“LONGMIRE RIDES AGAIN?” — The Sheriff’s Comeback No One Saw Coming!
The popular Western crime drama, Longmire, may be gearing up for a major comeback, much to the delight of its devoted fanbase. After quietly exiting Netflix earlier this year, fans feared that the beloved series, which originally aired on A&E, had been left behind. However, a wave of rumors has emerged, suggesting that Longmire could return to the screen under a new deal with Warner Bros., which still holds the intellectual property rights to the show. But could it be more than just rumors?
The Show’s Unexpected Exit from Netflix
Longmire’s exit from Netflix on January 1, 2025, marks the end of a decade-long run on the streaming platform. However, fans had reason to believe that the story was far from over. The series, which began its run on A&E and later continued on Netflix, has maintained a loyal following since it first premiered in 2012. Despite the show being a success, both critically and commercially, it was abruptly canceled by A&E after three seasons.
At the time of the cancellation, the show had reached an impressive 6 million viewers per episode. Longmire was one of the few shows that combined the classic Western genre with crime procedural elements, capturing the hearts of fans across the globe. The cancellation left many questions unanswered, and fans were left wondering what happened to Sheriff Walt Longmire and his team.
According to Craig Johnson, the author of the Longmire novels on which the show was based, the show’s cancellation was largely due to Warner Bros. refusing to sell the brand to A&E. “A broadcaster can make a lot more money off a show if they own it, rather than leasing it from a studio,” Johnson told Cowboy State Daily in 2022. “But Warner Bros. knew they had a hit on their hands with Longmire and wouldn’t sell.”
A Promising Revival: The Return of Longmire?
After its untimely cancellation, Longmire was revived by Netflix, where it ran for three more seasons. However, despite its success on the streaming platform, the rights for Longmire have once again fallen into uncertainty, as Warner Bros. maintains ownership.
As the news spread that Longmire would no longer be available on Netflix, Craig Johnson took to social media, expressing his hopes for the show’s revival. He revealed that he had canceled his Netflix subscription after the company decided to remove Longmire, despite the show’s ongoing success in the ratings.
On Facebook, Johnson wrote:
“I hear it’s been picked up by Paramount+, and I’m curious to see if Warner [Bros.], now free from the sweetheart deal with Netflix, will finally consider reviving the show. Interesting times. I took a great deal of satisfaction canceling my Netflix subscription; when I got to the box where they asked why and simply wrote … LONGMIRE.”
This bold statement from Johnson has sparked new conversations about the potential future of Longmire. Could Warner Bros. see an opportunity to bring the show back to life, now that there is no exclusive deal with Netflix?
The Return of the Sheriff: Will Landman Be Revived?
Could the time be right for Longmire to return? According to insiders, the stars are aligned for a possible revival — and the original cast is on board. Robert Taylor, who famously portrayed Sheriff Walt Longmire, hinted earlier this year in an interview that the possibility of Longmire returning in some form was always on the table.
“There’s always talk about doing some movies,” Taylor said, when asked about a possible return to the show. “That could seriously happen.” His statement sparked speculation that the series could return as either a new season or a feature-length film, both options that have fans eagerly anticipating what’s next for the character of Walt Longmire.
Additionally, the neo-Western genre has experienced a significant resurgence in recent years, largely driven by Taylor Sheridan’s Yellowstone franchise and its spinoffs like Landman. This growth in popularity makes the timing perfect for a Longmire revival. If Warner Bros. is considering bringing the show back, they are well aware that audiences are hungry for more Western dramas.
More Source Material: A Wealth of Unexplored Stories
With over 20 novels in the Longmire series, Craig Johnson has provided a wealth of material that could be used to fuel a revival. Since the series ended in 2017, several books have been released that could be adapted for television or film. These include Depth of Winter (2018), Land of Wolves (2019), Next to Last Stand (2020), Daughter of the Morning Star (2021), Hell and Back (2022), The Longmire Defense (2023), First Frost (2024), and the most recent, Tooth and Claw (2024).
The fact that there is a treasure trove of source material suggests that the Longmire universe has a lot of untapped potential. Fans can look forward to more intense investigations, gripping storylines, and, of course, the return of Sheriff Walt Longmire to the small screen.
What’s Next for Longmire Fans?
For now, the fate of Longmire remains uncertain. While Warner Bros. has yet to make any official announcements about a revival, the demand for more episodes or a film is evident. Fans continue to show their support for the show through annual Longmire Days celebrations in Buffalo, Wyoming, which have grown larger with each passing year. The event draws thousands of devoted fans who still honor the characters and the show’s legacy.
With the show’s original cast expressing interest and a wealth of material to explore, could this be the moment Longmire fans have been waiting for? Only time will tell, but it’s clear that Sheriff Walt Longmire may not have ridden off into the sunset for good.
What do you think? Would you like to see Longmire return for more episodes or a feature film? Let us know in the comments or on social media!
