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

[Evin Kennedy]

I really enjoyed it. Kathy was great as was the ensemble cast. Love the beginning with her in her office getting fired. Another hit for David Kelley.

[Sandie Wein]

Absolutely loved the show. You cannot go wrong with Kathy Bates and David Kelly. He hasn't written or produced a series yet that I haven't loved. He is funny, quirky, and smart. Coupled with the ability of Ms Bates, a winning combination and I will be a faithful viewer.

[DeeKay]

If the writers can maintain the quality of the initial effort, I think it could rival Castle, and that's a real favorite of mine. It was hysterical in spots, angering in spots, thought-provoking in spots, and socially/politically/morally challenging off and on. Not only is Bates excellent, the supporting cast did a good job. I want to see all of them again, including the first two clients. Very promising -- keep it up!

[Carol Clopton]

Here's hoping Kathy Bates gets to put many more of the REAL pressing issues of the country out there so all of us can do some deep thinking. Kudos to David E. Kelley for bringing a much needed forum back.

Loved the way Kathy looks, it's realistic, and for those of us who endured decades of "professional" appearance, it's well earned not just for her, but thousands of us just like her.

Keep Harry's Law - drop Outsourced.

[CL]

I thought the premiere was a little underwhelming. The case was not very interesting, and Harry didn't show that she's a litigator who will be fun to watch in the courtroom. The twist that saved the client from jail wasn't surprising enough for a pilot. And I found it a little hard to believe that Nate Corddry's character wanted to work for Harry just because of the first episode's events. But I love Kathy Bates, and I've liked Nate Corddry's work in the past, and I've always enjoyed David E. Kelley's shows. I think this show has potential, and I'll keep watching at least the next few episodes.

[Bob Davis]

Loved it. Typical Davis E. Kelley. Lots of political stuff that's been missing in network shows lately.

[P.A. Martin]

I knew anything with Kathy Bates would be wonderful. I think the writers did a great job, too; a little humor, some seriousness makes for good viewing in this day and age. How could you go wrong with someone of Ms Bates' caliber? And I can't stand the new Hawaii Five-O.

[Even L. James]

Very good show...

[Housefrau]

I'm all for Kathy Bates getting a show worthy of her talents and David E. Kelly has a brilliant career behind him. I love character shows and would be happy if Hawaii 5-0 and all the CSI shows disappeared. But this show was embarrassing! The fake looking set street that was supposed to be "the hood"?! The clunky attempt at quirkiness with the shoe store/law office?! The thugs who really just needed a kindly lawyer to care about them?! Let alone the inexcusable legal inaccuracies and story gaps (the whole episode--including Harry's entire trial--took place in one day). I thought it was truly awful. I know David E. Kelly and Kathy Bates can do a whole lot better.

[sharon]

greatttttttttttttt show. she is the best selection for this part, that's the Kathy Bates that I like to watch. please keep this show on because it was great. Great cast, great script. i will watch and told my friends to watch.

[Al]

harry's law was great!! it has a great cast and brittany snow reminds me of a young reese witherspoon for some reason. everyone is perfect in their roles!

[Julie Begonia]

What a refreshing show! Husband and I thought it was excellent--great writing and wonderful acting. We expect no less from Kathy Bates and David E. Kelley and will certainly tell-a-friend. We 60-somethings would also appreciate a 9:00 time slot.

[play nice]

predictable, boilerplate tripe trying to be clever soured with a dose of a typical leffty ad hominem attack on conservatives. kathy, david, el al you have zero respect for your audience.

[alanak]

Fantastic show, went totally above and beyond my expectations. It was drily funny, somewhat touching and had an interesting supporting cast. This is probably the best new show i've seen since the Closer, which is surprising because it's on regular tv, not cable. Finally, a show for people who aren't in the all important 18-29 demographic, but we count too.

[Eve Castro]

I want to watch Harry's Law here in the Philippines... I wish that NBC will be available in our local cables. :( I love to see Ms. Bates as Harriet.

[sandy meador]

Kathy Bates has the midis touch. Everything she touches turns to gold. I will watch anything she appears in. Not only that, David E Kelly is an inspired director. His tempo keep you ingrossed and involved. It is fast passed and intelegent and Kathy makes the diolog feel really exciting. She totaly pulls it off, as only she can. The rest of the cast looks promising as well. GO HARRY!!!

[connie]

I think it is a hit. I loved the previews and couldn't wait until it premiered. I have loved Kathy Bates since "Misery." She is a gifted actor and the previews just did it for me. I have been shying away from too much tv, but knew that this was a show I wanted to see on a weekly basis. When watching it last night, I saw that David E. Kelly was the writer. He is good and she is great! Loved it and think it will be around for a while.

[CINDY]

I LOVED THIS SHOW. IT WAS FUNNY, IT WAS SAD, IT WAS MOVING, AND I LOVE THE PART ABOUT THE SHOE STORE AND THE LAW OFFICE BEING TOGETHER. SALE THOSE SHOES AND KEEP KATHY BATES ON THE AIR!!!

[Lts]

Great - I thoroughly enjoyed the show. A fresh look at law series. Not only Kathy is cunning, amusing but as always a great actress.

[Steve]

Harry's Law has Great potential but it was Greatly marred by the Anti-Conservative rant that was completely un-needed. I am not sure NBC can put on an unbiased program anymore. I hope they can do better next week.