That collective moan you heard at the end of August was from fans of the popular modern western Longmire after A&E decided to cancel the show after three seasons. Netflix is on track to right what TV viewers considered a horrible wrong.
The twist was that, unlike most shows that get the boot for low ratings, Longmire was A&E’s most popular original scripted show of all time. The cable network dumped the show because the median age of its more than 5 million viewers was 61.
Since the late August announcement, prompted by an outpouring of support from fans, Longmire’s production company has been shopping the show to other outlets, with Netflix being the prime target. Deadline reports negotiations are in process, with the streaming network’s interest stemming from its rights to the show’s first three seasons.
There have been a number of creative Twitter hashtags hoping to help Longmire find a new TV home. The news of the show possibly returning, thus potentially resolving a season 3 cliffhanger, has fans rejoicing and continuing their fight to bring the program back. Included in that mix is one of the show’s stars, Lou Diamond Phillips, who offers his thanks to Longmire faithful for their support.
bc well conceived fiction is so seldom brought to life in such a magical way #NeedLongmire we will keep fighting #LongLiveLongmire
— J. Keith Jones (@jkeithjones) November 11, 2014
Dear @netflix: If you pick up S4 of #Longmire I will be your best friend. Love your pal, Torrey. #longmirelives #LongLiveLongmire
— Torrey M. Spears (@torreymspears) November 14, 2014
RT @tonytost: Please keep the faith and keep vocal and stay positive. It’s making a difference. It’s shifting the winds. #LongmireLives”
— LongLiveLongmire (@LongmirePosse) November 9, 2014
The thing about trends…they become mainstays with enough dedication. Way to go, Posse! You are inspirational! #NeedLongmire
— Lou Diamond Phillips (@LouDPhillips) November 11, 2014
Longmire is based on a series of bestselling books by Craig Johnson which recounts the life of a heroic Wyoming sheriff, Walt Longmire. To keep the show as close to the written narrative as possible, Johnson acts as a script consultant. Australian Robert Taylor stars as the sheriff of fictional Absaroka County, trying to keep a fragile peace between townspeople and Native Americans on the nearby Cheyenne Reservation.
