UPDATED: The cable network announced that the one-hour drama has been picked up for another season, months after co-creator John Coveny revealed the forthcoming pickup.

It's official: A&E has renewed Longmire for a third season.

Months after executive producer/co-creator John Coveny prematurely announced on Twitter earlier this year that the one-hour drama would be back, the cable network has officially picked up the series for another 10-episode run.

Longmire, A&E's No. 1 original drama in viewership, averaged 3.7 million viewers during the sophomore season, with the Aug. 26 closer delivering a season high 4.4 million viewers.

“Longmire has become one of the most compelling dramas on television with a devoted audience, and we are so proud of the show,” said David McKillop, A&E general manager and executive vp. “We are thrilled to continue our wonderful partnership with Warner Horizon Television, the production team, and the talented cast and crew led by the exceptional Robert Taylor.”

In August, Coveny tweeted the news to his followers, though at the time deals had not been finalized. "Thanks to the 5 million plus weekly fans (live+7). Young and older skewing alike! The call just came: SEASON 3 for #Longmire is a GO!" he wrote.

Crime thriller Longmire is based on the Walt Longmire mystery novels by author Craig Johnson. It stars Taylor, Katee Sackhoff, Lou Diamond Phillips, Bailey Chase, Cassidy Freeman and Adam Bartley.

The official pickup comes as A&E preps the launch of Chloe Sevigny starrer Those Who Kill in 2014, along with the second season of Bates Motel.

Email: Philiana.Ng@THR.com

Twitter: @insidethetube

