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.
Renew Harry’s law!!! It is a great show.
I love Harry’s Law, Best show they have came out with in a long time.
I would like to know who is rating this show? Because they sure don’t know how to rate a show! Sure hope that Harry’s Law returns this fall.
Please keep Harry’s Law. I enjoy watching this show very much. I would like for it to air at an earlier time.
Love Harry’s Law. Maybe if you put it on a little earlier in the evening, say 9 pm. It is difficult to stay up late on a work night. Please return Harry’s Law to the NBC line up. Thank you.
Please please please bring Harry’s Law back. Criminal Minds and Harry’s Law are the only shows I live for. Never boring, unpredidtable, and educational.
I really hope they renew it; all the actors are great, and Cathy Bates is wonderful as always; very passionate….
I agree with everyone whole heartedly , at last a show that has everything a great show should have. What can we do to make sure it makes it back. NBC ARE YOU LISTENING TO US?
Miss it, miss it, miss it. Three weeks now and counting. I’m not staying up late on Mondays anymore if this one is cancelled. As another writer commented, finally, NBC got it right. Dump the fake reality shows, and cut the cops stuff by at least half (has anyone counted how many cops shows are on each week????? Tiresome, tiresome) – old threadbare themes even if dressed up in current uniforms. Harry’s Law is Unique – completely different from anything before. Thought-provoking for those of us who still think. Good show – please bring it back.
I absolutely love Harry’s Law. It is one of the best shows on TV. Full of great actors too. Please don’t cancel this show. Maybe move it to another night and time, but please don’t cancel it. NBC has a winner on it’s hand, just give it a chance. Don’t do like ABC did with JAG. They canceled it and CBS was smart enough to pick it up and they had it for about 10 years. I loved that show and of course I left ABC to watch JAG on CBS. Please save “Harry’s Law”!!!
Thanks,
Rose
Please bring Harry’s Law back, it was a fun, I miss it all ready.
David E. Kelley is the BEST WRITER ever… keep Harry’s Law — we need good writing. So much is “lite” and inane, simplistic and even DUMB.
We need good writing — can you tell me where else I can find it? Bones, perhaps, what else?
Please bring Harry’s Law back….after Boston Legal…nothing else is worth my time!
My husband and I love Harry’s Law. Please bring it back…… We’ve told many of our friends and family how great it is. It’s current and makes you think, unlike so many other shows.
I LOVE HARRY’S LAW!!!!!! Are you people crazy, that is the most original series yet.. a lawyer in the middle of the ghetto with gang bangers and is holding her own and making a difference.. what a great plot.. gosh, I hate when you guys do this, just when I find something I really enjoy you just bang you cut it off.. how bout giving it time. becuase you dont have huge rating does not mean its not a great series, with dancing with the stars, that is some mean competition.. even i have to fight with which one I… Read more »
Harry’s Law is a great show. Kaathy Bates is perfect actress for the role. The story line is not necessarily believable but so what?
This program is the best alternative to Hawaii 5-0 on the air.