In this current, dazzling age of streaming, it’s easy to get swept away by the latest buzz, constantly fearing you’ll fall behind on the next big show. And when fans think of definitive TV Westerns today, Taylor Sheridan’s Yellowstone franchise undeniably dominates the conversation. Yet, amidst the contemporary cowboy drama and power plays that have roped everyone in, a shocking truth remains largely unrecognized: Netflix had a powerful contender, a six-season Western gem with an impressive 88% Rotten Tomatoes score, quietly proving its grit and emotional depth. It’s Katee Sackhoff’s Longmire, and while fans might be “sleeping on it,” this series, now with a new platform, is poised to challenge Paramount+’s reign!
Before Yellowstone became a cultural phenomenon, Longmire was already serving up small-town justice, dusty standoffs, and brooding sheriffs burdened with emotional baggage. It might not boast the same “Dutton-level branding” or vast, multi-generational sagas, but if you’re craving frontier tension without the soap opera theatrics, Longmire is Netflix’s low-key, character-driven answer to Taylor Sheridan’s empire. It delivers all the Western grit and emotional depth, minus the ranch politics, and has earned a dedicated cult following along the way.
The Unsung Gem: Longmire – Raw Western Authenticity Without The Gimmicks
Longmire didn’t burst onto the scene with guns blazing, but it certainly stayed in the fight, proving its quiet power. This slow-burn neo-Western earned an impressive 88% on Rotten Tomatoes and a solid 8.3/10 IMDb score, firmly establishing its place as a critically acclaimed crime drama with a dusty, modern-day Western edge. It’s a testament to its compelling storytelling that it garnered such strong ratings, proving audiences were more than ready for its unique blend of procedural drama and deep character exploration.
Led by Australian actor Robert Taylor as the titular Sheriff Walt Longmire, the series picks up after Walt suffers the devastating loss of his wife. He returns to duty in Absaroka County, Wyoming, striving to piece his life back together one crime scene at a time. His best friend, Henry Standing Bear (played by Lou Diamond Phillips), adds a profound cultural and spiritual layer, helping Walt navigate complex tribal politics and often challenging his perspective. While their bond runs deep, don’t expect a typical buddy-cop dynamic; these two carry their own complex trust issues and personal demons. Based on Craig Johnson’s best-selling Walt Longmire Mysteries, the show initially feels like just another police procedural, but it quickly distinguishes itself. Flashbacks, slow-burn reveals, and deeply buried small-town secrets keep the tension simmering across all six seasons, drawing viewers deeper into its rich, often melancholic, world.
A Tumultuous Journey: From A&E’s Cancellation To Netflix’s Rescue… And A Shocking Departure!
Longmire’s journey to becoming a beloved cult hit was anything but smooth. Premiering on A&E in 2012, it quickly became the network’s highest-rated original drama, a testament to its immediate appeal and quality. However, in a move that baffled and infuriated fans, A&E controversially canceled the show after its third season. It was a classic case of a critical and fan favorite being cut down too soon.
But the story didn’t end there. Like a hero riding in to save the day, Netflix galloped in, picking up the show and giving it three more seasons, allowing its passionate fanbase to see its emotional finale in 2017. Netflix was celebrated for this rescue, but the streaming landscape is ever-shifting. As of January 1, 2025, Longmire officially left Netflix’s U.S. library. This latest twist, while heartbreaking for U.S. Netflix subscribers, revealed a new chapter for the series. Longmire is now riding high on other platforms, notably finding a new home on Paramount+ in the U.S. Its loyal fanbase, hardened by previous battles for its survival, has refused to let it fade into the sunset. The show’s enduring appeal is a testament to its compelling characters and timeless themes, proving that true Western grit transcends platform changes.
The High-Stakes Showdown: Will Netflix Dare To Revive Longmire To Challenge Paramount+’s Yellowstone Empire?
With Longmire now firmly entrenched on Paramount+, an intriguing opportunity has arisen, one that could reshape the very landscape of the streaming wars. Craig Johnson, the show’s creator, has not been shy about expressing his frustration with Netflix’s decision to drop the series. In a candid Facebook post, he openly called out the streamer, stating, “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 have to admit that I took a great deal of satisfaction cancelling my Netflix subscription when I got to the box where they asked why and I simply wrote… LONGMIRE.”
Johnson is already teasing a potential revival, especially now that the old Netflix deal has expired and the show has landed squarely on a rival platform. This creates a direct, high-stakes scenario: if Netflix truly wants to “saddle up” against Paramount+’s formidable Western empire – led by Taylor Sheridan’s Yellowstone and its popular prequels like 1883 and 1923 – reviving Longmire might just be its boldest, most strategic play yet. With Longmire still holding strong in ratings and enjoying immense “legacy love” from its dedicated fanbase, a comeback could indeed turn the tide in the intensifying streaming battles. The stage is set for a dramatic showdown, and the return of Walt Longmire could be the ultimate weapon in this cinematic Western war!
Do you think Netflix should revive Longmire to directly challenge Yellowstone? What would a new season of Longmire bring to the modern Western genre? Share your thoughts and predictions below!