Kathy Bates Recalls NBC‘s ‘Disrespectful’ Cancellation of ‘Harry’s Law‘ as ‘Matlock‘ Success Looms
Veteran actress Kathy Bates is reflecting on past professional slights as she makes history with her current role. Bates, 77, is the oldest-ever nominee for outstanding Lead Actress in a Drama Series at the Emmys for her performance in the CBS revival of Matlock. The nomination comes decades after she publicly criticized NBC for canceling her previous legal drama, Harry’s Law, despite strong viewership.Harry’s Law, which premiered in 2011, centered on a former lawyer who starts a law firm with two unlikely associates in a rundown shoe store. The series averaged around 7 to 11 million weekly viewers for NBC, but the network ultimately canceled it after two seasons in 2012, citing a lack of appeal to younger demographics.Bates didn’t mince words about the decision at the time, telling the Television Critics Association in 2013, “I think they treated us like sht. They kicked us to the curb. They disrespected us. They disrespected our seven to 11 million viewers a week. and I think they’re getting what they deserve.”
Now,Bates says the success of the Matlock reboot proves a market exists for stories centered around older performers. In a recent interview with Variety,she recalled NBC’s reasoning for canceling Harry’s Law: “They said,’We can’t monetize on old people.’ And I felt like, ‘Fk you!'” Bates added with a laugh, “Success is the best revenge.”
The actress, who already holds an Oscar, two Emmys, and a Golden Globe, views her current Emmy nomination as particularly meaningful. ”It’s true, first of all,” she said of her age, “and it’s a badge of honor. It’s just the serendipity of all of it.” Matlock* Season 2 premieres Sunday,October 12 at 8:30/7:30c,with a regular time slot premiere on Thursday,October 16 at 9/8c on CBS.
