Yellowstone May Be a Western Phenomenon, but This Six-Season Crime Drama Has Even Higher Rotten Tomatoes Scores
Yellowstone transformed modern Western television into a cultural phenomenon, but another acclaimed series has quietly surpassed Taylor Sheridan’s blockbuster in both critical and audience ratings.
Longmire, starring Robert Taylor as a rugged Wyoming sheriff, offers a compelling alternative for viewers who prefer gripping murder mysteries, complex characters and emotionally grounded storytelling over explosive family feuds.
Originally airing on A&E before Netflix rescued it from cancellation, the neo-Western ran for six seasons and earned an exceptionally loyal following.
Now streaming on Paramount+, the series has another opportunity to reach viewers who may have overlooked it during its original run.
Longmire Delivers a Different Kind of Western Hero
Based on Craig Johnson’s Walt Longmire Mysteries novels, the series follows Walt Longmire, the longtime sheriff of fictional Absaroka County, Wyoming.
Played by Robert Taylor, Walt is a quiet, determined lawman struggling with personal grief while continuing to serve his community.
Unlike Yellowstone, which divides attention among the powerful Dutton family, Longmire keeps its central character firmly at the heart of the story.
Each investigation reveals another aspect of Walt’s personality, from his stubborn sense of justice to his compassion for people caught in difficult circumstances.
His daughter Cady, portrayed by Cassidy Freeman, and his deputies play important roles as the sheriff navigates criminal investigations, political rivalries and threats to his position.
The combination of traditional Western atmosphere and police procedural storytelling gives the series a distinctive identity.
Henry Standing Bear Brings Emotional Depth to the Story
One of Longmire‘s greatest strengths is the friendship between Walt and Henry Standing Bear, played by Lou Diamond Phillips.
Henry, a Cheyenne man and skilled tracker, frequently assists Walt with investigations involving the nearby reservation.
Their lifelong relationship becomes an emotional anchor for the series, particularly as both characters confront personal hardships and complicated questions of loyalty.
The show also explores conflicts between county law enforcement and tribal authorities.
Zahn McClarnon portrays Mathias, a tribal police chief determined to defend his community’s jurisdiction and legal independence.
Disputes involving reservation land, casino development and competing law enforcement responsibilities create tensions that extend beyond conventional murder investigations.
Although its depiction of Indigenous communities is not without criticism, the series makes these political and cultural conflicts central to its storytelling.
Netflix Rescued Longmire After Its Unexpected Cancellation
Despite becoming A&E’s highest-rated original drama, Longmire was canceled after its third season.
Reports at the time pointed to concerns about its older-skewing audience and television rights arrangements.
The decision disappointed viewers who had followed Walt’s investigations and the show’s developing storylines.
Netflix subsequently acquired the series, producing three additional seasons and allowing its creators to bring the story to a conclusion.
The move also introduced Longmire to a wider streaming audience, helping strengthen its reputation as one of television’s most underrated modern Westerns.
Longmire Beats Yellowstone in Rotten Tomatoes Ratings
The comparison between the two shows becomes particularly interesting when examining their critical reception.
As of October 13, 2026, Longmire held an 88% critics’ score and a 92% audience score on Rotten Tomatoes.
By comparison, Yellowstone had an 83% critics’ score and a 76% audience score.
| Rotten Tomatoes | Longmire | Yellowstone |
|---|---|---|
| Critics | 88% | 83% |
| Audience | 92% | 76% |
These ratings do not establish which series is objectively better, but they demonstrate the strong reception Longmire has maintained among reviewers and viewers.
While Yellowstone became famous for the Dutton family’s violent struggles over land and power, Longmire builds suspense through criminal investigations and more restrained character development.
For some Western enthusiasts, that difference makes it the more satisfying drama.
Where to Watch All Six Seasons
Although Longmire is no longer available on Netflix in the United States, its complete six-season run is available on Paramount+.
With 63 episodes, it provides plenty of material for viewers seeking a substantial Western drama after finishing Yellowstone.
For audiences who appreciate rugged landscapes, compelling mysteries and a central character whose quiet determination carries the story, Longmire may be one of the best modern Westerns they have yet to discover.
