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?
First we lost “Boston Legal” and now “Harry’s Law”! What a crock… There are so few “adult” type programs on TV these days that are relevant to todays issues. Us older folks have the $$ and the time to watch decent programming and are crying for something more than the “pap” that’s on TV now. Be ashamed programming people. It’s like the news, who watches that…certainly not the young folks! It’s OLD people. Think about it! If nothing else, put it on cable…I’ll watch it there as I do most decent programming these days. Something with a little common sense…
I can’t believe that they are cancelling this show!!!! What, they think ANOTHER reality show will be better. Come on, wake up. Harry’s Law had great story lines that were current. The cast was fantastic. Week after week, you were never disappointed.
I would definitely watch this show if another cable channel picked it up, come on USA, you have amazing shows, think about this one.
This is one of the best shows ever on television, why would the network cancell this show? Most everything else on t.v. is pure crap, reality shows? Pure crap. What’s the matter, aren’t there any writers out there who can come up with anything? Oh, YES, the writers on HARRY’S LAW were doing an amazing job but because it wasn’t attracting the right “age” group, the network saw fit to cancel the show. Maybe the execs at the network are too stupid to know a good thing, perhaps they should be “cancelled.”
Loved the show…. great writing, provocative arguements in court….. diverse characters… not afraid to take on different subjects. Intelligent and witty…. guess that doomed it for mass appeal…. smarten up NBC….. and yes…. I would watch it on whatever network aired it.
Is NBC NUTS?????? The most watched show on TV and they cancel it!! What a shame.
Harry’s Law was one of the best shows ever on TV. They had Drama and Comedy it was awesome!!! Hope CABLE picks it up!!
COME ON TNT, TLC, TBS !!!!
Would love to see this wonderful show picked up by another network. There is apparently very little respect or consideration in this country for anyone over the age of 49. Why does this not surprise me. Seems that Pete Townshend was clairvoyant. How sad.
I would definitely follow this to almost the end of the earth. This was a great series. Damn advertising companies deciding to cancel this. NO ONE WATCHES THE ADS ANY WAYS. They either fast forward, take bathroom breaks or download the shows out right. So my advertising “friends”, u can go to hell!
This is an awesome show and what a cast. The stories are fantastic and really get you thinking. When has a TV show done that lately? I will really miss this show. I am a huge Kathy Bates fan. She is amazing. I just don’t understand why they would cancel this great, great show.
The sponsors need to realize that the 55 – 80 year-olds have far more expendable income than a 20-something. This was the only program on TV that my husband and I made a point of watching. I do hope another station picks it up, I’d follow it in a minute. Whoever made this decision at NBC must be totally out of touch with where the money is.
Are these people nuts this is one of the best shows on tv. Give me a break there are other people in the world besides the 18-49group
I am so mad
I am sadden to hear the news of the cancellation of Harry’s Law. It is difficult to find a mature, quick witted, issue related television show. It’s truely a shame that Harry’s Law has been swept under the carpet, yet other, thoughtless, crude shows prevails. What has our society come too?
Kathy Bates and all of the cast members were perfect in their roll. Well done (and to the casting director too) .
I guess I will be reading more books instead of watching tv. 101 channels and nothing on.
I will follow the series where ever it goes. It is a great legal drama. Covers current issues in light entertaining manner. Pity that money rules…I hope it is picked up by another network who might do a better job of advertising for the money the networks need.
What’s funny to me about this (and I’m in the 18-49 demo) is that these advertisers don’t seem to realize who it is in our economy who has all the money… It’s the BOOMERS y’all! The people OVER 49. And c’mon….they have to know that the 18-49 set do not need the “separate bathtub” pills and other pharma products sold during these shows No. We Xers and the Ys are barely holding on. And heaven help those poor college-debt-strapped Millennials who can barely keep mom’s roof over their heads while trying desperately to find a job better than Barrista at… Read more »
You got that right! When are they gonna wake up and smell the $$$?
Love the show I tape it so I never miss it. I can not believe they cancelled it. Love the cast especially Kathy Bates. Lets hope cable picks it up cuz it was definately one of the better shows.