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 really love this show .Kathy Bates is great and the whole cast is good. We like it so much we watched it on Mon.then watched the rerun on Sat. night every week.I’ll tell you right now I’m not watching wonder women.I’ll haveto change the chanel…………
Geez, finally a show that is not all shoot em up and sex, with humor– along with giving a great message to the public -PLEASE BRING IT BACK
Please leave Harry’s Law on. Women my age need a show like this — and who is more qualified to deliver than Kathy Bates?! I’ll just pretty much “ditto” comments by John from earlier today. I think Harry’s Law has a lot of potential with maybe just a few minor adjustments. C’mon — give it a try and bring her back next season!
I love Harry’s Law and it is one of the few evening shows that I look forward to watching. I hope the show continues. I could not find it on TV tonight at regular 9 pm Central on Monday, May 9th!
Both my husband and I love this show! We have told many of our friends about it and they too really enjoy it. If NBC doesn’t renew this funny, thought provoking, dramatic, refreshing series, it will be a good clue as to why they are having rating problems!
I live on the east coast and every Monday night I looked forward to watching Harry’s Law. The episodes are about real people. It is also about attorneys who use legal manuevers on behalf of their client’s defense. I love it. I don’t get the shoe store thing but I look at it for the legal content so the rest is irrelevant. Since the season ended, there is nothing else worthwhile watching, so listen to the viewers and continue the series with new episodes please.
Great story lines. I hope the show is renewed.
Yes I would watch it. Just like Law & Order LA, pick a day, pick a time, leave it alone!!!Is Blue Bloods coming back? Jeez you guys…Monday was good because there was not much on TV after its first day was it Thurs.? Wed. would be awesome!!!! The Mentalist started on a Thurs. and is still on Thurs. go figure….nobody had to go looking for it once it aired for its pilot, no switching around, hmm still on TV, not canceled.
This is a great show, it should not be cancelled.
I think it’s a great show and does give real life situations and the humor that life does carry. But most important, it is something my family (teenage kids) can watch, which I cannot say for some of the new shows
I am so tired of the networks canceling programs based on what 18 year olds think. People my age are less likely to participate in the polling process, but it doesn’t mean we’re not watching. .. and buying the sponsored products. I liked Harry’s Law and did not miss an episode. I don’t care for reality TV and am finding less and less to watch on TV. Please, leave Harry alone.
I looked forward to watching Harry’s Law every week! I hope to see more next season.
Love Harry’s Law…love Castle too! So tired of having to choose between two good shows and then have nothing worth watching in other time slots. Wish networks would move shows at least once before canceling.
Please bring Harry’s Law back. Finally NBC got one right!
I think harry’s law should be brought back for a second season. kathy bates is a very talented actress. she is gritty yet lovable. i will very disappointed if this show is cancelled.