Fans of Longmire, the beloved neo-Western crime drama, believed Sheriff Walt Longmire had hung up his badge for good when the series ended in 2017. But hold your horses—there’s new hope on the horizon. Craig Johnson, the New York Times bestselling author behind the Walt Longmire Mysteries novels and the creative force of the television series, has ignited a spark of excitement with his recent push for a revival. As Longmire prepares to depart Netflix on December 31, 2024, after a decade-long streaming run, Johnson is vocal about bringing the stoic sheriff of Absaroka County back to the screen. Early talks with Warner Bros., the studio holding the intellectual property rights, are reportedly underway, and Hollywood is buzzing with speculation. Could Walt Longmire, played by the inimitable Robert Taylor, return to tackle new cases, confront old enemies, and resolve lingering tensions with his deputy, Victoria “Vic” Moretti? With the cast expressing enthusiasm and the neo-Western genre hotter than ever, the stage is set for a potential comeback that has fans saddling up with anticipation.

A Storied Journey from Page to Screen

For those unfamiliar, Longmire is a modern Western crime drama based on Craig Johnson’s Walt Longmire Mysteries novels, which began with The Cold Dish in 2004. The series, developed for television by John Coveny and Hunt Baldwin, premiered on A&E in June 2012, quickly becoming the network’s highest-rated original drama with an average of 6 million viewers per episode. Set in the fictional Absaroka County, Wyoming, the show follows Sheriff Walt Longmire (Robert Taylor), a laconic, introspective lawman grappling with the death of his wife while solving crimes with his deputies and close friend Henry Standing Bear (Lou Diamond Phillips). The series blends classic Western archetypes with contemporary crime drama, tackling themes of justice, Native American integration, and personal loss, all set against the rugged backdrop of Wyoming—though filmed primarily in New Mexico.

The show’s initial success on A&E was undeniable, but in 2014, the network shocked fans by canceling it after three seasons. The reason? Warner Bros., the show’s producer, refused to sell the rights to A&E, who wanted ownership to maximize profits. Fans rallied, and Netflix swooped in, rescuing Longmire and producing three more seasons from 2015 to 2017. The move to Netflix quadrupled its audience, making it one of the platform’s highest-rated original series at the time. However, history repeated itself when Netflix sought to buy the series outright, and Warner Bros. again declined, leading to the show’s conclusion after its sixth season. Despite the cancellation, Longmire has remained a top performer on Netflix, consistently ranking in the top 20 streamed shows and holding the number three spot among Westerns as recently as February 2024.

Now, with Longmire leaving Netflix for Paramount+ and other platforms like Peacock, the absence of a dedicated streaming deal with Netflix has opened the door to new possibilities. Craig Johnson, who lives in Ucross, Wyoming (population 26), has been vocal about his desire to revive the series, and his recent comments have set the internet ablaze. In a Facebook post, Johnson wrote, “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.” He added a cheeky note about canceling his Netflix subscription, citing Longmire as the reason.

Why Now Is the Perfect Time for a Revival

The timing for a Longmire revival couldn’t be better. The neo-Western genre has seen a massive resurgence in recent years, largely fueled by Taylor Sheridan’s Yellowstone and its sprawling universe of spin-offs like 1883, 1923, and Landman. Paramount+, Longmire’s new streaming home, has become a hub for Westerns, hosting classics like Gunsmoke and modern hits like Lawman: Bass Reeves. The platform’s successful revival of Joe Pickett, another Western-inspired series based on C.J. Box’s novels, sets a precedent for bringing Longmire back to life. With Yellowstone reportedly winding down as Kevin Costner shifts focus to his Horizon: An American Saga film series, there’s a void in the Western TV landscape that Longmire is uniquely positioned to fill.

Moreover, Craig Johnson’s prolific output provides ample source material. Since the series ended in 2017, Johnson has published eight new Walt Longmire Mysteries books, including 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). A 21st novel, Return to Sender, hit bookstores in 2025. These stories offer fresh mysteries, character arcs, and emotional depth for Walt, Vic, Henry, and others, ensuring a revival wouldn’t lack for compelling narratives.

The fanbase’s enthusiasm further bolsters the case. Longmire has a devoted following, evidenced by the annual Longmire Days festival in Buffalo, Wyoming, which draws nearly 12,000 attendees, including Johnson and cast members like Robert Taylor and Cassidy Freeman (Cady Longmire). Fans like Jane Eberle Carnes, who told Cowboy State Daily, “A revival of Longmire would be amazing,” and Susie Hosier, who said her family has rewatched the series three times, demonstrate the show’s enduring appeal. Online, Reddit communities and social media posts echo this sentiment, with users pleading for a reboot or standalone movies, some even suggesting a book-accurate adaptation.

The Cast’s Enthusiasm and Potential Storylines

The cast’s willingness to return is a critical factor. Robert Taylor, who embodied Walt Longmire with a quiet intensity reminiscent of classic Western heroes, told UPI in July 2024, “There’s always talk about doing some movies. That could seriously happen.” He hinted at licensing issues as a hurdle but encouraged fans to “bombard” Warner Bros. with support for a revival. Cassidy Freeman, who played Walt’s daughter Cady, expressed enthusiasm in August 2023, saying “Absolutely” when asked about returning and praising the tight-knit cast relationships forged during production. Other key actors, including Katee Sackhoff (Vic Moretti) and Lou Diamond Phillips (Henry Standing Bear), have moved on to projects like The Mandalorian and Another Life, but their past comments suggest openness to revisiting Longmire.

A revival could take several forms: a full seventh season, a miniseries, or a series of made-for-TV movies, as Taylor suggested. Potential storylines abound, given the unresolved threads from the series finale and the new books. The sixth season ended with Walt contemplating retirement, Vic dealing with her feelings for him, and Henry taking on new responsibilities. The novels introduce high-stakes cases, such as Walt facing a dangerous adversary in Hell and Back or unraveling conspiracies in The Longmire Defense. A revival could explore Walt and Vic’s complex relationship—will they finally address their unspoken romantic tension? Old enemies like Malachi Strand or new threats from the novels could resurface, and Cady’s evolving role as a lawyer could deepen the narrative. Fans on Reddit have even proposed standalone movies featuring characters like Branch Connally or Hector, even if non-canonical.

Warner Bros.’ New Streaming Venture and Industry Dynamics

Warner Bros.’ refusal to sell Longmire’s rights to A&E and Netflix has been a double-edged sword, preserving their control but stalling new content. However, the studio’s recent moves could shift the landscape. Warner Bros. Discovery is launching its own streaming service, combining HBO Max, DC Studios, and its vast library of content. Johnson told Cowboy State Daily that this platform could be an ideal home for Longmire, noting, “They’ve already done the hard work, now it’s just the technical work to have those promoted.” With Warner Bros. owning the rights, a revival on their platform would allow them to capitalize on the show’s proven popularity without licensing it out.

The industry’s appetite for Westerns also supports a revival. Beyond Yellowstone, upcoming Netflix series like American Primeval (starring Taylor Kitsch and Betty Gilpin) and Prime Video’s adaptations of Reacher and The Terminal List highlight the demand for book-to-screen Westerns and action dramas. Longmire’s mix of mystery, character-driven storytelling, and Western grit makes it a natural fit. As Collider noted, “Longmire is the superior series, offering mystery, a talented cast, and a likable protagonist,” positioning it to outshine competitors.

Challenges and Fan Expectations

Despite the optimism, challenges remain. Warner Bros.’ reluctance to produce new Longmire content since 2017 suggests they’re content with the show’s residual streaming revenue. Johnson himself remarked, “I think what’s happened is that the show continues to be a success for both the producing entity, Warner Brothers, and the broadcasting entity, Netflix, without them doing anything.” Licensing issues, as Taylor alluded to, could complicate negotiations. Additionally, some fans on Reddit have expressed concerns about casting and adaptation fidelity, noting differences between the books and series, particularly with characters like Vic and Henry. A revival would need to balance staying true to the show’s established tone while incorporating fresh material from the novels.

Fans have clear expectations. Many want the original cast, especially Taylor and Phillips, to return, arguing that recasting Walt would be unthinkable. Others hope for a book-accurate reboot, though Johnson’s involvement as a consultant (as he was during the original series) could ensure continuity. The move to Paramount+ offers a chance to tap into a Western-hungry audience, but fans like those on Reddit are urging Warner Bros. to act swiftly to capitalize on the genre’s popularity.

The Road Ahead

Craig Johnson’s passion for Longmire is undiminished. His continued writing—21 novels, two novellas, and numerous short stories—keeps Walt Longmire’s world alive, and his public comments reflect a determination to see the sheriff ride again. The cast’s enthusiasm, the genre’s resurgence, and Warner Bros.’ streaming ambitions align to make a revival more plausible than ever. Whether it’s a new season, a miniseries, or TV movies, the prospect of Walt Longmire tackling new mysteries in Absaroka County has fans buzzing with excitement.

As Longmire transitions to Paramount+ and potentially Warner Bros.’ new platform, the show’s enduring popularity—evidenced by its consistent streaming rankings and loyal fanbase—makes a compelling case for revival. Johnson’s playful jab at Netflix and his call for Warner Bros. to act have galvanized fans, who are ready to “bombard” the studio with support. Will Walt Longmire return to face new cases, old enemies, and unfinished business with Vic? Only time will tell, but for now, the trail is warm, and hope is riding high.