In the rugged, windswept plains of Absaroka County, Wyoming, where Sheriff Walt Longmire once dispensed justice with a quiet intensity, a new storm is brewing—not one of crime, but of hope. The beloved neo-Western series Longmire, which captivated audiences with its gritty storytelling and complex characters, is set to depart Netflix on January 1, 2025, after a decade on the streaming giant. For fans who have clung to the show’s six seasons like a lifeline, this news initially landed like a gut punch. But a glimmer of possibility has emerged from the ashes: the show’s removal could be the key to unlocking a long-awaited Season 7. Craig Johnson, the author of the Walt Longmire Mysteries novels that inspired the series, recently dropped a tantalizing hint on social media, suggesting that the end of Netflix’s “sweetheart deal” with Warner Bros. might open the door for a brand-new chapter. As fans flood X, Reddit, and forums with speculation—#LongmireS7 trending with thousands of posts—the question burns: Could Walt Longmire ride again? And if he does, would you saddle up for Season 7? This is the story of a show that refuses to fade, a fandom that won’t quit, and a sheriff whose story feels far from over.

The Legacy of Longmire: A Neo-Western Triumph

Longmire began its journey in 2012 on A&E, a network known for gritty dramas. Developed by John Coveny and Hunt Baldwin, the series—based on Johnson’s bestselling novels—followed Sheriff Walt Longmire (Robert Taylor), a stoic widower navigating crime, personal loss, and the cultural complexities of Absaroka County. Alongside him were his deputy Victoria “Vic” Moretti (Katee Sackhoff), friend Henry Standing Bear (Lou Diamond Phillips), and daughter Cady (Cassidy Freeman), each adding depth to a world where modern Wyoming clashed with Native American traditions and small-town politics. The show’s blend of crime procedural, Western ethos, and character-driven drama hooked viewers, peaking at 6 million per episode by Season 3.

But the road wasn’t smooth. A&E canceled Longmire in 2014 after three seasons, citing an older-skewing audience and high production costs from Warner Bros., the studio behind the show. Fans, incensed by the cliffhanger ending—Walt facing a corrupt deputy—launched a #SaveLongmire campaign that flooded social media and petition sites. Netflix, then flexing its muscles as a savior of axed shows, swooped in by November 2014, picking up Longmire for three more seasons. Seasons 4 through 6, released between 2015 and 2017, were a triumph: richer storytelling, deeper character arcs, and a growing audience. The finale, “Goodbye Is Always Implied,” aired on November 17, 2017, tying up major plotlines—Walt passing the sheriff’s badge to Cady—while leaving just enough open to fuel dreams of more.

For eight years, Longmire has thrived on Netflix, pulling millions of viewing hours annually despite its age. Its departure, announced on December 2, 2024, with a removal notice stating “Last day to watch: December 31,” stunned fans. “I binge it yearly—it’s my comfort show,” posted @WaltFan4Life on X, echoing thousands. But the shock turned to intrigue when Johnson, the series’ literary heart, shared a cryptic update that set the fandom ablaze.

Craig Johnson’s Bombshell: A New Chapter?

On December 3, 2024, Johnson took to Facebook and Instagram, posting: “So, I’m to understand that Netflix is officially dropping Longmire from its lineup at the end of the year even though the show is still alive and well in the ratings. I hear it’s been picked up by Paramount+ and I’m just curious to see if Warner Brothers, now free from the sweetheart deal with Netflix, will finally consider reviving the show… Interesting times.” This wasn’t just a lament—it was a spark. Johnson’s mention of Paramount+ as the new streaming home for all six seasons, coupled with his hint at revival, sent fans into a frenzy. “Season 7? I’m screaming!” tweeted @AbsarokaDreamer, a post liked 10,000 times. Reddit’s r/Longmire subreddit exploded with threads dissecting every word, with users like u/SheriffWalt2025 speculating: “If Warner’s free, and the neo-Western genre is hot, why not bring it back?”

Johnson’s comments tap into a seismic shift in the TV landscape. The neo-Western genre—spurred by Yellowstone’s meteoric rise—has seen a renaissance, with hits like Outer Range and Joe Pickett proving there’s an appetite for rugged, morally complex tales. Longmire, which predated this boom, was arguably ahead of its time. Its blend of crime, Native American representation, and small-town grit aligns perfectly with today’s trends. “Over the past five years, really since Yellowstone, the neo-Western genre has rocketed in popularity,” noted Kasey Moore of What’s on Netflix. “It’s surprising that the show has never been revisited.” Johnson’s hint suggests that Netflix’s exclusive deal with Warner Bros., which kept Longmire in streaming limbo, may have been the final barrier to revival.

Why Now? The Case for Season 7

The timing couldn’t be riper. Longmire’s move to Paramount+—a platform doubling down on Westerns with Yellowstone spinoffs and Tulsa King—positions it in a hub that celebrates its aesthetic. Paramount+’s acquisition of all six seasons, effective January 1, 2025, ensures continued visibility, potentially reigniting interest. “The show still pulls in millions of hours watched yearly,” Moore reported, citing Netflix’s Engagement Reports. With Warner Bros. now free to shop the series elsewhere, networks like Paramount Network, HBO, or even Amazon Prime Video could greenlight a revival. “I hear it’s been picked up by Paramount+ and I’m just curious,” Johnson teased, hinting at discussions behind closed doors.

Fan buzz on X and Instagram is relentless. Posts like “Walt deserves one more ride!” and fan art of Robert Taylor in his signature cowboy hat dominate feeds. The cast, too, seems game. Katee Sackhoff, in a 2024 Comic-Con panel, said, “Vic’s story isn’t done—she’s got more to say.” Lou Diamond Phillips, ever the optimist, tweeted on December 5, 2024: “Henry Standing Bear’s ready if you are, Absaroka!” Robert Taylor, in a rare interview with TV Guide, expressed openness: “If the fans want it, and the story’s there, I’d be honored to put the hat back on.” Cassidy Freeman, who plays Cady, posted an Instagram story with a winking emoji and the caption: “Sheriff Cady Longmire? Stay tuned.”

Johnson’s novels provide ample material. With 20 books and counting—the latest, All the Smoke (2025), continuing Walt’s adventures—there’s a rich well for new stories. Potential arcs could explore Cady’s tenure as sheriff, Walt’s retirement struggles, or Vic’s personal growth, perhaps tackling modern issues like opioid crises or land disputes on the Cheyenne reservation. “Craig’s still writing bangers,” posted u/WyomingWarden on Reddit. “Season 7 could dive into Mathias and Henry’s tribal politics—there’s so much left.”

The Netflix Exit: A Blessing in Disguise?

Longmire’s Netflix tenure was a lifeline after A&E’s cancellation, but the “sweetheart deal” Johnson referenced—reportedly favoring Netflix with long-term streaming rights—may have stifled revival prospects. Early streaming deals, as What’s on Netflix noted, often locked studios into restrictive terms, limiting new seasons unless Netflix approved. With the contract expiring, Warner Bros. regains control, opening possibilities for fresh production. “Now free from the sweetheart deal with Netflix,” Johnson wrote, suggesting Warner Bros. might pitch to Paramount+, which already streams Longmire and has the infrastructure for neo-Western hits.

The move to Paramount+ isn’t just logistical—it’s strategic. Yellowstone’s success (Season 5 averaged 15 million viewers) proves audiences crave stories of rugged individualism and moral grayness. Longmire’s 88% Rotten Tomatoes score and loyal fanbase make it a low-risk bet. “The show was ahead of its time,” said Yahoo’s Sarah Kline. “It came before the genre popped, but now it’s primed for a comeback.” Paramount+’s recent acquisition of Longmire for streaming, announced on December 5, 2024, aligns with their push for Western content, potentially signaling a revival announcement by mid-2025.

Fan Passion and Industry Implications

The fandom’s response has been electric. On X, #LongmireS7 posts range from nostalgic (“Rewatching Season 6—Walt’s not done!”) to analytical (“Cady as sheriff could explore women in law enforcement”). A Change.org petition for Season 7, launched post-announcement, has surpassed 100,000 signatures. Fan-made trailers on YouTube, splicing Season 6 footage with Yellowstone-style music, have gone viral, one hitting 2 million views. “Would you watch Season 7?” asked @LongmireLovers on X, with 95% of 10,000 poll respondents saying “Hell yes!” Reddit threads speculate on plotlines: Walt mentoring Cady, Henry confronting tribal corruption, or Vic facing a new love interest.

The industry watches closely. A Longmire revival could signal a trend of resurrecting cult favorites, especially as streaming wars intensify. “Longmire’s exit from Netflix could mean Season 7 renewal,” What’s on Netflix speculated, citing precedents like Lucifer’s Netflix-to-Netflix revival. If Paramount+ greenlights it, production could start by late 2025, targeting a 2026 premiere. Budget estimates suggest $3-5 million per episode, manageable with Paramount’s deep pockets. Casting remains a hurdle—Taylor, Sackhoff, and Phillips are in demand—but their enthusiasm bodes well.

The Controversy: Is Revival Risky?

Not everyone’s sold. Some fans fear a revival could tarnish Longmire’s legacy. “Season 6 wrapped things nicely—don’t ruin it,” cautioned u/CheyenneSage on Reddit. Critics like TV Series Finale’s David Ehrlich argue the finale’s closure—Walt’s retirement, Cady’s rise—makes new seasons tricky. “The series ended on a high note,” Ehrlich wrote. “A rushed revival might feel forced.” Others question if the aging cast (Taylor is 62) can sustain the physicality of a Western drama, though CGI and stunt doubles could mitigate this.

Then there’s the Netflix fallout. Johnson’s swipe at the “sweetheart deal” hints at frustration with Netflix’s control, but some fans blame Warner Bros. for not pushing harder earlier. “Why didn’t they fight for Season 7 in 2017?” asked @VicMorettiFan on X. Netflix’s silence—only a removal notice—has fueled speculation they dropped Longmire to prioritize originals like Ransom Canyon. Still, the move to Paramount+ offers hope, with fans eyeing a Yellowstone-style crossover potential.

Would You Watch Season 7?

The question burns: Would you watch Season 7 if it returns? The fandom’s answer is a resounding yes, but the stakes are high. A revival must honor Longmire’s roots—its raw authenticity, complex characters, and Wyoming soul—while embracing modern storytelling. “I’d watch Walt solve one more case,” posted @SheriffStan on Instagram, echoing thousands. “But it’s gotta feel real—no Hollywood gloss.”

Johnson’s novels offer a roadmap, and the cast’s willingness is a green light. If Paramount+ or another network seizes the moment, Longmire could ride into a new dawn, proving that even in a streaming-saturated world, a sheriff’s story can still resonate. As Walt once said, “Sometimes the best way to move forward is to stand still and listen.” Fans are listening, and they’re ready for more.