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.
keep it on please – different – always with a comment on relevent current issues
great characters – and NOT a police show
I don’t normally watch television as it’s getting harder and hard to find something I enjoy. I think this is one of the best shows on tv right now. Kathy Bates has done a fabulous job and the concept that you don’t have to slim and beautiful or a hottie to be a star clearly shows through. Her fellow actors just add frosting to the cake. Please keep Harry’s Law on another season. It’s refreshing and just different enough I actually tune in for it.
I absolutely LOVE this show. It is fun, heartwarming and funny. Kathy Bates and her “crew” make Monday nights a reason for this old lady to get up on Monday mornings and to get through Sundays – and I historically have always hated Sundays. This show resonates with me and if the network would give it a chance, I believe this show is a keeper. Kathy Bates makes anything worthwhile. She is a terrific actress with the ability to relate to all ages. Cancelling this show would be a mistake and I believe this with all my heart. Besides if… Read more »
Love this show!!!!! Keep it!
Keep the show. Best show on tv right now. Kathy Bates is great. Always look forward to Monday nights to watch the show.
Harry’s Law is a very funny and moving show. I don’t think every plot in the show is ment to be true to life. It’s a TV show people. The only thing that would make it better would be a semi regular guest spot for James Spader.
It is the only show on Monday that I set my timer for. Love it !
This is my favorite show and the favorite of many people in my area..please don’t cancel Kathy!!!!!!!!!!!!
Enjoyed this series tremendously, love Kathy Bate, Christopher McDonald, loved their
actions together…please keep show….
My whole family loves this show, and we are a three generation family!
I agree with so many of the previous comments. I really enjoy this show. The acting is good. Kathy Bates is terrific. The young actors and actresses are also great. It is refreshing to have an intelligent show in a non-typical location, e.g., not New York or California and not all glamorous and beautiful people and a show which presents meaningful issues. Please keep this show. I am outside your targeted demographic, and I love it. It is the only network show I consistently watch each week, or did watch each week as long as it was available.
please cancel this show. When people admit that they like it, and think it’s a good show, it makes me scared for the intelligence of America. Harry’s Law is unwatchable for anyone with an IQ over 70. Whilst Kathy Bates is a wonderful actress, she cannot carry the awful writing, and poor acting by the other staff. Having a 4’7 gang banging black thug makes me want to kill myself. Nothing in that show is believable. NOTHING.
keep this show. love it
Please don’t cancel. Best new show around. I can’t believe the ratings are that low. Everyone I talk to loves it.
Please keep Harry’s Law on for another season it is wonderful. Kathy Bates is so good in this part. Everyone complaments each other. It just gets better and better.