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?
Why is it that tv execs only care about the age group between 18 to 49..
??? I am 59 and I have a lot more money than most younger people.why can’t you keep a few shows that the older crowd loves? Harrys law was one of the best shows on tv. I think he older generation show all just quit watching tv and pull all our money away…otherwise you need to keep a few shows we love…..
I’d follow it in a minute! I love this show and am a huge fan. I hope someone gets a clue and saves this wonderful show!!
We join the heartbreak of both cast and fans in learning that HARRY’S LAW, NBC’s singularly smashing program, is being cancelled. The talented cast, writers and production crew run circles around most of TV’s evening programs, so this is akin to the good dying far too young. PLEASE find a Cable channel so that HARRY’S LAW’s entire cast, headed by the incomparable Kathy Bates, can continue to work their magic in filling the needs of those who fully appreciate quality programming. Shame on you NBC!
I really like Kathy Bates, and enjoy the rest of the cast. I’m sorry to see this show go, and would watch it if it was picked up by another channel or on cable.
Age discrimination discusts me!
We join the heartbreak of both cast and fans in learning that HARRY’S LAW, NBC’s singularly smashing program, is being cancelled. The talented cast, writers and production crew run circles around most of TV’s evening programs, so this is akin to the good dying far too young. PLEASE find a Cable channel so that HARRY’S LAW’s entire cast, headed by the incomparable Kathy Bates, can continue to work their magic in filling the needs of those who fully appreciate quality programming.
Shame on you, NBC.
I very much agree with Janice Fields’ comments. If I am not in the 18-49 demographic, my desire for GOOD TV doesn’t count. I’m really tired of every other option on TV to be REALITY shows. When there is a quality show like HARRY’S LAW, that just so happens to please people over the age of 50, please let it be!
Seriously? This network is terrible.
What a disappointment! I love Harry’s Law and the entire cast. Hard to believe the large group of pre-seniors & seniors don’t carry enough weight. I agree with a previous comment……..maybe I’ll stop watching NBC altogether. Do we really have to get rid of a well written thoughtful show in favor of the mindless entertainment that stays.
BY THE WAY MOST OF US OLDER PEOPLE all STAY HOME AND WATCH TV ALL THE TIME YOUNGER PEOPLE DON’T
I’m a 53 year old and your holding that against me. I love this show. Please go to cable, i would pay extra to watch Harry.
What in the hell is the matter with you people? Do you realize how many old people are out here? Not all of us want to watch shows about all young people all the time. It’s nice to see some people over 50 you once in awhile.
Harry’s Law is a really good show! !! I have not missed an episode since it started.
SHAME ON YOU! USE YOUR BRAINS FOR A CHANGE. ITS DISGUSTING.
SHAME ON YOU FOR GODS SAKE USE YOUR BRAINS
Going to miss Harry’s Law terribly…great acting and fantastic scripts sending much-needed messages pertinent to our world today. What on earth happened? It deserved better than this…at least 2-3 more seasons. Feel like I lost a member of my family…TV shows are becoming less and less credible and have much less depth. Are we the public being dumbed down?
great show. just wished the world operated a little like this show. Kathy, thanks for your efforts and the laughs, pulling at my heart strings, love you forever! Justine, just started to root for you and what you were going to do next. Nathan, thanks for making us believe again. good luck all in your next endeavors.
I am offended that those over the age of 49 are not considered important enough to be considered when it comes to renewing an excellent television show. It is also ironic that Harry’s Law was the “most watched scripted show” last season. There are millions of Baby Boomers out there who have plenty of money and who can easily quit watching NBC altogether ! Someone is being very shortsighted, and I sincerely hope it comes back to bite them.
What a disgrace..one of the few times I put on NBC (4) and we are done..empty suits make empty minded decisions..what was wrong with it..maybe above their level of understanding…entertaining, informative, timely and even humorous at times..what gives ? Take the network to court and put them on trial in Harry’s courthouse ..that works for me !!