‘Longmire’ Ending Its Run on Netflix, But Could the Western Favorite Ride Again?

After nearly a decade of rugged Wyoming landscapes, lawman justice, and loyal fan support, Longmire is officially riding off into the sunset—at least on Netflix. The streaming giant has confirmed that the show will leave the platform on January 1, 2025, ending a remarkable multi-season run that saw the once-canceled A&E series revived and reenergized for millions of viewers worldwide.

But while Netflix has closed the chapter, conversations are far from over. In fact, rumors are heating up that Longmire may not be gone for good, with Warner Bros. Television—the studio that owns the intellectual property rights—reportedly exploring future possibilities for the beloved modern Western.

From A&E to Netflix: A Resilient Journey

Longmire began its life in 2012 on A&E, where it quickly built a passionate fanbase thanks to its grounded storytelling, stunning cinematography, and the stoic charisma of Robert Taylor as Sheriff Walt Longmire. Based on the popular book series by Craig Johnson, the show struck a chord with audiences who appreciated its mix of crime procedural and character-driven Western drama.

Despite solid ratings, A&E abruptly canceled the show after its third season—sparking an uproar among fans. What followed was one of the earliest examples of a major streaming platform rescuing a fan-favorite series. Netflix picked up Longmire in 2015 and produced three additional seasons, concluding the series with a sixth and final season in 2017.

That final season, however, didn’t mean the end of Longmire‘s relevance. The full series remained available for streaming, drawing in new viewers and keeping the fandom alive. But now, Netflix has confirmed that the licensing agreement will expire at the end of 2024, and the show will no longer be available on the platform beginning January 1, 2025.

Author Craig Johnson Speaks Out

As news of Longmire‘s upcoming removal spread, Craig Johnson, the author of more than 20 novels in the Longmire series, took to social media to express his frustration—and his hope for a revival.

“I hate to see it go, but I understand the nature of these deals,” Johnson wrote.
“What disappoints me most is how quietly it’s ending. That show meant so much to so many people—and it deserves more than a silent goodbye.”

Johnson also confirmed he had canceled his Netflix subscription, calling the streamer’s handling of the show’s removal “disheartening,” and hinting that Warner Bros. may be exploring new homes for the series.

“I still think there’s more story to tell,” Johnson added. “And if Warner Bros. agrees, who knows what could happen next?”

Could ‘Longmire’ Be Revived?

Although no official announcement has been made, the idea of a Longmire comeback has gained traction in recent weeks. With Warner Bros. owning the rights, the studio has the power to shop the series—either as a revival, a spinoff, or even a made-for-streaming movie—to other platforms.

In a streaming landscape hungry for familiar IP and established fanbases, Longmire fits the bill. The series had a devoted following and carved out a niche as a contemporary Western with serious dramatic weight—a genre that’s seen a resurgence in popularity thanks to series like Yellowstone and 1923.

Entertainment insiders suggest that HBO Max (also owned by Warner Bros. Discovery) could be a logical destination should the studio decide to reintroduce the show to audiences.

“The door isn’t closed on Longmire,” said one industry analyst. “It’s a well-loved property with a built-in fanbase, which is exactly what platforms are looking for in an increasingly competitive market.”

Fans Rally Online

Since the announcement of the show’s removal, fans have flooded social media with hashtags like #SaveLongmireAgain and #BringBackLongmire, calling on Warner Bros. to revive the series or continue the story in some form.

“I just started rewatching the series and I’m heartbroken it’s leaving Netflix,” one fan tweeted. “There’s so much more to explore with these characters.”

Others have suggested that even a feature-length film could provide closure or jump-start a new chapter for the franchise. The series finale, while generally well received, left some loose threads—particularly regarding Vic Moretti (Katee Sackhoff) and Henry Standing Bear (Lou Diamond Phillips)—that could easily be picked up.

A Western With Staying Power

Whether or not Longmire returns, its legacy is secure. The series helped demonstrate the power of fan-led campaigns, proved that streaming platforms could resurrect canceled network shows, and introduced a new generation of viewers to the modern Western.

As January 1 approaches, fans will be saying farewell—at least for now. But in the world of television, especially in this era of revivals, reboots, and reunions, “farewell” rarely means forever.

Longmire may be leaving Netflix, but in the hearts of fans—and perhaps in the minds of studio execs—it’s still riding tall in the saddle.