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.
Please keep the show on for at least another season! We like the premise and the characters. Totally enjoy watching the episodes and certainly look forward to more!
It just got going!
I LOVE IT!!!! KATHY BATES IS GREAT. HOPE THAT THEY BRING IT BACK.
Cathy Bates is absolutly great!
Please leave this funny and heart felt program on the air – it has such a blend of emotions
I have missed Harry’s Law so much the last few weeks that I went searching to see what happened to it. I think it is a great show & hope NBC has the wisdom to keep it on. I think people have not found it yet. When I mention it, people have not heard of it. That’s not the show’s fault. It’s the network’s fault for not marketing it better. When people find the show, they like it. Kathy Bates is supreme. The story line is quirky but well balanced by moving scenes and touching relevant issues. Please keep the… Read more »
GREAT SHOW. Kathy Bates is terrific as is the rest of the cast I hope it continues.
Three More Husbands and Wives Love This Show. Producers Take Note:
This show is for Married Couples.
Pretty good demogrtaphic, if you ask me.
Its a great plot but there is somethings missing in it suspense and danger. Lets say for example a former client of a company Harry use to work for has a grudge, hate mail starts her office is blown up causing her and her coworkers to find a new place to work from the area in which they work from leaves a huge opening to possibilities. pregnant who’s is it and who is pregnant. Who has been stealing and selling private info. lots of room to grow lol
It’s needs a better time slot. 9:00 pm is late in Alabama….But I loved the show..I hope they can bring in back
I really like this show! I think it is a show that most of the family can watch,and be entertained. Please dont take it away!
My husband and I loved every single episode of Harry’s Law! The cast are wonderfully suited to one another. All the characters are so loveable! I thought it would last 10 years! Keep it!
I really hope the network DOES NOT CANCEL Harry’s Law. There are too few good wholesome programs on the networks. If wonder woman is anything like the old wonder woman series we will not watch it. Kathy Bates is great in this role and the other cast members are very good also. Please don’t throw away a good show.
WARNING!!! A Storm Hit TV Land and Out Of That Storm Came A Tornado called “Nielsen Rating”. Take Cover Cause Its Headed You Way.You know We have came along ways since GRANDPA’S RATING SYSTEM. Now you can Steam Movie, Why Can’t Network get a Device that may Gathering and Calculate Data Steam it right to the Networks from Cable and Dish etc.? With all the new technology that is growing everyday. GRANDPA’S RATING SYSTEM is outdated and has no place right now. It would be ashamed if Networks refuse to get updated and get rid of it. Back in the… Read more »
LOVE HARRY’S LAW.. DON’T TAKE IT OFF……THE CAST IS GREAT!
I like the twist on this show. It like the government. As long as you can find the angle, the issue will fly. There are no longer laws that protect you. It is about performance and acting and playing angles. It is about money. This show makes you question law and were we are today. This is like my town government. It gives my rights away by changing zoning to allow more building to be put in. My town has low income houseing and my town decided that I should pick up and pay for the trash. Do we not… Read more »
Harry’s Law is one of the best programs to come along in a longgggggggggg time.
It definitely should be given time to develop!
Keep it, it is a great show. Marg