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 don’t take Harry’s Law away………I LOVE the show, mainly because of Kathy Bates’ acting. Harriet Korn’s role is perfect for Bates!!!!!!! As were her roles in Misery and Fried Green Tomatoes. Harry’s Law is the only show I watch on NBC and if the show gets cancelled, I would have no reason to watch NBC. The show is funny, sad, moving and suspenseful – all rolled in one show. Keep the show!!!!
I just loved this show, I would just go to bed on Monday nights at 9pm because there was nothing on to watch, and when the first time this show was on I was hooked. I love it. I was hoping to read better news about it when I went to look up when the second season is to start. I actually stayed up to watch this and then also stayed up to see the news. I am hoping they will bring this show back.
My husband and i really like this show.. one of few on tv now a days worth watching..hope thay bring it back…
Definitely a favorite of mine, it will grieve this household if the show is cancelled….thoughtful and provocative, it is a great show and Kathy Bates is perfect in the role.
I think you guys are crazy if you consider canceling Harry’s Law!! For once you guys have brought a family show out that a married cuple can enjoy together. Not only that, how many more action hero shows do we really need. These character’s are funny ,caring, smart. Isn’t that what life is about!!!!!!!!!!!
I really like this show! My sister and I watched it every week–if we missed it on Monday, we would watch it when it was on Saturday. Please don’t cancel it!
we like harry’s law. keep it, thanks
I love Harry’s Law, and especially Cathy Bates. She is such a joy to watch. I love the quirkieness of the show and can’t believe they would cancel it this soon. The shows are so eclectic, that’s what makes it so good. So, please, please, please don’t cancel this adorable show. It’s so real and such a nice change from all of the stupid reality shows they have on now. Please keep it.
bring harrys law back it is a good show and we injoy it a lot
Harriet Corn is a perfect vehicle for Kathy Bates. Each week was a new display of this talented actresses versatility.
If NBC is on the ball, it will be back.
I LOVE this show!! Kathy Bates is amazing! I looked forward to watching it ALL WEEK LONG!! Please keep it going!!
Kelley has a habit of shark-jumping at every opportunity, even in a series pilot (“The Practice”.) He should back off from trying to be so eccentric. The less quirky parts of his shows tend to be in the upper 15th percentile of decent tv writing. That should be his focus. “Harry” is a better show after one season under its belt than it looked like in the first episode or two. It deserves at least a second season, with some understanding that audiences don’t fall from heaven. The network should understand that its bean-counters don’t know squat about tv, fire… Read more »
Harry’s Law is a great show. My husband and I watched it everytime……Tuesday morning the whole group at Curves discussed it! Great cast …..great stories….. I think one problem could be that it is on opposite “Castle” another great show. But doesn’t everyone have DVR? PLEASE DON’T CANCEL!!!!!!!!
I so loved Harry’s Law. Comical and very enjoyable. I talked with a lot of friends and they love it also. I’m throughly disapponted to see it cancelled. Please bring it back. I looked forward to it every week.
I didn’t see this show until it had been on for a while but after watching it once it became my favorite show. I can’t believe they would even consider cancelling it. There is so much crap on television now you can rarely find anything worth watching and I truely enjoyed that show.
Why o- Why is not showing!!!??? I enjoyed this show and looked forward to seeing the show for a long time… Now what are you going to have on… junk on the regular stations, that’s why when I do watch T.V. I have to go into the cable channels… Let’s work on getting the show back on….