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?
How sad! Sunday was a special day for my husband and me. We popped a bowl of popcorn and watched Harry’s Law. It was a time to wind down and look forward to the next week. When we knew of the cancellation, we both figured we would be flooded with reality shows.
I can’t quite understand why a show like Harry’s Law has been discontinued. Hope it will be on cable–go for it!
What a shame. The show was tremendous. Great cast and good storylines that held your interest. This leaves NBC with only one show that I watch. But then again, I don’t fit their demographics, I am 57 years old, so they don’t care what I think.
Here again is another example of the younger generation telling us what we are supposed to watch. My television viewing is down to the point that I’m considering eliminating it from my life all together. You say the demographics tell you that the show won’t make the money you greedily want, I say television used to be more about bring culture, entertainment, and education into the family room. I remember watching shows like Jacque Cousteau, Hallmark Hall of Fame, Variety programs, and the sitcoms/dramas meant for pure enjoyment. I see now it has become another portal to sell things that… Read more »
One of the best shows on television – can’t believe it would be cancelled because of age discrimination. Should not happen.
I love this show I am sad to see it go and would watch it no matter where it is aired.
I am in the age group the “can’t be monetized” apparently. I really loved watching this show. I guess if I am not willing to watch reality TV I don’t get to watch. I guess I can get used to just listening to music since I am now pretty much “dead” to TV networks. Break out the rocking chair!
Words can’t express just how sad our household is to see Harry’s Law cancelled. I continued to be amazed at just how infantile the rationale is behind some of these popular show cancellations. I guess all will be well in the universe as this network will surely present us with some mindless “lack-of-comedy” or reality show in place of the real world situations portrayed in each episode of Harry’s Law. We will miss you Harry! Rest assured, if this show reincarnates over on “cable”, your fans will follow.
WHY WOULD YOU CANCEL THE BEST SHOW ON NBC THE CAST THE SCRIPS ARE BY FAR SUPERIOR TO ANY OTHER DRAMA PLEASE RECONSIDER AND BRING IT BACK THANKS
All right, I’m old, I’ll admit it. Right on the cusp of baby-boomer. But there are more of us boomers now than there are young people, and Harry’s Law is one of the best-written shows I’ve seen in a long time. Not every TV viewer sits in front of the box comatose.
There are 2 things that I would love to hear NBC respond to regarding this whole demographic crap. One is, how do they know exactly how many people under 49 are watching all their shows and which ones they enjoy? Especially since I have learned that shows that are recorded on dvr’s (like we do) cannot be counted towards ratings (if I’m stating this correctly?). Second, what makes NBC (or any other network) think that kids between 18 to (let’s say) 25 are watching and/or interested in the shows they air? We are over 50, and we love many shows,… Read more »
The “age” thing and the renewing and/or cancelling of TV shows is almost as old as television itself. I was but a wee lad of six when both the Jackie Gleason and Red Skelton shows, both of which had great ratings but not among the coveted younger (i.e. more like to purchase a sponsor’s product) viewers. I now find myself closer to the other end of the age spect5rum, so that 26 mouths, I opinion won’t amount to much of anything.
WOW! The best show on TV is being dropped because not enough people between 18-49 yrs old watch it? What in the world is happening out there? Who comes up with these demographics and who the heck cares? I know so many people who just can’t wait to Sunday night to watch Harry’s Law, not to mention what a superb actress Kathy Bates is and the rest of the cast. I am so outraged and I truly hope that a cable network picks them up. Actually most of the shows we watch that have any “salt” to them are on… Read more »
No wonder there is only crap reality shows on television, they are pandering to children and insulting the intelligence of anyone over age 35. I have enjoyed many quality cable shows from the closer to psych. I hope some smarty at the cable network picks up Harry’s Law. We shall see.
i cant believe they cancel the show. kept changing the date and time. i hope another network will pick them up and show NBC what a mistake.
Kathy Bates AMAZING as she is in anything she does. It’s a damn shame the NETWROK wants to cancel a show due to an age group watching or not watching but keeps dumbass shows……aka so called REALITY……Here is some REALITY STOP CANCELLING SHOWS WE LIKE!!!!!!!!!!!!