A Sheriff Rides Again?

In a twist that has fans dusting off their cowboy hats and reloading their binge-watching queues, the beloved Western series Longmire might not be riding off into the sunset just yet. Creator Craig Johnson, the mastermind behind the Wyoming-set crime drama, has revealed he’s actively pushing for a revival of the show that captivated millions with its gritty storytelling, complex characters, and stunning landscapes. As Longmire prepares to bid farewell to Netflix at the end of 2024—making way for an exclusive streaming home on Paramount+—Johnson’s comments have ignited Hollywood buzz, with early talks reportedly underway at Warner Bros. Could Sheriff Walt Longmire (Robert Taylor) return to Absaroka County to tackle new cases, confront old enemies, and finally resolve that simmering tension with Deputy Vic Moretti (Katee Sackhoff)? The cast is “very interested,” according to insiders, and hope is riding higher than a Wyoming peak. This potential comeback isn’t just nostalgia; it’s a chance to reinvigorate the Western genre in an era hungry for authentic, character-driven tales. Buckle up, as we dive deep into the details, analyzing what a revival could mean, why now is the perfect time, and how it could change everything for fans who’ve been yearning for more since the 2017 finale.

The Legacy of Longmire: From Books to Screen Phenomenon

To understand the excitement surrounding a potential revival, we must first revisit the roots of Longmire. Based on Craig Johnson’s bestselling Walt Longmire mystery novels—which now number over 20, with the latest, Return to Sender, hitting shelves in May 2025—the series premiered on A&E in 2012. It followed Walt Longmire, a stoic, widowed sheriff in the fictional Absaroka County, Wyoming, as he navigated murder investigations, personal demons, and the clash between modern law enforcement and traditional Native American culture. Robert Taylor’s portrayal of Walt was a revelation: a man of few words but profound integrity, often clashing with his best friend Henry Standing Bear (Lou Diamond Phillips) and his ambitious deputy Vic.

The show quickly became a sleeper hit, blending procedural crime elements with Western tropes—think horseback chases, vast ranchlands, and moral ambiguities reminiscent of Unforgiven or No Country for Old Men. Over six seasons, Longmire amassed a devoted fanbase, drawn to its authentic depiction of rural America, strong ensemble cast, and themes of justice, loss, and redemption. Johnson’s novels provided rich source material, allowing the series to explore Walt’s grief over his wife’s murder, political corruption in small-town politics, and the cultural tensions on the nearby Cheyenne reservation.

However, the road wasn’t always smooth. After three seasons on A&E, the network canceled the show in 2014, citing high production costs and an older demographic that didn’t align with their youth-focused branding. Fans rallied with petitions and social media campaigns, and Netflix swooped in, reviving it for three more seasons from 2015 to 2017. This move not only saved Longmire but elevated it to global stardom, with millions streaming the episodes worldwide. The finale, “Goodbye Is Always Implied,” wrapped up major arcs—Walt retiring, Vic surviving a near-death experience, and Henry taking over the casino—but left tantalizing loose ends, like Walt’s future and unresolved romantic tension with Vic.

Since then, Longmire has enjoyed a robust afterlife on Netflix, consistently ranking in the platform’s top Westerns and introducing new generations to Walt’s world. But all good things must end: As of December 31, 2024, the series departs Netflix due to the expiration of Warner Bros.’ licensing deal. It’s set to stream exclusively on Paramount+, a platform increasingly positioning itself as a hub for Westerns with hits like Yellowstone and 1883. This shift has fans speculating—and Johnson hoping—that it’s the catalyst for a revival.

Craig Johnson’s Push for Revival: “Not So Fast” on the Sunset

Craig Johnson, the Wyoming rancher-turned-author whose vivid prose brought Walt Longmire to life, has never hidden his affection for the TV adaptation. In recent interviews, including a December 2024 chat with UPI and Cowboy State Daily, Johnson expressed curiosity and optimism about bringing the show back. “I’m just curious to see if Warner Brothers, now free from the sweetheart deal with Netflix, will finally consider reviving the show,” he told UPI. This isn’t passive wishing; sources close to Johnson indicate he’s actively advocating for it, leveraging the success of his ongoing book series to spark interest.

Johnson’s timing couldn’t be better. With Return to Sender—Walt’s 21st literary adventure—garnering rave reviews for its brutal Red Desert setting and baffling case involving a missing postal worker, the author is at the peak of his influence. He’s been honored with the 2025 Owen Wister Award for Lifetime Contributions by the Western Writers of America, further cementing his status as a genre icon. In a July 2025 Cowboys & Indians podcast, Johnson elaborated on Wyoming’s inspiration for his stories, hinting that the TV series could evolve with the books’ modern twists, like incorporating contemporary issues such as climate change impacting ranch life or cyber threats in rural policing.

Early talks with Warner Bros. are reportedly underway, fueled by the studio’s push into streaming. In July 2025, Warner Bros. Discovery announced plans for its own service, potentially rivaling Netflix and Paramount+. This could be the perfect home for a Longmire revival, especially as Westerns surge in popularity—thanks to Yellowstone‘s billion-dollar empire and films like Horizon: An American Saga. Insiders whisper that Johnson’s team has pitched concepts for limited series or movies, drawing from unpublished story ideas and fan-favorite book plots not yet adapted.

What makes this push exciting is Johnson’s vision for a revival that honors the original while pushing boundaries. “The characters have so much unfinished business,” he said in a May 2025 Spokesman-Review interview during his book tour. Imagine Walt, post-retirement, drawn back by a cold case tied to his wife’s murder, or facing a new generation of villains in a Wyoming transformed by energy booms and tourism. Johnson’s enthusiasm is contagious, stimulating fans to dream big about what could be.

Cast Reactions: “Very Interested” and Ready to Saddle Up

No revival would work without the original cast, and fortunately, the stars are aligning. Robert Taylor, the Australian actor who embodied Walt’s quiet strength, has been vocal about his desire to return. In a February 2025 Reddit thread on r/longmire, fans cited Taylor’s comments on potential movies, noting his other project Territory was canceled, freeing his schedule. “I’d love to put the hat back on,” Taylor reportedly said at a convention, emphasizing the cast’s chemistry. His portrayal, often compared to Clint Eastwood’s laconic heroes, was the show’s anchor, and fans crave seeing an older, wiser Walt grappling with aging and legacy.

Katee Sackhoff, who played the fierce Vic Moretti, has echoed this sentiment. In comments on the same Reddit post, users recalled Sackhoff’s interviews where she expressed interest, joking about Vic’s unresolved romance with Walt. “There’s so much left to explore,” she said in a 2024 podcast. Vic’s arc—from tough Philly cop to Absaroka mainstay—left room for growth, perhaps as the new sheriff or dealing with personal fallout from Season 6’s events.

Lou Diamond Phillips, as the wise Henry Standing Bear, has been a revival advocate. Known for his nuanced portrayal that diverged from the books but added depth, Phillips has teased on social media about “old friends reuniting.” Other cast members like Cassidy Freeman (Cady Longmire) and Adam Bartley (The Ferg) have shown enthusiasm, with Freeman noting in a fan Q&A that the Netflix rights previously blocked new projects.

Comments from the Reddit community highlight this excitement: One user wrote, “The cast couldn’t act while Netflix held the rights, but now? Game on.” Another suggested standalone movies focusing on Robert Taylor and Lou Diamond Phillips. This collective interest isn’t just lip service; it’s a testament to the show’s family-like production, where actors bonded over Wyoming’s harsh filming conditions.

Fan Expectations: New Cases, Old Enemies, and Unfinished Business

Fans aren’t just hoping for a revival—they’re demanding it with specific wishes that could make Season 7 (or a movie series) a must-watch. The Season 6 finale tied up loose ends neatly, but Johnson’s books continue Walt’s adventures, providing a blueprint. Anticipated plotlines include:

New Cases: Drawing from Return to Sender, a mystery involving a vanished postal worker could introduce high-stakes intrigue in Wyoming’s deserts, blending environmental themes with classic whodunits.
Old Enemies: Villains like Malachi Strand (Graham Greene) or Jacob Nighthorse (A Martinez) could return, their arcs left ambiguous. Imagine a cartel resurgence pulling Walt from retirement, echoing real Wyoming issues like drug trafficking.
Unfinished Business with Vic: The will-they-won’t-they tension between Walt and Vic was a fan favorite. A revival could explore a mature romance, Vic’s leadership role, or family dynamics with Cady.

Social media buzz, including YouTube trailers speculating on “Longmire Season 7 (2026),” shows fans’ creativity. One video envisions Walt facing a violent drug cartel, with Taylor reprising his role. Reddit threads dream of crossovers with Yellowstone or deeper Native American storylines, honoring the show’s respectful portrayal of Cheyenne culture.

This fan fervor isn’t unfounded; Longmire events like Longmire Days in Buffalo, Wyoming, draw thousands annually, proving enduring appeal. A revival could tap into this, perhaps filming more on location to capture the state’s raw beauty.

The Broader Implications: Reviving the Western Genre

A Longmire comeback would be more than fan service—it’s a shot in the arm for Westerns. In an era dominated by superhero spectacles and true crime, Longmire stood out for its grounded realism, tackling issues like veteran PTSD (Walt’s Vietnam backstory), indigenous rights, and rural decay. Reviving it now, amid Yellowstone‘s success and Western resurgences like Outer Range, could bridge classic and modern audiences.

Warner Bros. sees potential: With their new streaming push, Longmire fits as premium content, perhaps as limited series to attract A-list talent. Johnson’s swipe at Netflix’s cancellation—despite strong ratings—highlights streaming volatility, but Paramount+’s Western focus (home to Tulsa King and Landman) could host it if Warner passes.

Culturally, a revival stimulates discussions on aging heroes (Walt in his 60s), female empowerment (Vic and Cady), and authenticity in storytelling. Johnson’s books evolve Walt, keeping him relevant—why not the show?

Challenges Ahead: Hurdles to the Horizon

Of course, revivals aren’t guaranteed. Scheduling conflicts, aging cast, and budget concerns loom. Taylor, now in his 60s, matches book Walt’s age but might prefer movies over grueling seasons. Netflix’s cancellation rationale—ownership costs—could deter studios, though fan petitions (over 100,000 signatures post-2017) prove demand.

Yet, optimism prevails. Johnson’s advocacy, cast interest, and Western boom create perfect conditions. As one fan posted, “Longmire deserves more—let’s make it happen!”

Conclusion: Hope Rides High for Walt’s Return

As Longmire prepares to leave Netflix, Craig Johnson’s push for revival has fans on the edge of their saddles. With early Warner Bros. talks, cast enthusiasm, and untapped stories, the stage is set for Walt Longmire to return—new cases in tow, old enemies lurking, and unfinished business begging resolution. Whether as a full season, movies, or limited series, this Western hit could redefine comebacks, proving good sheriffs never truly retire. For fans who’ve waited eight years, the horizon looks brighter than ever. Stay tuned, Absaroka County— the law might just be back in town.