Why USA may be a sudden contender for ‘Longmire’ season 4
When we first wrote about the most-likely contenders for “Longmire” season 4, we initially wrote USA off for a number of reasons,. For one, they have worked steadily over time to develop their own properties, and have not shown a real affinity for bringing in shows from elsewhere, with the only real example being “Law & Order: Criminal Intent” years ago. Also, their ratings in the 18-49 demographic have been pretty solid, and they don’t necessarily need the show.
However, in doing some of our coverage for other shows on USA in the past week or so, a major trend has been starting to show: This has not been a good summer for the network at all. “Royal Pains” lost a whopping half of its total viewers, “Graceland” is struggling, “Covert Affairs” is disappointing, and new series “Rush” and “Satisfaction” are just a blip on the radar. Even “Suits” is not necessarily a smash, though it does do well in the demo.
So with all of this in mind, we’re willing to consider “Longmire” at least a possible contender for USA now for a couple of reasons, should any executive over there be listening:
- That whole “characters welcome” slogan would work very well over here, given the great characters already in this universe.
- While you do once again have to wonder about that dreaded demo, “Longmire” does have better total viewers than every original series on the USA schedule. Maybe getting it promotion and play over there could end up helping it? This is certainly a different situation than TNT, who already has shows with similar ratings.
- How much faith does the network really have in their upcoming series? They do have a pilot starring Jennifer Carpenter, but that is not a sure thing. With “White Collar” ending, it may be nice to have at least one other solid contributor.
This is all just information to keep in mind, since we still aren’t guaranteeing that any network will pick up “Longmire” at all. Warner Horizon may be shopping the show, but another network has to bite on the prospect of something three seasons in that draws most of its viewership outside of the primary demo to measure ad dollars.
Could you see “Longmire” on USA? Share in the comments, and head over here to get some further TV updates right now via our CarterMatt Newsletter.
Photo: Warner Horizon
jmboATL
October 3, 2014 @ 2:52 am
I am baffled! I am a baby boomer-the largest single demographic in the US. Boomers have more disposable income than any other demographic; we are fiercely loyal to those things we like; when we find something we like, we stick with it. I love Longmire. All my boomer friends watch Lingmire. I have lots of disposable income. Yet A&E doesn’t want me. Or any other boomers. Sounds like a really poor business plan to me! I will support any network that picks up this show-with a vengeance!
D Chapnick
September 28, 2014 @ 4:46 am
In a booming economy, younger viewers DO control more ‘disposable’ income than mature adults . . . unfortunately for advertisers today, that is not the case. In a sane, profit-oriented world, USA would jump on the chance to pick up Longmire [more than 5 million viewers a week – a no-brainer], Today, who knows? The GOOD news, IF USA buys Longmire and it continues to draw a good audience, it will enjoy a long run. USA has shown great loyalty to its viewers [keeping several good, but not exceptionally popular series going for years]. I also agree that Longmire would draw even better audiences if it was given a decent time slot and a little promotion. A & E has been a garbage network since 2001 [change in management], an d is not likely to change – – – the message it is sending: “Don’t bother watching unless you are satisfied with Storage Wars – – – if you find a show you like, we won’t keep it anyway.”
hardly workin
September 13, 2014 @ 1:35 am
Whoever picks up Longmire is my favorite channel. In my eyes, it’s a no brainer. This show has excellent writing,acting,location value, as well as directing. A & E is run by boneheads who think duck dynasty is quality viewing. They have their heads up their behinds. I hope their revenue falls to zip.
jereme ortega
September 10, 2014 @ 6:28 am
Longmire should be on USA Network, because it was filmed in New Mexico anyways, and some USA Network shows use the Albuquerque film studios to shoot their shows. For example, “In Plain Sight” was filmed there. So why the hell not Longmire?
Juan E. Rascon
September 10, 2014 @ 2:44 am
My mother and I love watching this show it entertains us and we are vested in all the characters if USA doesn’t pic up the show I would love to see it as a companion show to Hell on Wheels on Saturday nights on AMC! just don’t let it go away!
cheryl
September 10, 2014 @ 1:09 am
have they seen the tweets last night we shut down twitter and the fans can do it again we want Longmire back on and more episodes and the USA channel could do it from Cheryl
Jeri
September 9, 2014 @ 6:49 pm
Why not have it on the History Channel??? It would be a perfect fit for them.
Mike Marder
September 8, 2014 @ 11:39 pm
The biggest growing demo on the planet is the boomers. They’ve money and time, and are overlooked. A and E isn’t thinking right, but network bosses that haven’t a clue is a proverbial cliche. USA could use the show to advantage, and there is always NETFLICKS and Hulu. If they’re smart.
Jmid
September 8, 2014 @ 9:24 pm
I cannot believe A&E cancelled “Longmire” What where they thinking? I’m 60, and I am tired of the juvenile crap on tv, this show would be great pickup for any network to add to it’s lineup. And there is no brand loyalties these days, my demographic is much more important than the “execs” recognize. See ya A&E, long live “Longmire” I will follow you anywhere!
Mrs. Spencer
September 8, 2014 @ 6:15 pm
“Longmire” is by far one of THE BEST shows on TV. The stories, characters, and the acting are all phenomenal. I would love to see another network pick it up. I was very unhappy to hear A&E was not going to renew it for season 4. Bad decision A&E, I may never watch your network again. #LongLiveLongmire
carol
September 8, 2014 @ 4:03 pm
Loved Longmire! Was Best thing on. Hope it gets picked up somewhere.
Robert J Frost
September 8, 2014 @ 11:45 am
USA would be a good choice. I’m also with Lisa. The truly archaic demographic table does need to be updated. We, as a nation, are far more intricate than the demo. indicates.
Billie Thompson-Romie
September 8, 2014 @ 12:42 am
Longmire is a very real, engaging show that does not follow the same ho-hum theme as all the rest of the shows out there. The characters are relate able and the show is good family entertainment. It is refreshing that it is not the usual cookie-cutter type atmosphere as the rest of the shows on-air. It is reminiscent of “Gun Smoke” where your root for all the characters. I would follow the show on any network! A&E it’s YOUR LOSS!!! You made a HUGE MISTAKE cancelling Longmire!!!
Anonymous711
September 7, 2014 @ 5:52 am
I will watch whatever network has the good sense to pick up a quality show such as Longmire. I watch a lot on TNT & think it would be a good fit there, but USA, I don’t care, just PLEASE, someone pick it up. I’m also tired of being considered “old” and shopping Depends, Arthritic meds, etc. I do the major shopping for family and I like variety. Unfortunately for A&E, all their programming is same-o now, full of cheap reality crap, already showing bad sense and taste in dumping Longmire. BRING BACK LONGMIRE!!!
Jen
September 7, 2014 @ 3:39 am
Would love to see Longmire go to USA! The network’s two new shows are barely bringing in over a million viewers each, whereas Longmire would guarantee them almost 4 times that number. USA needs an outstanding show again, now that Burn Notice is no longer. #LongLiveLongmire, no matter what network decides to sign it on!
Amber W
September 6, 2014 @ 6:54 pm
If any network takes on Longimire I will be there to watch it. I can not believe that A&E cancelled it. I hope so one picks it up I can not wait to see the new season!!
Alan LaGreen
September 6, 2014 @ 6:40 am
I hadn’t watched A&E much since they replaced their “arts and entertainment” fare with trashy reality shows. I came back for Longmire, but I’ve been somewhat surprised since season one with A&E’s lack of marketing for the show. They never put in the PR/promotion needed to get some Emmy nominations, for example. (Sundance Channel has gotten nominations for virtually unknown shows like “Top of the Lake” and “Rectify” — so why none for Longmire?) Warner Bros. is about to have a major round of layoffs, so hopefully the folks who would be shopping Longmire to other networks won’t be among those let go!
Cornelia Amiri
September 6, 2014 @ 6:36 am
I love USA. I am a loyal viewer of Royal Pains and Covert Affairs. I don’t like the new show Rush that much but I love Satisfaction. I can easily see Longmire on USA. #longlivelongmire
Maureen
September 6, 2014 @ 2:43 am
Didn’t Monk switch networks? They went on to have a long life after the switch. Longmire can do the same.
I_Liked_Vic
September 6, 2014 @ 2:33 am
As long as they bring the show back, I wouldn’t care if it ended up on MTV. It’s quality TV. Do we really need another reality show?? Does A&E want to follow the trendof blurred naked shows? we already had “Naked & Afraid”. Now we have ” Dating Naked”. This is turning into a world that is not kid friendly. I know Longmire had the occasional curse word but it was still a show you could watch with your kids or parents. Very disappointed in A&E
Shelia Bumgarner
September 6, 2014 @ 1:24 am
I love the books, the show and the fact that I can watch something and not have fricking nightmares about what I saw on the tube. The cast is good, the writing is good, and it is set in the American West. #LongliveLongmire.
Lance
September 6, 2014 @ 12:53 am
I would be happy to see Longmire on USA. However, I really don’t care, and would pay if Netflix or any other subscription channel picked it up. I will faithfully support anyone who advertises on Longmire, if there’s a season four. I’m waiting to see what happens before I buy my next car. If Longmire gets picked up and Dodge is still the sponsor, I’ll buy a Charger instead of a 750I, even though I really want that BMW. Lisa’s right, we have the money to spend, and are loyal. I’m still in the demo, 44 but it ticks me off that they think that people aren’t worth advertising to just because they’re older. Most of their demo is more worried about buying booze than anything else, so unless Bacardi is sponsoring the show, what the heck? Besides Dodge was the sponsor, and a perfect one, there is a lot of country people, truck buyers, and other general car buyers that aren’t in the “target” demographic they were trying to reach, that love Longmire. I guarantee you Dodge picked up sales because of Longmire. Look at me, my trucks a chevy and I’ll keep it forever,but I’m willing to buy a Dodge car to support the show.
misrenegade
September 5, 2014 @ 11:26 pm
I hope USA picks up Longmire. Please Please Please pick up Longmire!!
Dan Anthony
September 5, 2014 @ 11:13 pm
Longmire is good clean family entertainment. If that is outside the television dynamic, then so be it. They need to move to center instead of this production company. My family looks forward to this show every week. My only complaint is that the screenplays deviate too much from Johnson’s books. I wish they were more in sync.
Gayle silva
September 5, 2014 @ 10:42 pm
Love longmire.
Sue Givens
September 5, 2014 @ 9:57 pm
I don’t care who-just as long as someone picks it up! Let me know and I’ll be there with my guns drawn!
#LongLiveLongmire
Susan Higginbotham-Kaut
September 5, 2014 @ 9:19 pm
I can totally see Longmire as USA’s new flagship. What a way to turn the network around and start shooting for the mature demographic!
Janet
September 5, 2014 @ 8:33 pm
I have USA, and don’t watch it much, anymore. Longmire is so superior, it is one of the few shows I watch. Right now I am watching Outlander on Starz, also a really high quality show.
Joh
September 5, 2014 @ 8:24 pm
I have grown to feel like Longmire is family and I would love to see it find a good home
Carl Tuell
September 5, 2014 @ 8:20 pm
Longmire would be a great replacement for FX’s Justified. The next season is the final season for Justified. My wife and I love both shows and can’t wait until their new seasons start. “LLL”
snowdog2mom
September 5, 2014 @ 8:34 pm
My only thought about FX picking up Longmire is I think Longmire is to tame for FX. I also watch Justified but to me it sometimes relies too much on violence just for violence sake and the same with sexual content versus quality writing. I tried to watch FX’s The Bridge and found it way to over the top with violence, sex, and weirdness. It’s not doing well in the ratings so maybe they will rethink their direction. I prefer Longmire over Justified.
connie moxley
September 5, 2014 @ 8:09 pm
I,am 66 and I will fallow Longmire where ever it goes, also just because i’am old does not mean I don’t spend money I have 11 grandchildren from 1 to 19 so to heck with the Demo’s pick up Longmire
Cuttler
September 5, 2014 @ 8:58 pm
It has nothing to do with how much money you spend and everything to do with how “swayable” you are to the ad. Think about it. I bet you buy the same brands you’ve used for decades. At 47 (and still in that demo, though barely) I know I do. I buy the same dishwashing liquid, washing machine detergent, tennis shoes, barbecue sauce, cat foot ect ect ect that I have for years because I’ve found the one’s I like. Yes, sometimes something completely new will spark my interest but when that happen it’s typically a totally new product, not just a new brand of something I’ve been using for years. Young people are more likley to try a different brand vs one they’ve used in the past and that’s why advertizers want their eyeballs on their ad.
snowdog2mom
September 5, 2014 @ 9:32 pm
Sounds like your stuck in a rut, just kidding. I think they want us all to believe we have made our brand decisions but there is more variation in what we buy than they or we think. Do you always buy the same brand of vehicle? I haven’t over the years. I have changed what I feed my dogs a lot as I have become smarter on what crap a lot of pet food brands contain and as they have come out with much better/healthier offerings for my pets. There are a lot of new products out there that weren’t even around a few years ago. Even for brands you are loyal to do you buy the exact same variety every time? There are commercials all the time for new varieties of a well established products. Example. I buy Hellmann’s Mayo but have you seen the commercials for the New Olive Oil variety with the firemen? When I moved to the South around here Duke’s Mayo is big. I tried it and it’s good so now I buy Hellman’s or Duke’s depending on if one’s on sale. There are several brands of BBQ sauce I like and new ones are coming out seems like daily here. BBQ is big here and there are brands that weren’t available where I lived before. Will I try the new ones, sure and have, and found ones better than my old favorites and others I would never buy again. Just a few examples. We’re not as predictable as they think we are! I’m outside the “key demo” they cater to. They are losing potential business by discounting me! Don’t you think Connie will be buying things for her grandkids that she hasn’t previously bought based on what they want.
Mary Huber
September 5, 2014 @ 11:31 pm
Well said, Snowdog2mom. I’m in my 70s and I constantly change brands. I think of it as an adventure to find something better, and I pay very close attention to advertising.
Gretchen Schmidt Bishay
September 6, 2014 @ 1:15 am
The only ads I can specifically remember them showing on Longmire are the Ram truck ones. I’m 46. It is not likely that my next vehicle will be a truck. Husband and I laugh that most of the shows we watch advertise arthritis drugs, Cialis, and so forth. I hope it comes to Netflix.
snowdog2mom
September 5, 2014 @ 8:07 pm
Thank you for writing about Longmire. In spite of your original list I never discounted USA as a possibility for Longmire as I knew there original programming was in BIG trouble. Some network has a real opportunity here to get a quality show and will win the favor of 3-5 million fans if they pickup Longmire. #LongLiveLongmire. We’ll see. If no one picks up Longmire then that tells us all what a terrible state of decline the industry is in.
I’m a bit astonished given you write about TV that you JUST discovered how USA’s original series have been declining. They have been for quite awhile in the ratings. Isn’t knowing these things your business/job? USA’s new offerings have been ratings failures. In their attempt to mix it up and appeal to the key demo they have failed to keep their core audiences that like shows like Burn Notice, In Plain Sight, Monk, and are sad to see White Collar ending.
What makes me shake my head is there are shows on now and that have been renewed that are getting and have gotten much worse ratings than Longmire. How does that make sense?
The ratings system has not been changed in decades, does anyone realize the demo they are now discounting, over 50, was the Key Demo when they put the ratings system in place! At that time that demo 18-50 did have a lot of disposable income, that is not the case in 2014 for the 18-50 demo. If they are well off why do we hear so much about them not finding jobs and not having it as good as their parents? The system needs to be revamped. Throwing away MILLIONS of people based on age is just bad business. No groups “buying” power should be discounted. The people running things aren’t very smart at all, they are like mindless cattle following a herd off a cliff in a stampede. Unfortunately by the time they wake up I fear there will be no talent left in the industry as they will have been forced to find employment elsewhere and TV will be a total wasteland. We’re close to that now. After I heard about Longmire being canceled I took a look at what I have left to watch and I’m seriously considering pulling the plug on Satellite, there are so few shows worth watching its not worth the cost. The economy takes another hit! Smart move network execs!
JDKinOK
September 5, 2014 @ 7:05 pm
Hey folks, Friday Night Lights was cancelled by a broadcast network and was then picked up by Audience network, on DirecTV, same thing happened with Damages.
DirecTV, you wanna pick up a larger audience….pick up Longmire….PLEASE
Barbara Gambrel
September 5, 2014 @ 6:55 pm
I so could see Longmire on USA. I love that network, but any network will work as long as we have a season 4 for the show. Someone PLEASE pick it up. LOVE LONGMIRE!!!!
Lisa LeBlanc
September 5, 2014 @ 6:18 pm
One of the biggest mistakes made right now is discounting this ‘demographic’, those of us who fall outside an artificial and archaic barrier, simply because we’re viewed as ‘too old’.
For one thing, we are creatures of habit. We find something we like and we are fiercely devoted. We have tastes that vary in the extreme: We follow ‘The Walking Dead’, ‘Boardwalk Empire’, ‘Supernatural’, ‘Suits’ and ‘Sons of Anarchy’, and yes, ‘Longmire’; we are about as far removed from the stereotypical ‘Lawrence Welk’ demographic as we can possibly be.
We are approaching retirement, yet many of us still contribute an astonishing amount of money into the economy, which is good for advertising. We are vocal in our disappointment in what passes for government and social conscience, and we don’t care who knows it.
Think tanks that provide recommendation for corporations as to target age-groups might want to rethink exactly what constitutes the outside demographic. We are large, we are active and we shouldn’t be discounted from the bottom line as a weakness.
Support for ‘Longmire’ should be ample proof of that.
Walt and the gang fan
September 7, 2014 @ 2:36 pm
Boy Howdy!……long live Craig Johnson!!!…without him, you have no Longmire to support. What you said, Lisa, is right on the mark.
Thank you for that.
Anna
September 27, 2014 @ 7:49 pm
Craig Johnson created an unforgettable character
LindaH
September 5, 2014 @ 6:06 pm
I’m pretty much with rtandldp…except for Netflix since I don’t subscribe to it and don’t have the monthly data allowance to stream movies or TV shows.
Nyla Potter
September 5, 2014 @ 5:55 pm
All of the shows mentioned on USA in this article, have let their stories slip into soap opera mode.(makes your stars,look like their acting in peanut butter) Get the writers back to story telling. Make the episodes,about themselves, with a little back story, not all back story. Get some awesome guest stars in your episodes.
Pickup Longmire#LONGLIVELONGMIRE.
Pat Scott
September 5, 2014 @ 5:50 pm
I’ll give my viewership (and my son’s) to any network who runs Longmire. I’m hoping quality programming can make a comeback. We can’t possibly be the only ones tired of cookie-cutter “reality shows”.
Bill Gee
September 5, 2014 @ 5:42 pm
I can certainly see Longmire on USA! If they pick it up, I will *definitely* see it on USA! #LongLiveLongmire
PammieAnn
September 5, 2014 @ 5:40 pm
Longmire is very popular with viewers who are looking for an engaging show that the family can watch, and this one shows all the flaws, problems, complexities and integrity of it’s characters… like real life. I’ll follow the show on whatever network will carry it, and I will hope they do a far better job at promoting this fine show than A&E did.
Anna
September 27, 2014 @ 7:51 pm
This is quality programming and A&E will realize their mistake.
katkashe
September 5, 2014 @ 5:34 pm
#LongLiveLongmire Characters welcome! I love the USA network. I fell in love with Michael Weston and Chuck Finley. Walt Longmire and Henry Standing Bear are definitely great characters!
moparedtn
September 7, 2014 @ 11:06 am
Sam Axe: “You know A&E. Bunch of bitchy little girls…”
William Colby
September 5, 2014 @ 5:21 pm
I could see it on USA, TNT, FX, and other distribution channels. The franchise is in tact and has an incredible inherent value. It now becomes an issue of negotiating ownership rights and control between Warner Horizon and any other network/distribution channel. The whole A & E debacle arose from a shift in the programming platform, i.e., the network moved away from its own programming basis, and not the reverse.
Knutekritt
September 5, 2014 @ 3:27 pm
Longmire isnt just a tv show, its a movement towards doing whats right even when nones watching
Anna
September 27, 2014 @ 7:52 pm
You hit the nail on the head. Pardon the cliche
rtandldp
September 5, 2014 @ 3:13 pm
I’ll subscribe to anything (USA, TNT, Netflix) that picks up a new season of Longmire. Cancelled shows rarely get picked up, but Longmire is so unusual, and such a great show, as your article stated, we can hope.
Holly
September 5, 2014 @ 6:52 pm
#LongLiveLongmire – Where ever it ends up, I will follow!
Anna
September 27, 2014 @ 7:49 pm
I agree with you.