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?
[…] Harry’s Law (NBC) Kathy Bates and company won’t be back for new cases next year. The series attracted a lot of viewers but not enough in the key demo. […]
So much has been mentioned about the demographic for this show being over 40 or 49. Which by the way i keep hearing it was the most watched scripted show on nbc. So over 49 may not be the target demographic but obviously they make up a large audience. It makes no sense that you don’t target that demographic. I am 32 and plan to be over 49 someday. Kathy Bates herself is in her late 50’s early 60’s along with her character on the show. Shouldn’t nbc be more than happy that an audience in Harry’s demographic relates to… Read more »
With the economy like it is, a lot of older people have more money than others and are more likely to spend it. Also no one is more likely to spend money than grandparents. Older people are more likely to own homes, buy cars, travel, eat out, etc. It makes me mad to be disenfranchised by NBC. I love Harry’s Law, and will not watch NBC again if cancelled. It was one NBC show worth watching–not many are.
I am contemplating no longer viewing NBC programming! Cancellation of a show with this many viewers shows a level of incompetence among the people in positions of authority. Who could ever believe that people over 49 don’t spend money, watch television, or have “more” money than most individuals younger???? There are lots of other networks which care what we “old” folks want to watch!!!
I think NBC made a big mistake, not only in cancelling Harry’s Law, but in admitting it was due to a low response in the 18-49 demographic. Surely with the high number of viewers, an exception to their emphasis on potential financial advantages could be made. This was a smart, well-written, enjoyable show with wonderfully likable characters, not only Kathy Bates, but the ensemble members as well. Evidently the network prefers we watch inane, mindless, immature comedies or reality shows or poorly-scripted and cast dramas. I would follow Harry’s Law anywhere – any network, any cable channel, any time-of-day. I… Read more »
Most watched so it’s dumped? You mean advertisers don’t want to advertise on the most watched show? That makes about as much since as the ridiculous, dysfunctional judicial system that Harry’s Law is unveiling. But maybe that’s why it’s being dumped by NBC – the lawyers and legislators got to them. It is to benefit of these professions and others like them, not to show how flawed the laws are. They don’t like for the public to hear statements of truth like Harry made during the last episode like “Court proceedings are not about the truth, they are about the… Read more »
Amazing that NBC does not believe anyone over their “target demographic” watches tv. To cancel a show that is your 2nd largest viewer watched show is just plain crazy. Logically it would make sense to sell commercial time to match that demograhic audience. They say history repeats itself. Wasn’t it NBC that cancelled Star Wars originally? And guessx what is still successfull on cable! You would think they would have learned from their past and not drop the show that has a following and potential. I look forward to watching this show. Fire management and start over. I hope Harrey’s… Read more »
NBC…. get your “stuff” together…renew Harry’s Law and for gosh sakes DO NOT GIVE US ANOTHER STUPID REALITY-NON-REALITY-BAD-ACTING SERIES…
I will follow Harry’s Law to any channel and giving up on NBC
Love the show; would watch it wherever it ended up….
NBC…Are you serious? Who do you think is watching TV anyway? You’re clueless if you think the 18-49 ers are sitting in front of a “TV” anyway…They’re OUT…They’re “ONLINE”…They’re “TEXTING”. What do you want to replace HARRY with…another “REALITY” show that we are all sick to death of? I think it’s time to cancel the contract of those who are making the decisons at NBC. What are you going to cancel next SUNDAY NIGHT FOOTBALL… because you don’t think enough WOMEN are watching? You’d be WRONG again! Get a grip NBC! Harry, we’ll follow you wherever you go…you’re a “CLASS… Read more »
Never fails…a good, intelligent show – gone. But…put on some idiot trash and it will last forever.
This is the ultimate betrayal of quality television. With all the CRAP, and I mean CRAP, on network television, you finally have a well-written and superbly acted series and you dump it. Did you ever think that you could take all the reality junk off, return to quality programming, and maybe help the psyche of the American public. They emulate what they see. Quit spoon feeding garbage.
Loved Harry’s Law. Kathy Bates is always terrific, and I will miss her. I would follow the show to whatever channel it might go.
I am a 61 year old female viewer who watches Harry’s Law each week. I spend more money now than I was ever able to spend earlier in my years when I was raising three children and getting them through college. Bye the way, I also watched Prime Suspect which is also now cancelled. I also know how to “change brands”. Good-bye, NBC. I will be changing away from NBC one more time since they are incapable of keeping a show that so many viewers enjoy. Perhaps NBC is trying to get cancelled as a network.