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.”
 Loading ... |
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?
Love the show. Very sorry that it got canceled. It dealt with some poignant social issues. Hoping for cable.
Talk about age discrimination. I am 27 and I loved this show. I HATE reality shows with a passion. This was one of the only shows I watched on NBC. Guess they just lost a viewer all together.
It was of great dismay and sadness that I found out NBC cancelled Harry’s Law. It is sad that NBC has to bow down to younger audiences for the sake of dollars. Whats more disheartening is the fact that NBC does not care about the older demographic and did not recognize a show for what it was. Pure quality with a superb cast that made you think about the current and controversial issues of today. It is no wonder NBC is losing viewers. They have certainly lost me. But what do they care? I am old and have no intelligence.… Read more »
Stupid networks, they put trash on and take off quality. I’m finding it harder and harder to watch TV. There is so much sex and trash talking on network shows you must go to other sources to not watch or listen to sex all the time. Love Harry’s Law. Had to search for it to watch, they moved it so much. If it truly was the most watched show, the viewers were loyal trying to find it all the time. Sometimes they don’t give a show a chance at all. Kathy Bates please try to be picked up some where… Read more »
What a terrible loss for NBC. The writers of this show were fantastic and all the actors were great. Hopefully another cable network will pick this up. Great story lines!
Love Harry’s law! Love Kathy Bates!!
This show had great writing, great cast, and hit on many contemporary issues. I really don’t understand why something of this quality would be cancelled.
I Know…lets take a sophisticated show like Harry’s Law… One the covers numerous controversial issues while fighting for what is moral and right.. one that forces us to take responsibility to change a world filled with injustice…one that opens our eyes to the power we have to make changes and cancel it so we can fill the time with two half hour comedies that will appeal to the most important demographics. How can the network be so incredibly stupid. They must be out of their minds. Lets hope another network sees the value in this show and picks it up.
I Know…lets take a sophisticated show like Harry’s Law… One the covers numerous controversial issues while fighting for what is moral and right.. one that forces us to take responsibility to change a world filled with injustice…one that opens our eyes to the power we have to make changes and cancel it so we can fill the time with two half hour comedies that will appeal to the most important demographics. How can the network be so F——-stupid. They must be out of their minds. Lets hope another network sees the value in this show and picks it up.
I am in the 18-49 demographic, and I thought this was one of the greatest shows on tv. They don’t pull any punches and aren’t afraid to offend anyone, which is what we need on tv. We don’t need sugar-coated dramas that don’t make you think. People complain about the crap on tv, then the networks renew the crap and cancel all the good shows, I just don’t understand. What the hell makes me count more than people in their fifties, it makes no sense.
NBC killed this show by moving it from it’s original slot.
Shame, it was one of the few quality shows they have.
What is on that actually can make a viewer think? Not many choices other than news &/or political commentary.
Harry’s Law offered viewers both sides on current & controversial issues & events .
The show encouraged viewers to look @ both sides & respect opposing viewpoints.
I guess in order to satisfy the most desireable demographic, TV shows need to be dumbed down. perhaps that’s why cable TV is on the rise
Yes – would definitely watch it. We need cable here due to the fact they appreciate cerbral thinking/viewing. One needs to think outside the box to understand the issues at hand.
We are so disappointed, but not surprised…..
Linda and Annelle (Sisters)
Can’t believe that a show that is much watched , but not by the ‘right’ people can be cancelled. Are producers really that stupid & arrogant? Well I guess so if this show is cancelled
Also liked ‘Unforgetable’, ‘Pan Am’ & ‘a Gifted Man’- tho I agreed with the person who said that the visits from his dead wife should stop, the show was good enough without that bit.
Missing & Ringer should have been mini series but thought the same about Revenge
I love Harry’s Law and never missed an episode. There are definitely some “characters” on the show so I’m hopeful it will move to the channel where “characters [are] welcome.” In today’s economy the younger audience doesn’t have as much money as more established/older viewers so maybe the networks need to review their age ranges and how they tie them to cancellations. What a loss!!!
Its a shame that us older folks have to be the at the mercy of they younger group. I guess the networks must think the money I spend is on soft foods, elderly care products and nursing homes, instead of ciales, hot cars, fast food and hair care products. Well maybe so but that could be one of reasons that more and more people are choosing cable shows over network TV. Keep it up network TV owners and you will be by yourself, watching your own stupid commercials and wondering why you don’t have any viewers. I thought Harry’s Law… Read more »