‘Longmire’ shot out of saddle by network

Posted 9/2/14

A&E, the cable channel that aired the show about a Wyoming sheriff, dropped the show after three seasons. “Longmire” author Craig Johnson announced the cancellation with a brief post on his Facebook page Thursday afternoon: “Onward and …

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‘Longmire’ shot out of saddle by network

Posted

Fans of series about Wyoming sheriff think show’s cancellation is a crime  

You could hear the howls of protest and anger across the Internet: “Longmire” has been canceled.

A&E, the cable channel that aired the show about a Wyoming sheriff, dropped the show after three seasons. “Longmire” author Craig Johnson announced the cancellation with a brief post on his Facebook page Thursday afternoon: “Onward and upward, to a better network!”

According to published reports, the show’s producers hope to find a new home on another network.

A&E praised the show in its cancellation notice.

“We would like to thank the phenomenal cast, crew and producers of Longmire, along with our partners at Warner Horizon, for their tireless work on three seasons of quality dramatic storytelling,” it stated. “We are incredibly proud of what we have achieved together.”

According to TVGuide.com, the ratings for “Longmire” had declined this season. It reported that the final episode this summer was seen by 3.7 million viewers, with a 0.6 rating in the 18-49 demographic. The season two finale was viewed by 4.4 million people and had a 0.9 demo with the 18-49 demo.

Johnson has promoted the show during his book tours. He has written 10 “Longmire” novels along with several short stories. Johnson was in Powell last month and the Powell Branch Library pulled out all the stops, promoting a series of “Longmire” events that included a giveaway of his newest book in the series, “Spirit of Steamboat,” a night of “Longmire” episodes at the American Dream Drive-in and an appearance by Johnson, who told stories, fielded questions and signed and sold books.

By Friday morning there were hundreds of comments on his Facebook page, expressing anger at A&E and hoping for another network to pick it up.

One reason fans want to see the show given new life is the way the third season ended. Walt Longmire heard a gunshot but viewers were not shown if anyone was struck by a bullet.

Instead, they were hit with the news that their favorite show was on the critical list.

Jo Ann Heimer of Powell responded to a question from the Powell Tribune about the cancellation of the show.

“I had to DVR the whole season because of the time it was on,” Heimer said. “I am sad it was canceled. I enjoyed the show.”

Glenda Bell of Powell was stunned when she was told the show had been canceled. Bell said she is an avid fan who has never missed an episode.

“The characters are real,” she said. “They act like real people, not like stereotypes. They react like real people would react.”

But Bell said she was optimistic that Sheriff Walt — played by Australian actor Robert Taylor — will patrol Absaroka County again.

“Somebody will grab it,” she said.

Craig Johnson

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