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.
Love Kathy Bate's style and loved the show! The show was great....down to earth entertainment that was soooo refreshing!!!!!!
Posted by: Shelly | January 18, 2011 at 04:59 PM
I usually never watch law type shows, but this show had my attention from start to finish. Kathy Bates is such a brilliant actress and I already love the writing. My cowgirl hats off to her!! Way to go!
Posted by: Kimberly | January 18, 2011 at 05:09 PM
I think Kathy Bates is great and I hope this show succeeds so we can look forward to seeing her each week. Not sure what the purpose of Brittany Snow's character is supposed to be. She didn't have much to say or add to the story. The other characters were really good and it's a kick to see "Dr. Romano" again. I hope this show gets better and better. Kathy Bates is a wonderful actress in every thing she does.
Posted by: mary ann | January 18, 2011 at 05:38 PM
OK. I liked the show ... a lot. I loved and agree with Harry's court room analysis of the drug problem in America (North and South).
But, trying to make an extortionist into a sympathetic character; uhm, sorry, he gets money from people by promising not to burn down their businesses IF they pay up every month. Him being a Guardian Angel doesn't fly after squeezing people for money with threats.
Otherwise, Bates is great! Brittany Snow is cute, and the other lawyer is a hoot. Its on a Tivo Season Pass!
Posted by: John Buckley | January 18, 2011 at 06:40 PM
We loved this show. Kathy Bates did a fine job. We expect to see it every week.
Posted by: Tom Long | January 19, 2011 at 07:50 AM
So SAD. What an opportunity for a really great show. I had been looking forward to it all week...BUT the political stunts pulled the show down to the bottom. Not necessary. Take your personal agendas and political bashing comments and keep your show. I am so tired of movies and television shows that are supposed to entertain...but instead are being used to promote one political side by bashing the other. Not appropriate. I won't be watching again.
Posted by: Susan | January 19, 2011 at 05:41 PM
I have never ever enjoyed a show as much as I did Harriet's Law debut. I laughed out loud and cried at the touching scenes. The ensemble cast really work well together and each brings something special. But, Kathy Bates shines like a diamond in this role with her special way of making you believe in her and does it by making you laugh out loud. I love this woman as an actor and this show demonstrates her best qualities. Please keep this show!!
Thank you.
Posted by: Dede Van slambrouck | January 20, 2011 at 11:37 AM
I think that the Kathy Bates show "HARRYS LAW" WILL BE A BIG HIT
Posted by: Jerry | January 20, 2011 at 11:57 AM
There's enough room for both Hawaii 5-0 and Harry's Law. Those of you who were so inept to praise law without disrespecting Hawaii 5-0, I feel sorry for you. I get it - you're old. You need something old to watch, so you watch Harry's Law. You can't stand Hawaii 5-0, because it's too loud. It's too unrealistic (did you expect them to have a show dedicated to watching pineapples or macademia nuts grow???). I watch both shows. I love Kathy Bates, but rather than go "oh, that has an old lady as the lead character, that's a show for old people", I watched it because it was a quirky show with actors with talent. See? I didn't have to disrespect a show to praise Harry's Law. Sorry, but being old doesn't give you an excuse for being disrespectful. Get over yourselves.
Posted by: O-town | January 20, 2011 at 12:06 PM
At the risk of seeming way to young for my own good, my grandmother managed to commandeer the television from me that night and turned the channel to Harry's Law. I was pleasantly surprised. I'm of the 18-25 demographic, by the way. Though the show is definitely geared toward an older audience, it really held my attention because of the good dialogue and imperfect characters. Maybe if they key some of the marketing toward a younger audience it will gain a little momentum.
Posted by: Val | January 20, 2011 at 02:33 PM
We tvoed the show because of Kathy staring in it...was enjoying it UNTIL
the charactor made the liberal political statement. PLEASE don't go political on us...we will not continue to watch it. Do not care what a character's leanings are it's entertainment!!!!!
Posted by: l.l | January 21, 2011 at 08:41 AM
A Liberal screed from start to finish. The friendly neighborhood 'protection' racket was especially rich. Scripted by MSNBC's writers ?
Posted by: cbinflux | January 21, 2011 at 10:59 AM
It's interesting that the show was highly Liberal (MSNBC SHOCKER!) yet guns were the amusing answers to most problems.
A one season wonder for sure.
Posted by: cbinflux | January 21, 2011 at 11:06 AM
Too bad Kathy Bates jumped the shark on her first episode. Two lawyers debating in a court room in front of a judge who just set there and watched started the show down the slope. Then she just had to get all political. Who needs that stuff at 7:00 on a Saturday night. Then I realized that the show was on NBC which explains the political point of view. Fortunately, their affiliate, MSNBC just had a spot open up. That would be a good move. P. S. I'm a registered Democrat... and I won't be watching!
Posted by: Silence Please | January 22, 2011 at 06:28 PM
Call me smarmy but I loved Harry's Law and all of the actors, especially Kathy Bates. It was uplifting and outrageous all at once. The numbers speak for themselves and critics once again don't matter, viewers do. I do not watch any television except for Joy Behar--what a must-see she is--but I will watch Harry's Law every Monday night. And once again, David Kelly got it right.
Posted by: Prince | January 23, 2011 at 10:08 AM
Harry's Law looks like it can be a real winner. It is so unique and yet plausible in some off the wall way. I just hope it doesn't degenerate into just another soap opera type show like so many others have done. The actors are well cast and fun. I really hope this one will be a keeper.
Posted by: Jackie | January 23, 2011 at 11:21 PM
I didn't watch the show although I would have liked to. I don't have a DVR, so I couldn't record it either. Sorry, but I am an avid fan of "Castle" (on ABC) and I just couldn't bring myself to switch that night just to see the first show out of the block.
From the comments, it seems like it could go either way. I will try to catch it because I love Kathy Bates, and I think she will bring real spunk to a female lawyer named Harry. It seems Kathy herself fought for the name because the part was originally written for a male character. Harry (short for Harriet) just spells spunk to me.
I am sad to hear that NBC chose to proselytize their political bent on the show. If that continues, I will tune out for sure. Like an earlier post, I come to see a good story and I do not want to be hear "your" political opinion. Besides, you will lose those of use who are right of center, or right-winged conservative Baby Boomers if you go there!
Give me a good story line and some great acting (Boston Legal-like!).
Posted by: Yvonne | January 24, 2011 at 12:24 PM
Loved it!! I don't usually watch "regular" tv because the shows have gotten so ridiculous and too many commercials, but I love Kathy Bates so I decided to suck it up and watch...glad I did! Love it, she is full of "spit and vinegar" as my beloved father would say! Hope it sticks...
Posted by: Debbie | January 25, 2011 at 06:46 AM
just watched the second episode and i love the show ....cried and laughed .......love the ensemble cast.....and cathy bates has the ability to give believability to her characters.....i've always liked her......as for all the people commenting on "the political slant"thing ......i see it as looking at the humanity of the people and situations of the episode.......something we should all remember to infuse in our perspective of things...........bravo to the show....i'm a fan
Posted by: linder | January 25, 2011 at 07:54 AM
Didn't like the character "Tommy" in the last episode. Please don't make this a ridiculous show with that type of foolhardy character. If he were toned down just a little it would make the point without being a farce. JMHO I loved everything else so far and hope you can keep the scripts going! I think it is fantastic that Kathy Bates brings this character with humor and warmth and intelligence! As someone about the age of "Harry", I can appreciate this role and Kathy's portrayal is right on! Love it!!
Posted by: Fran Pierce | January 25, 2011 at 09:27 AM