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.
This show has been so refreshing. I love Kathy Bates and she makes this show. I hope NBC reconsiders and renews this series. Way to go David Kelley! I have looked forward to Monday nights since this show began.
Love Harry’s Law. Please do not cancel. One of the few shows on TV that is any good.
Cathy Bates is the best.
Mary
Oh please DO NOT cancel Harry’s law!!!!!!! This is such a fresh pace compared to all the other shows on tv that do nothing but show dark and scary themes…..This is truly better than any of the reality shows!!! I love the entire cast and they seem to click……
I really enjoy this show. It’s funny, serious and such a great variety of characters. I’ve looked forward to it since it came on and if I’m not home it’s on my “DVR the series” button. Hope it comes back next season.
Keep the show. It is good entertainment and the cast is great.
It may not be quite right to compare Harry’s Law with Chuck (or reality shows), but in the end it is usually the ratings that determine the outcome of cancellation or renewal. I think this series should be compared to Drop Dead Diva (renewed for a third season) or Fairly Legal (recently ended its first season), or possibly Outlaw (cancelled after 8 episodes) – and I think it deserves a second season, though I’m also looking forward to Wonder Woman…
Love the show and the only thing we watch on TV. Kathy Bates is the best…
It would be sad if Harry’s Law was cancelled. I was a little disappointed that the crazy dry humor fizzled a bit and took a back seat to the drama with each passing episode but still one of my favorites despite that. The writing tugs at our heart strings every single week. Kathy Bates is AWESOME here!!!! …as is the rest of the cast. I love this show and would be bummed if we couldn’t see a season #2.!!!!
Got to bring Harry back!! Absolutely love Kathy Bates!!!
I certainly hope this show is renewed. Kathy Bates is fabulous in the roll. She’s a fine actress. The other characters have a lot of personality and I would be so disappointed if it wasn’t renewed. It’s a wonderful series. I know this is a difficult time slot, but I’m surprised there aren’t more viewers. Those not watching are really missing out.
I got caught up with Harry’s Law. Usually do not watch a show the first season, because the networks will most likely cancel it; I got caught and very much like the show. But I also liked “Men in Tree”, “Alley McBeal”, “Northern Exposure”, Oh, and there is no longer Desi-Lu to retreave shows that the Executives don’t have the guts to stand behind. I hope Harry’s Law will continue for at least another 5 seasons. I hope someone in power at the network will have the backbone to stand behind this show. LOVE IT! (notice the shout) P.S. I… Read more »
Please do not cancel Harry’s Law.!! It is one of the best shows on TV. There is so much crap and idiot shows. This is truly a breath of fresh air. My husband and I can’t wait to see it each week. Kathy Bates and cast are teriffic.
Please renew . I really like this show. It is funny and clean from sex, swearing and violence. We need something like this on TV for a change so please renew.
Keep this show. It is getting better and better.
I would hate to see this show cancelled. I enjoy the writing and the fine ensemble cast. “Harry’s Law” is an intelligent drama about the law. It provides a welcome respite from the mind-numbing fare of so much of the rest of the television schedule.