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 love Harry’s Law, you MUST bring it back. David E Kelly created one of the best shows ever created ( ER ). I believe Harry’s Law is the second. Kathy Bates is amazing. Then you bring Paul McCrane into the mix. Genius!!!!!!!!!
Love Harry’s Law – I wouldn’t change anything about it. One of the best shows on TV – I go out of my way to watch it. So glad it will be back for the 2011-12 season – hopefully it will be on for years to come. The cast is perfect.
It would be a great injustice to take Harry’s Law away Harry is the only one who really sees with open eyes and looks for true justice . She brings humanity and true feelings to the show and television . Put it back on Monday evenings please . I look foward to the show each week .
What is wrong with NBC? My family went into shock when this show just stopped. Get away from some of those shows supposely showing people doing crazy things. This show has contain for reasoning. This is the real thing to watch – stop showing people trying to do the real thing.
I hope Harry’s Law returns, an earlier time slot might help, if not I will continue to record it. It was just getting interesting, with the DA breaking down, and an inter office romance.
LOVED Harry’s Law. I recorded it so I would not miss an episode. Best show I’ve seen in many years. Please don’t cancel it.
Please don’t cancel Harry’s Law. In the land of blah TV …it’s a breath of fresh air. Clever, funny, witty and entertaining. All the reasons I even sit down once in a while to watch TV. It’s incredible to think they would leave all the hundreds of stupid shows on, and take off a truly great show like Harry’s Law. Seriously. Bring it back to us.
When a 65 year old lady and her 34 four year old son both like the same TV program, it must be doing something right! I felt it has one of the quirkest cast, unpredicable outcome and I looked forward to watching it. Then suddenly it was gone. PLEASE BRING IT BACK!
My wife and I watched every episode of Harry’s Law and looked forward to the next episode. We would love it if they would bring it back next year.
NO, NO, OH NO!!!!!!! Please don’t cancel “Harry’s Law”. It is my replacement for
“Boston Legal.” So entertaining. So adult. They both offered laughter and tears.
Love the story lines, etc….Hot Stuff!
I AMA staunch conservative and hated the first show, but it was so compelling and the cast so great I couldn’t wait for each new episode. It addressed so many important social issues, I think NBC has a moral obligation to continue this show. Kathy bates is wonderful!
Please let us know if the series Harry’s Law will be back. We adore David Kelly’s genius. His shows are such a wonderful, creative refreshing break from the simple trash that makes up the majority of the shows on television.
Absolutely bring back Harry’s Law! It’s such a refreshing slant on the criminal justice system basically due to the fine qualities of Kathy Bates. The young co-stars can learn so much from her while, at the same time, providing so much entertainment to those of us who appreciate a diversion from the basic cops and robbers genre. Oh, yes, bring back Harry’s Law and see that you were wrong in just thinking about not doing so.
HI, NEW SHOWS COME AND GO, PLEASE LET THIS BE ONE THAT COMES AND IS AROUND FOR SOME TIME. KEEP THIS ONE ON A REGULAR SCHEDUEL. YOU HAVE A WINNER, GIVE A REAL CHANCE TO GET ROLLING.
This is the only show I look forward to watching on NBC. The only thing I would like NBC to change is the time slot. It would probably get more followers if it was on earlier.