Though Harry’s Law was the most-watched scripted TV show on NBC this season, the network cancelled it. As I’ve suggested in the past, advertisers favor shows that attract those in the 18-49 demographic. Though Harry’s Law had a lot of viewers, the legal series had some of the lowest demographic numbers on the network.
When asked why Kathy Bates and company had been let go, NBC chairman Bob Greenblatt said, “It was a difficult decision. Everyone here respects Harry’s Law a lot but we were finding it hard to grow the audience for it. Its audience skewed very old. It’s hard to monetize that.”
Bates broke the news of the show’s cancellation over the weekend. She wrote to fans, “Sad news today. Harry’s Law will not be renewed for a 3rd season. We are all terribly sad. Many thanks for all your support.”
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The actress later noted, “Waiting for this verdict was tough. We wrapped a month ago so it was a very long wait!”
Bates reconciled, “Tough day getting used to the idea of no more Harry. Think I’ll keep her with me 4ever.”
When asked if there was a possibility that Harry’s Law might move to cable, Bates responded, “No hope.” But, responding to an inquiry last night on the subject, Bates wrote, “Not sure, but don’t think so.”
Justine Lupe, who played Phoebe Blake, wrote, “Sad day. Little bit of heartbreak. What a gift to had had this time.”
Actress Karen Olivo, who joined the cast in season two as Cassie Reynolds, responded with a message to her castmates, “It was an honor, my friends!”
Nathan Corddry, who’d been playing Adam Branch since the show began, noted, “I’d thank everyone individually, but the list is too long.Never was happier professionally. Thank you for a wondrful 2 years. #tough2swallow”
What do you think? Are you going to miss Harry’s Law as much as the cast will? If the show did move to another channel, would you follow it?
We are in the age demographic and love love love Harry!!! NBC is once again making a huge programing mistake!!! We are 40, 38, & have a 15 year old son and all of us love this show!!! We also do not watch one single stupid reality show! If I wanted to watch insane reality, we would just film our own family!!! NBC PLEASE reconsider this choice!!!
The first episode of this show was probably in the top ten funniest tv episodes of all time. The subsiquent season 1 just kept getting better and better. However, when the show came back, for some reason they decided that the magic combination that made everyone want to tune in week after week needed to be changed so extremely that it was no longer the same show, and what resulted was not a show worth watching at all. To be honest, I am surprised that the show was canceled. Usually when they ruin the originality of the show so entirely,… Read more »
I can’t believe they would cancel a great show like Harry’s Law. Then, to add insult to injury it was cancelled because of an old demographic even though it was NBCs number one show? Seriously? I’m going to BOYCOTT NBC!!!! I guess these idiots don’t realize older people have money and enjoy spending it as much as the younger generations. Absolutely I will miss the show and I would definitely watch it on an alternate channel. Quality television is hard to come by these days and Harry’s Law was a quality show with a fantastic cast.
Now I do not have any reason to watch NBC. Have watched the show from beginning and felt it was getting better with each episode. NBC execs need to get their heads out of their ass. Interesting that they are trying to get a demographic that is probably not watching the commercials anyway. Churn out another “reality” show boys, why make the public think about what they are watching. This is why you are number 6.
Yes we would. Why is it that baby boomers which are the LARGEST demographic in the country with more dollars to spend are never considered for what THEY like to watch? We are the ones purchasing the majority of what is advertised. This was one of the best shows on TV in YEARS. Since the advertisers seem to make the
decisions about programming…publish a list of these advertisers and we can stop purchasing their products!! We will make the decisions about what not to buy.
Cancelling Harry’s law really sucks. It is one of the best shows on TV!!
How could NBC make such a dumb, idiotic move as to cancel one of the very best shows that has been on in a LONG TIME????? I love this show and all the characters. I had hoped that this was just a rumor, and am very sad to see that it is true. I truly hope NBC reconsiders this terrible move…..
We hope it is picked up by another network – we would follow it. While we are “older” than the 18-49 group they seem to want, who do they think is funding what those 18-29 year olds they target are buying?
The absolute worst decision from NBC to cancel a show like Harry’s Law!! it does say it was the best scripted drama, how can they do that to us fans who were following the show loyaly every single week? so what if not all ages are watching? Do we have to be punished because of that? it is really outrageous,and thise happends with other shows too. But especially with Harry’s Law and David Kelley’s brilliance this is a shame,and that we have no input in this whatsoever. SHAME ON YOU NBC!!
What a grave mistake NBC has made in cancelling “Harry’s Law”. That a show with a well written script starring a middle age, intelligent woman is cancelled by a network more more concerned with presenting mindless television is a sad commentary on the state of this media. It is one more reason that I will not watch NBC.
This was by far the best series on television…I can not believe NBC cancelled. Shame on you! This series also had the finest actors/actresses.
Without question! This show was fantastic. So intelligent, interesting, tense and laugh out loud funny with amazing performances and writing. I’m over 49 for sure, but I have money to spend my 30-47 year old children do not. How stupid can this corporation be?! Please please FX, AMC, CW, HBO– one of you pick it up. I will be right there.
NBC doesn’t even know what’s crawled up their rear end. I am 31 years of age and I love this show. I can give you at least 5 other people in my inner circle who lived and breathed this show. It’s sad to see that we still live in an age with repugnant ageism. The show wasn’t just watched by old folks.. Some of us younger peeps enjoy something with taste.
I can’t believe they are canceling this show. It is a great
show. Why do they think every show on television has to
cater to people under 49..let’s have more reality shows..NOT.
I can’t believe they are canceling this show. It is a great
show. Why do they think every show on television has to
cater to people under 49..let’s have more reality shows..NOT.