When it comes to neo-Western TV shows, it might seem as though Taylor Sheridan holds a monopoly. But not only has “Yellowstone” spawned many a clone since its 2018 debut, there are also plenty of pre-Sheridan neo-Western series well worth checking out. “Longmire” is one of them. Thankfully, you can now watch this oft-overlooked series on Prime Video, and those looking for shows in the vein of “Justified” should definitely pay attention.
The neo-Western crime drama series started out on the A&E network back in 2013, but switched to Netflix halfway through its six-season run. The show is based on the Walt Longmire Mystery novels by Craig Johnson, in which the titular sheriff of northern Wyoming’s fictional Absaroka county investigates numerous suspicious deaths. The books have been published since 2004, with Johnson since having written 22 novels, three novellas, and numerous short stories.
In 2010, A&E ordered a pilot based on Johnson’s fictional universe, with John Coveny and Hunt Baldwin developing the show for television. The network then ordered it to series in 2011, with Australian actor Robert Taylor, whose previous credits included “The Matrix” and whose more recent work includes “The Meg,” in the lead role of Walt Longmire. Interestingly enough, Coveny would go on to co-executive produce and write several episodes of “Yellowstone.” But before he gave Sheridan a hand, he and Baldwin had six seasons worth of neo-Western crime drama to oversee.
Longmire was a big hit during its six-season run
In “Longmire,” Robert Taylor’s Walt Longmire is a dedicated sheriff who oversees his northern Wyoming county with the help of his deputies, an indefatigable drive for justice, and a wry sense of humor. But his unflappable nature hides a deep pain. The sheriff lost his wife prior to the events of Season 1 and when we first meet him, he’s about ready to give up on his re-election bid and let challenger, Branch Connally (Bailey Chase), take over. But his daughter Cady Longmire (Cassidy Freeman) and new deputy, Victoria Moretti (Katee Sackhoff), convince him to push forward.
Over six seasons, we see Walt and his team solve many murder cases, often with the help of Walt’s best friend Henry Standing Bear (Lou Diamond Phillips), a member of the Cheyenne people. Yes, like Luke Grimes’ Kayce Dutton on “Marshals,” this Western lawman has a Native American confidant who often helps with cases. Unlike “Marshals” and it’s struggle to figure out what it’s actually about, however, “Longmire” actually garnered impressive reviews and was well-received by audiences.
In fact, “Longmire” became a major hit for A&E. According to The Hollywood Reporter, the Season 1 premiere drew 4.1 million total viewers, making it A&E’s most-watched scripted series debut ever. The show also became the highest-rated new cable scripted hour-long drama of the year among the 25-54 demographic. Naturally, it was renewed for a second and third season, after which A&E canceled the show, ostensibly because its audience skewed too old (though financial considerations were almost certainly a factor). Thankfully, “Longmire” became one of many shows saved from cancellation by Netflix, with the streamer picking the show up for a fourth, fifth, and sixth season. Now, you can see all of them on Prime Video.
Longmire was canceled before its time
Though it was set in Wyoming, “Longmire” was filmed in various locations around New Mexico. Not that it mattered too much. The show was full of impressive landscapes and sweeping vistas which made it feel very much like the kind of show that, in the age of AI and streaming movie blandness, is slowly slipping away. That was part of the reason critics liked it so much, with Nancy DeWolf Smith of The Wall Street Journal highlighting in her Season 1 review the “glorious setting under the big sky of Wyoming,” adding, “If it weren’t for a few modern conveniences, like cellphones and trucks, it might as well be 1875, so rugged and unspoiled does the scenery look.”
DeWolf wasn’t the only one impressed, either. On Rotten Tomatoes, the show has a very respectable average critic score of 88%, with Season 4 even managing to push the Tomatometer all the way to 100% (though that is based on just seven reviews). Otherwise, Season 1 garnered a “certified fresh” rating and an 85% critic score, which is pretty darn good for a show that few outside of its dedicated fanbase have heard of.
Unfortunately, in 2017, Netflix canceled “Longmire” following what was, according to author Craig Johnson, a dispute over the rights whereby the streamer wanted to buy the show outright from production company Warner Horizon Television. Considering the wealth oft did. Alas, Walt and co. were told to pack it up after their sixth season. Thankfully, we can now enjoy all six seasons on Prime Video
