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?
Confusing yes Understandable yes. Now figure out a compromise with advertisers realign or have a board meeting. So sad we are realistically down to reality Tv.Just simply a slid show with a great ensemble for a cast. Thank you.
I would definitely follow Harry’s Law to another network.
Networks have no regard for viewers .. changing days and jerking them around .. and cancelling excellent programs like Harry’s Law that are both informative and entertaining .. and instead promoting mindless bimbo reality shows.
NBC it’s too bad you only count the 18 – 49 age group as counting. Cancelling this great show just lost you another viewer…or wait I don’t count…I’m over 49. Your replacement shows for those cancelled are comedy and or reality… same old dreary junk that most of us are getting tired of and quite frankly may have on but aren’t watching. Well, I think you need to get real and undertand that around half of the population in getting close to being over 49 AND we are the ones with the money. ou need to start standing up and… Read more »
I agree with everyone else. Us so called OLD demographics are baby boomers. NBC is making a big mistake. Harry’s Law was the ONLY thing I watched on the NBC network…..I sure hope someone has the good sense to pick it up. I Loved this cast and acting the whole thing. I am so sick of REALITY I could puke and that is the only thing the young ones watch. Advertisers?????? I think we buy more than the young viewers. I have never heard of such crap in all my life. I love love love Kathy Bates. What a shame… Read more »
I for one am truly sorry to see Harrys Law was not renewed for the next season. This show is one of the best in a very long time. Kathy Bates was a pleasure to watch as a self assured professional woman who the targeted audience that NBC wants to conquer could take leasons from. If there is any chance that the show could be brought it would make its fans very happy. Sorry to see it go.
What a shame that because i am over 49 i cannot watch the best show on television…Harry’s Law. They keep the garbage on and cancel a class act like Kathy Bates? I think I’ll just rent movies as the rest of the programming sucks. They ought to be ashamed of themselves.
This type of things happens again and again. Acknowledging your view that +50’s are irrelevant to the industry and routinely canceling the best written, acted and directed shows because of the “bottom line”, it is my intention, and hopefully of many others, to cancel cable subscriptions, boycotting any profit making venture that is owned by NBC.
I would hope NBC and the others come to realize it is not about them.
please! we love watching ‘harry’s law.’ kathy bates is a fantastic actress! the rest of the actors/actresses are great, too. please do not let this be the end of this great show! have you checked how many people are over 49 these days?
Worst idea to base a decision on demo 18-49 ratings. Who would buy the products that get advertised. I’ve seen the commercials too. Younger viewers tend to save money not spend it. Some of those ads seem to target older consumers anyway. Now that’s ironic.
I can’t believe there isn’t going to be any more Harry’s Law. What is wrong with NBC? What is wrong with TV in general? Ridiculous shows like Jersey Shore and Real Housewives stay on, but a fantastic show like Harry’s Law gets canceled!!! Really?!! And yet we all wonder why this world is so screwed up. They take actual shows that you can learn good things from, with actual people who are genuine role models, and they cancel them. What for? To have more room for ridiculous shows filled with the only lesson you can learn is how to get… Read more »
I THINK THERE ARE A LOT OF US OLD PEOPLE THAT THE NETWORKS NEED TO RECONSIDER. LET’S SEE CBS IS RUNNING AHEAD OF NBC. LET’S SEE, A LOT OF THE SHOWS ON CBS ARE THE ONES I WATCH. I GUESS THIS MIGHT MAKE NBC’S THOUGHT PROCESS A LITTLE FLAWED. HARRY’S LAW COVERED AND EXPOSED MANY FLAWS IN THE LAWS AND EVEN THOUGH I DIDN’T LIKE SOME OF THE ISSUES THE SHOW DID THEY VERY WELL IN COVERING THOSE ISSUES AND SHED A DIFFERENT LIGHT ON THEM. BRAVO HARRY AND THANKS.
Well I guess if we are over their “Prime” age then we are not entitled to have shows we enjoy. Harry’s Law was one of the few shows worth watching & one of my favorites. I wish I could say that I’m surprised but it seems any show I enjoy gets cut. Boston Legal was another show I enjoyed – I guess the similarities was the kiss of death for Harry! I’m sorry we are not worth your time. Way to treat the over 40 group!
A big YES!!!! I thoroughly enjoyed Harry’s Law. NBC —-your are big fool to be canceling the superb show. The mature audience deserve qualities shows like Harry’s Law!!!
Sorry to hear that Harry’s Law is cancelled. Truly one of the best shows on TV. If NBC is worried about people watching their shows they shouldn’t cancel such a great show. Except for SUV I dont believe I watch one other show on NBC. Shame on all of you for cancelling such a fine show. I hope to see Kathy Bates on TV again.
My wife and I love this show. We still watch network programs but our two sons under 30 only watch cable. If this is an indicator of the 18 to 40 age group who will be watching NBC. I will be glad to use my very complicated TV remote (a joke about age ) and find Harry on another channel.