Frankly, Longmire was a great series on A&E.

Though it acquired the best ratings of any show on A&E, the network abandoned the series because it attracted the demographic it didn’t want: older persons.  A&E wants more “reality-based” programs that don’t require certain production values and can be assembled within minutes.  That would not include production teams involving actual stories.

Despite the fact that it was the most highly watched series on A&E.

And despite the fact that it made the most money on A&E.

From WSJ.com:

Why TV Hit ‘Longmire’ Got Canceled: Fans Too Old

by Joe Flint

When a television show is consistently popular, its reward usually isn’t getting canceled.

But that is what happened to “Longmire” on the A&E cable channel, which was unceremoniously dumped after three seasons late last month. Now the show’s producer,  Warner Bros. Television, is scrambling to find a new home for the crime drama.

Why did this occur?

Because A&E is looking for a cheaper, younger demographic.  A&E wants a younger audience, and it wants to produce “reality-oriented” shows which, it turns out, are becoming more and more staged.

A&E, I thought you were better than this.

BZ