Kathy Bates leads 'Harry's Law' to a surprising ratings win for NBC

Kathy Bates topped off her debut as the star of a network series Monday with a surprising win in NBC's crime drama "Harry's Law."

An average of 11 million total viewers tuned in to the 10 p.m. show, according to the Nielsen Co.

That's not a huge figure by itself, but it's still surprising for several reasons. First, it's NBC, which has had trouble getting virtually every new show off the ground lately (for evidence, look at the "Harry's Law's" lead-in, the superhero show "The Cape," with a second episode Monday that sank to 6.2 million viewers). And "Harry's Law" -- with Oscar winner Bates as a defense attorney named, um, Harry -- was not helped by reviewers, who were generally dismissive of the show.

More notable, "Harry's Law" actually crept past CBS' "Hawaii Five-o" by 400,000 viewers. Not a commanding victory, but "Hawaii Five-o" is as CBS likes to remind us the season's No. 1 show. "Hawaii Five-o" was still tops in the key demographic of viewers aged 18 to 49 (2.9 rating vs. 2.1). But "Harry's Law," if it keeps up, could put real pressure on CBS among older viewers, which is traditionally CBS' strong suit. (Bates is 62.)

Maybe the most encouraging sign for NBC is that "Harry's Law" actually slightly built its audience as it went along, something that rarely happens during the 10 p.m. hour, when many viewers are getting ready for bed.

Of course, all of this could have been due to simple premiere curiosity, and over the next few weeks "Harry's Law" could still become a turkey. But the numbers suggest that's unlikely.

What do you think? Can Kathy Bates turn "Harry's Law" into a long-term hit?

-- Scott Collins

Twitter: @scottcollinsLAT

Photo: Brittany Snow, Kathy Bates, Nate Corddry, Aml Ameen. Credit: Matthias Clamer/NBC.

 

Comments

[Diane Padron]

About time we truly had a show for the boomer generation. I am tired of shows with young folks with ridiculous problems that most of us have managed to solve or sidestep by the time we hit the big 60. Hurray for Kathy Bates! The "old lady" as they call her on the show has a lot going for her. She gives us hope that being old, fat, and outdated doesn't make us out of fashion. Yes, Harry's Law will make it! The "old ladies" of the world still prevail.

[johnny]

as a kathy bates fan, i thought the show was great! i didn't even know she had a tv show comeing out. just flipping through the channels.

[Jessie]

I loved Katy Bates in Harry' Law. It deal with the relevant problems of today in a manner only she could make realistic. This is a great show. I will not miss it!

[dg]

My husband and I really enjoyed this show! Pleasantly surprised :) We wish it was on in the 9:00pm slot.

[Jeff]

I watched last night and I think the show has possibilities, this is will be a hit with older viewers who like and miss the more fomula dramas like "Murder she wrote" and "Matlock" Bates is always excellent and Brittney Snow brings a lot of good humor. The premiere was fast paced and I think the show can find a nitch for itself. Its quirky and that makes it different. I'll keep watching and Tivo Hawaii 5-o which I love, and watch Harry's Law. Hopefully NBC will give "The Cape" and Harry's Law the chance to gain an audience.

[ED]

Of course people watched it everything else on is so bad. Hawaii 5 O only gets ratings because there is nothing else on. Despite what the networks think all these reality shows are horrible. At least this show is better then what else is on. Actually the best new shows on TV are on USA. But because they are a cable network they can't get the same demographic numbers but believe me those are the shows worth watching .... Burn Notice, White Collar, Royal Pains and the rest are the only programs that are entertaining.

And please the Cape ..... OMG what board room at the idiot factory were these executives sitting in when they thought that was a good idea.

[Great White Dragon]

Great Program., a big improvement over the H-5-0 which is just special effects. This program has real talent, excellent script and some great humor.
Am a long time Kathey Bates fan, additional actors/ script characters are all really good. Lets see more of the shoe display.

Hope for a long run for this program, earlier time slot would be helpful,9 PM.

[Don Faub]

My wife and I loved the "Harry's Law" program, and hope that it continues. Cathy Bates is perfectly cast. It may take a while for us to become accustomed to her supporting cast, but so-far-so-good. Dear NBC, you finally have a decent show, worthy of prime time - don't blow it. Please tell your advertisers, not all viewers are 18 to 49 years old!! We older viewers also buy stuff, and have the money to spend.

[cab]

Best show on TV in a long long time!!! Kathy Bates was fabulous as well as the supporting cast. Content of the show was perfect!!! Let's keep this one going for a long time! I'll sure be spreading the word!

[Grandpa]

Put "Harry's Law" in Hawaii and you'll have a sure-fire hit.

[Shina]

The show was so funny! I loved it-I think it has potential with Bates' candid and whitty humor! What makes it funny is her sense of her true self, no nonsense openness!

[Rosie]

Loved, Loved, Loved the show. It had real heart to it and it's going to be my New Monday night show at 10pm.

[angel]

Kathy Bates is one of the best actresses in the industry, you can't go wrong with her, she really brings her part to life.

[stuart branch]

I truly enjoyed Harry's Law, I get up early for work, but I will stay up on Mondays for Harry's Law. I beleive it will be a very good show.

[Gerard Capra]

Wow... What a great show for 37 minutes. I really thought NBC was on to something. Then the inevitable. During the trial, the writers had to show their political slant. And so it appears this will be another show dedicated to bashing the bad Republicans and promoting Democrats. I knew it was too good to be true. Sadly the anti republican anti Rush Limbaugh comment by Kathy Bates was even needed. No need to show a bias. When are the networks going to realize, we tune in to be entertained not lectured. I can go to PBS for that. So much for my experiment with network drama. I guess I am back to Netflix and educational TV. At least a show about the universe or history actually teaches me something.

[G. Walker]

I adore Ms. Bates, and I absolutely loved the show. I hope it really takes off!

[tj]

I loved the show, but I also love Kathy Bates. I watched the Cape for the first time and ended up changing the channel, I am not a fan.
Since I do like Harry's Law, it will no doubt get cancelled, every show I like does lol, that is why I don't watch much tv.

[Andrew Colon]

I watched 'Harry's Law' instead of tuning in to Hawaii 5-0 because of my disappointment with 5-0's story line which seems unrealistic. I think I was thinking more along the lines of the old 5-0. I like Harry's Law because it was down to earth, not too gritty and more realistic. I also like the idea of an older and obviously talented woman get a second chance. Also, the writing and acting is, in my opinion, way above 5-0 whose story line seems to be designed for a younger crowd more interested in action vs. a thoughtful story.
Thanks! Andrew Colon, Colonel, USAF (ret)

[Charli A]

I love Kathy Bates! I've been waiting anixously for this show to appear. I will be glued to my TV everytime it comes on.

[Hart]

Kathy Bates is amazing. I love her character and I didn't mind staying up to watch her protray someone like me. Thanks NBC!