





We want to make one thing clear before we dive any further into this article: We’re not writing this out of bitterness that “Longmire” was canceled, or to snipe at a network in A&E that is clearly making a statement about its scripted programming slate right now. What we are merely trying to do is commentate on the emotional connection that does exist between a cable channel in its fans.

We imagine that the “Longmire” cancellation would be handled differently right now if there weren’t a few specific factors playing into it, including that it was the network’s most-watched drama, that it has an active fan following, that it had a massive cliffhanger ending, and that this comes a year after the network canceled another popular show in “The Glades.” Neither show had the ratings of one that would be canceled on another network, and that was ultimately a massive part of the problem here.

Basically, A&E is making what is a business decision for them. We don’t imagine that their programming head is The Claw from “Inspector Gadget,” laughing over the idea that viewers got interested in a show before they promptly canceled it. Instead, we feel like they don’t like the financial model that comes with not owning their scripted programming completely, and feel like they can make more money elsewhere. It’s a hard-line stance, and not a very kind one for fans.

In the short-term, the worst thing that they have to deal with is that they have angry fans and journalists alike, given that so many of us were writing with some confidence that the show would return. Mostly logical signs suggested so. However, in the long-term the issue that A&E faces now is getting people invested in new series or even their current ones. Should you be worried about “Bates Motel”? We imagine that the network will give it a proper ending at some point, given that its profile has been much higher in the press than “Longmire’s” and this would be an enormous disaster for them given the history at this point. However, it’s understandable if you would worry.

Even with some unscripted fare (which is what A&E primarily relies on), why get into a show if you think that it will be canceled not too long into the future? You may not have cliffhangers, but you do still have fans. Syfy can speak to how viewer perception can impact a network; after being known for canceling beloved shows for many years, the network has only recently turned it around somewhat.

The final point to make here is that you cannot continually cancel shows without it eventually having an impact on your fans. Maybe you get past it with other successful shows, or maybe it hurts you. The jury’s still out.

What we leave you with now is this question: Would you watch another A&E program from the start after the “Longmire” cancellation? Share below, and head over here for some other coverage on this subject. Also, you can sign up today to get additional TV scoop on all we cover via our CarterMatt Newsletter.

Photo: Warner Horizon

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