The neo-Western crime drama Longmire, a beloved staple for fans of gritty storytelling, is stirring up excitement with whispers of a revival after its departure from Netflix on January 1, 2025. Based on Craig Johnson’s bestselling Walt Longmire Mystery novels, the series, which ran for six seasons from 2012 to 2017, has left an indelible mark with its compelling mix of Wyoming’s rugged landscapes, complex characters, and gripping crime narratives. With Warner Bros. holding the rights and fresh developments—like a new streaming service and a passionate fanbase— fueling speculation, the question on everyone’s mind is: Could Sheriff Walt Longmire saddle up for one more ride? As clues mount, from cryptic cast comments to industry shifts, the buzz for a Longmire comeback is louder than ever.

The Story So Far: A Legacy of Grit and Heart

Longmire follows Walt Longmire, a stoic sheriff in the fictional Absaroka County, Wyoming, as he navigates crime, personal loss, and the cultural tensions of his rural community. After the death of his wife, Walt rebuilds his life while solving murders, battling corruption, and confronting his own demons, all set against the stark beauty of the American West. The series, developed by John Coveny and Hunt Baldwin, blends classic Western themes with modern crime drama, exploring Native American issues, small-town politics, and family loyalties.

The show began on A&E in 2012, quickly becoming a ratings juggernaut with six million viewers per episode. Despite its success, A&E canceled it after three seasons when Warner Bros. refused to sell the rights, unwilling to part with a proven hit. Netflix swooped in, reviving the series for three more seasons, with the sixth and final season dropping in November 2017. Even without new episodes, Longmire remained a top performer on Netflix, consistently ranking in the platform’s Top 20 and hitting No. 3 among Westerns as recently as February 2024. Its departure from Netflix, driven by licensing complications, has sparked renewed hope for a revival, especially as Paramount+ picked up streaming rights and Warner Bros. gears up for its own streaming platform.

The show’s enduring appeal lies in its rich characters and layered storytelling. Walt’s moral compass, tested by cases tied to the Cheyenne reservation and local power struggles, resonates with audiences. His relationships with deputy Victoria “Vic” Moretti, friend Henry Standing Bear, and daughter Cady Longmire add emotional depth, while villains like Jacob Nighthorse keep tensions high. The series’ finale tied up major arcs—Walt passing the sheriff’s badge to Cady—but left room for new stories, especially with Craig Johnson’s ongoing novels providing fresh material.

What’s Driving the Revival Buzz?

The speculation for a Longmire revival stems from several key developments. Warner Bros. Discovery’s announcement of a new streaming service, set to launch by mid-2026, has fans hopeful that the studio will capitalize on its ownership of Longmire to produce new content. The show’s move to Paramount+ has kept it accessible, with fans pledging to boost ratings there to signal demand. Craig Johnson, the series’ creator and author, has fueled the fire, expressing optimism about a revival now that Warner Bros. is free from its Netflix deal. Johnson’s public frustration with Netflix, culminating in him canceling his subscription and citing Longmire as the reason, underscores his eagerness for new episodes or a movie.

The neo-Western genre’s surge, driven by hits like Yellowstone and its spinoffs, makes Longmire’s return timely. Fans and cast members alike have voiced enthusiasm, with thousands flocking to the annual Longmire Days festival in Buffalo, Wyoming, where revival talks dominated recent discussions. The festival, drawing fans from across the U.S. and beyond, highlights the show’s loyal following, with half of attendees discovering the series post-cancellation, proving its growing appeal.

Johnson’s novels, published after the show’s 2017 end, offer ample material for a seventh season or a standalone film. Titles like 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 Tooth and Claw (2024) introduce new cases, from Alaskan adventures to post-Vietnam flashbacks, ensuring Walt’s story has plenty of room to grow. The question isn’t whether there’s material—it’s whether Warner Bros. will seize the moment.

The Cast: Returning Favorites and Potential New Faces

A Longmire revival would likely bring back its core ensemble, whose chemistry defined the series. Robert Taylor leads as Walt Longmire, the weathered sheriff whose quiet strength and sharp wit made him a fan favorite. Taylor has expressed enthusiasm for a return, telling audiences at Longmire Days to “bombard” Warner Bros. with revival demands and hinting that “movies could seriously happen.” His rugged charisma would anchor any new season, especially as Walt navigates retirement or a new role.

Katee Sackhoff would return as Deputy Victoria “Vic” Moretti, whose fiery spirit and complex relationship with Walt added spark to the series. Sackhoff’s recent podcast discussions with Taylor suggest she’s eager to reprise Vic, especially after their Season 6 romance left fans wanting more. Lou Diamond Phillips as Henry Standing Bear, Walt’s loyal friend and a key figure in the Cheyenne community, brings gravitas and humor. Phillips has voiced openness to returning, citing the show’s positive set dynamics.

Cassidy Freeman would reprise Cady Longmire, Walt’s daughter and the new sheriff, whose growth from lawyer to leader offers rich potential for new stories. Adam Bartley as Deputy Archie “The Ferg” Ferguson and Bailey Chase as Deputy Branch Connally (if revived via flashbacks or a twist) would round out the sheriff’s team. Recurring players like Zahn McClarnon as Mathias, the tribal police chief, and A Martinez as Jacob Nighthorse could return to stir up conflict on the reservation.

While no new cast members have been confirmed, a revival might introduce fresh faces, perhaps a new deputy or a villain from Johnson’s later novels. The core cast’s willingness to return, coupled with their strong performances, would ensure continuity while leaving room for new dynamics.

Plot Twists: What Could a Revival Bring?

A Longmire revival, whether a Season 7 or a standalone movie, would deliver the twists fans crave. Based on Johnson’s novels and the cast’s hints, one major twist could involve Walt being pulled back into action despite passing the sheriff’s badge to Cady. A high-stakes case—perhaps a murder tied to a powerful new player in Absaroka County—might force Walt out of retirement, revealing a conspiracy that threatens his legacy. The trailer for a potential revival, teased in fan circles, suggests a “mysterious threat” in Wyoming, possibly linked to unresolved tensions with the Cheyenne reservation or a figure from Walt’s past.

Another twist could center on Vic and Walt’s relationship. Season 6 hinted at romance, but a revival might complicate this with a betrayal—perhaps Vic taking a risky stance that puts her at odds with Walt, or a hidden secret about her past resurfacing. Henry Standing Bear’s arc could take a dark turn, with his ties to the reservation drawing him into a dangerous conflict, forcing Walt to choose between friendship and justice.

The novels offer clues to bigger shocks. Tooth and Claw, set in Alaska with a younger Walt and Henry post-Vietnam, could inspire a flashback-driven twist, revealing a long-buried trauma that impacts a current case. Alternatively, a movie could focus on a single, explosive mystery, with a twist like Cady’s failure as sheriff, forcing Walt to reclaim his role. A fan-favorite theory suggests a major character death—perhaps Henry or Vic—to raise the stakes, though Johnson’s optimism hints at a story that balances closure with new beginnings.

Why a Revival Matters: A Timeless Western for Today

Longmire resonates for its authentic portrayal of rural life, Native American issues, and the moral complexities of justice. Its revival would tap into the neo-Western boom, offering a grounded counterpoint to flashier shows like Yellowstone. The series’ focus on character-driven storytelling, set against Wyoming’s stark beauty, appeals to fans craving substance over spectacle. Longmire Days, drawing thousands annually, proves the fanbase’s dedication, with new viewers discovering the show through streaming and reruns.

A revival would also showcase Warner Bros.’ new streaming strategy, leveraging Longmire’s proven popularity to compete with Netflix and Hulu. With Johnson’s novels providing fresh material and the cast’s enthusiasm, the timing feels right. Whether as a season exploring Walt’s next chapter or a movie wrapping up his legacy, a Longmire comeback would satisfy loyal fans and attract new ones.

What to Expect Moving Forward

As of August 2025, no official revival has been confirmed, but the signs are promising. Warner Bros.’ streaming service, set for 2026, could debut Longmire as a flagship project, with a potential release in late 2026 or early 2027. A season of 10 episodes or a two-hour movie are both viable, with filming likely in New Mexico or Wyoming to capture the series’ iconic vistas. Fans are urged to keep the buzz alive, emailing Warner Bros. and streaming on Paramount+ to show demand.

Longmire’s heart lies in its blend of grit, heart, and mystery. Whether Walt rides again in a new season or a film, the prospect of his return has fans buzzing. As the clues add up, one thing’s clear: Absaroka County’s sheriff still has stories to tell. Saddle up—the West is calling.