‘Longmire’ season 4: Lou Diamond Phillips lays out renewal timeline

While it was around the fall last year when we first learned about “Longmire” coming back for a third season, we have something at least partially more specific now when it comes to a timetable date.

After likely seeing all of the cries for a renewal and hopes from some of the fans online, series star Lou Diamond Phillips took to Twitter this week to make it clear how he feels about the show returning, but also when is the last time that they could pick up the show for more episodes:

“For those who asked, @AETV has until sometime in Sept. to decide on a pickup for #Longmire. Feeling pretty good about it but let ’em know!”

Why do most networks have a deadline for such matters? The biggest reason for that revolves around the talent associated with the show. There is only so long that a network can hold someone under contract, since they have to be able to go secure other work for themselves in the event that they are not coming back. This is why this waiting period is often more agonizing for many actors and others associated with the show than anyone else; they are basically at the mercy of an announcement when it comes to their jobs.

At least there is one nice thing about the way that timing works out for “Longmire” in particular. In the event that the series does not return for whatever reason, there will still be other opportunities for the cast come pilot season, which they should be able to dive into immediately in the event the show is canceled. We still have hope for the future, but we won’t be 100% until an announcement is made.