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 the show! RENEW!!! Just when I had something to watch on Mondays.
I think Harrys law was a breath of fresh air. My son is 16 and I am 40 and we both love it! That does not happen very often..not alot of blood and sex, sounds refreshing to me ! Very well acted and a great cast! I hope it comes back. It was the only show I made sure I didn’t miss..
Linda and JD:
The Interracial Couple, Jenna and Malcome, work on th show. Every character is Open to Humanity, so, why not the courtship. I too, could lose it, but, not because they are Black and White.
Let’s simply lose the office romance, there is way too much else to cover.
However, the union does not tell us more about each character as an individual and that is welcome.
NBC, first you lost Katie Couric, now you’re tempering with Kathy Bates.
Careful, now…
Oh by the way, everyone at my house loves and records Harry’s Law to be watched more than once just in case we miss something the first time. Please bring it back!!!!!!
If you drop the entanglement between Jenna and Malcome it would be better. Even if you do not I would still love to see the show return. Wonder Woman ????? Come on…what’s with revising all the old shows?
We love Harry’s Law! Another season please… The cast is wonderful and the story lines each week keep your attention at all times. The only suggestion would be to put it on at 9:00 p.m. on Mondays instead of 10:00 p.m. Here is hoping for another season…
Loved Harry’s Law – recorded every episode and watched them on Tuesday evening at an earlier hour. The time slot of 10:00pm is too late for us working folks. KEEP this show and move it to an earlier hour!
Keep the show on for a 2nd season !
Great show, but the average viewer may not appreciate the type of humor displayed. In additi0n, the casting director came up with a great bunch of supporting actors. Best show on TV!
RENEW – RENEW – RENEW!!! Precious little GOOD viewing exists. Surely continued exposure to good writing, provocative plots and screen talent led by the inimitable Kathy Bates can lure a larger, multi-generational viewing audience! Stay the ax, NBC – stick YOUR neck out and seek out advertisers willing to support a better quality show.
love to have fun and this show has alot of humor, it can be fun and then it still has a plot to keep
you watching.
I love the quirky nature of this show from the shoe store office to loveable blowhard Tommy Jefferson. I certainly hope it’s back for another season.
Kathy Bates is the best thing goin! Keep Harry’s Law. If not, keep Kathy Bates. Put her in another series.
My husband & I love Harry’s Law, It is down to earth…not a lot of blood & guts..just real situations…with wonderful characters…some shows are very fast.fast.fast talking..looks like most of polls are geared toward the age group of 18 to 49…we have never had a polling call…we are in our late 60’s..we love this kind of entertainment…please do not cancel Harry’s Law…each time we both like a show..it is cancel & replaced by blood & guts or reality show..
Please give us another season of Harry’s Law. I like the stories, and I love Kathy Bates. This show needs to be advertised more, and it needs to be given a chance for the audience to find out about it.