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?
Really sorry to see Harry go. It was the first David E. Kelly show that balanced the convective vs. liberal view points. Harry was a liberal Republican and they even had an outright conservative in the character played by Mark Valley, Ollie. Didn’t care much for Mark on Boston Legal, but really liked him on Human Target (Too bad they changed that show in the second season. It might have lasted had they not.), and then in Harry’s law. Harry’s had a little Boston Legal in it, complete with a “Denny Crane” character, who became rather endearing towards the end.… Read more »
The issues the show highlighted were cogent. The writers explored them about as well as could be done within a specific time frame and in a a very entertaining format.Its hard to belive the “suits” at NBC would be so nuckleheaded. The older one becomes the higher the TV watching time. The younger age group have too many other diversions communicating with each other (and agreeing with each other) through social media to even bother examining the alternatives arguments and conflicts in life that Harry’s Law frequently dealt with. Good luck to NBC if they think they can change the… Read more »
This was one of the best shows ever! And as a baby boomer (the largest age group in existence in the U.S.), I could relate to Harry but also loved the other stars and the stories. This was a very popular show and we boomers aren’t going away anytime soon! Kathy Bates and I were born in the same year and we boomers will easily be around for several more years, hopefully watching shows we like, such as Harry’s Law. The cancellation of this show is a travesty and I wish another network would pick it up. I completely agree… Read more »
Losing Harry & Co was like losing friends. It was a decision based on bucks, not creativity, talent, and great productions. One of the few shows one could look forward to; great stories, informative, entertaining, witty, and tremendous writing/production values. I do sincerely hope NBC and sponsors will rue the day they cancelled this show. And I do hope some other network/cable network has the wits to pick up the entire cast and crew and transport them to a new home where they can continue to entertain and enlighten us week after week. Old people, unite!! Demand Harry’s return!!
Fabulous show but I alas am one of the over 55 that is hard to monetize, Bates is, as always superb and the cancel decision was a shock to me. The entire cast was talented and I was really enjoying the show. I WILL watch if anyone picks it up.
I would definately watch if it moved to a different channel. Kathy Bates is awesome and the rest were very good.
I LOVE Harry’s Law. The acting, the wit, the topics, the writing….so refreshing. I do hope that another network picks up this show. I am definitely a fan of Harry’s Law!
I (31) really enjoyed watching Harry’s Law. I recorded the episodes so I did not miss any. The show was exciting, witty and intelligent. I would follow the show, not caring what network it was being shown on. I do hope someone else will pick it up.
We are in the suspect generation that seemed to like it but we would defintely follow it to cable.
My husband and I love Harry’s Law. We will follow it to whatever channel it would appear on. NBC is making a grave mistake in cancelling this show. It really makes you think about situations and what has happened and what could happen. Please rethink your decision…. there are alot of us baby boomers out there, who love this show!
My husband and I would definitely watch Harry’s Law on what ever channel we could get it on. It’s a great show, and really makes you think about situations, and all the variables involved in what happened and will happen. NBC
I fully agree with Joan Joan.By by NBC
As a viewer who is over the age of 49, I think it is very insulting that Harry’s Law is one of the most popular NBC shows and that NBC is canceling Harry’s Law because it is not watched by viewers in the 18- 49 age group. Well, NBC, I am one that does not like reality tv. Cancel Harry’s Law, and I am boycotting NBC!
There are so few quality shows with excellent writing on TV; and NBC decides to cancel one of the few great ones. I always recorded it so I wouldn’t miss an episode. I hope another network with more intelligence will pick up Harry’s Law!
Harry’s Law is such a smart show. I guess us over 50 folks no longer count though we have as much if not more money to spend on products. Canceling Harry’s Law and having show’s like Love in the Wild, shows who NBC is really after. Trash TV