deals with real issues and great outcomes that teaches as well as entertains. LOVE THIS SHOW .
Smart, well written and a wonderful cast of characters. Not to mention the amazing Kathy Bates. Thank you for giving us an intelligent TV show other than the silly reality nonsense!
Please do not cancel Harry’s Law.
Keep the show but quit with love stories. They are boring and take too much away from the great character Harry Korn. Let’s see more of her sassy, matter of factness.
Like the romance between blondie and the black fella. they are great together.
Please, please DO NOT cancel Harry’s Law!…My husband and I love this show!
Kathy Bates is the STAR!..Very creative shows!
Harry’s Law is a great program with an amazing cast. It will grow in the ratings. Kathy Bates is terrific. I hope it isn’t cancelled and replaced with one of those dreadful reality shows.
Do not cancel. Love the show
Harry’s Law is a show that everyone in my family enjoys. The actors and scripts are superb. There is something for everyone in this show. If there is a problem with ratings maybe the show should be in a different time slot but not off the air. Keep the show. It is one of my favorites !
one of the best shows on tv!! please don’t cancel this one!!
Love Harry Law watch it both night, Please do not cancel it.
are you kidding – one of the best best programs on TV / DO NOT TAKE HARRYS LAW OFF THE AIR!!!!!
This was one of the best series in a long time. Perhaps it was up against the Kennedy mini series in the final weeks. It would be a shame not to renew it.