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 agree with Marie. This show should return. I also agree that David E. Kelley needs to do a redo on many of the characters on this show. Kathy Bates is the one holding it together. The mindless infatuations need to go. Too many silly and weak story lines.
Very enjoyable show…we ALWAYS watch it, DVR or otherwise! Love the cast. If a “needs improvement” is what some people are seeking, perhaps make it less predictable, with some unexpected twists and turns to the personalities. We will enjoy it either way…such a good idea for a story and group of attorneys, instead of the same ol’ same ol’. Please keep it! If it’s competing with the new Wonder Woman, I can safely say we and our group of friends won’t even give Wonder Woman a chance — sooooo tired of the redo stuff; originality is the key to the… Read more »
Harry’s Law is one of the best new shows NBC has added in some time. I have watched other very good things on TBS, TNT and USA with the lack of things I enjoy on NBC. I’m worn out on the “Law & Orders” They keep trying to top each one by getting more and more gruesome. Not enjoyable to watch. Harry’s Law got back to real people we can all relate to, some good humor, some decent values and storylines I looked forward to watching each week. I was thrilled to see Harry’s Law listed in the Fall line-up.… Read more »
I have watched all of David Kelly’s productions and they are the best entertainment you could possibly see in a world of moronic insipid telivision. Please bring it back in the fall.
Bring this great show back or else!
I LOVE Harrry’s Law, and would be very disappointed if it didn’t return in the fall! It’s quality TV and really makes you think about relevant issues within our society and community!
We love this show! wish it was on at a different time or day it might have gotten a better chance to survive.
I thought it was a great show! My wife and I looked forward to watching it each week. The setting was excellent with a kind of untypical lawyer atmosphere compared to other lawyer shows on tv- low income, troubled neighborhoods, where most lawyers would never tread. And Kathy Bates was in-your-face, brutally honest and defended the “little guy”. Her supporting cast was also refreshing. The show was a shining light in this tv world of “Housewives of BeverlyHills” tv reality shows!
Keep Harry’s Law. I swear the networks need to know that most mature adults can’t stand reality TV. Bring back this great show that has great story lines. Peep-toe sling back do me like a dog pump. I mean really, why would this show be canceled?
Great show! Please keep it.
Great show. Please keep it!
We have really enjoyed watching this show! This is one of only a few shows on T.V. that we will watch and would very much like to see it continue. The problems presented are current and make a person think.
David Kelly does it again. I LOVE this show. I LOVE this show. 😉
You’re asking for suggestions – an earlier time slot would be great. Other than that, the show is great. Please bring it back.
Harry’s Law is a winner. I watch very little t.v. but will never miss this series. Kathy Bates is the best actress, and it it would be a huge mistake to take away that wonderful talent from the starving viewers that thirst for quality t.v.
I really hope this show returns because this show is one of the best I have ever seen since growing up. It has more sense than a lot of shows that have displayed on any network. How can other people give so much props for shows that is nothing about sexual contact and nothing else but sex. When the show Harry’s Law first premiered I said to myself finally a show that speaks of the truth and the reality of life. Again I really hope that this show returns.