As would be expected with a series from David E. Kelley, “Harry’s Law” represents a very old-skewing addition to the NBC lineup. Though it could not muster a particularly impressive adults 18-49 rating in its Monday premiere, the show nonetheless delivered a very solid viewership total for the network.
The Kathy Bates-led legal series garnered a 2.1 rating with 11.04 million viewers in its premiere at 10PM, delivering a strong audience total for NBC. Analysts are correct that performance in the coveted adults 18-49 demographic often drives advertising spend, but NBC and its sponsors will still be reasonably happy with an audience that large, especially given the tendency for Kelley’s series to attract wealthy viewers.
Given the dependence on total viewers, the magnitude of breathing room “Harry’s Law” has for the typical post-premiere drop-off is unclear.
With its wide audience, “Harry’s Law” was able to narrowly edge CBS’ “Hawaii 5-0” among total viewers *(11.04 million to 10.61 million). Among young adults, however, “5-0” had the clear edge with a 2.9.
Earlier in the night, NBC featured “Chuck” (2.0 rating, 5.92 million) and “The Cape” (1.8 rating, 6.19 million).