While A&E's Longmire has yet to be renewed for a fourth season, some critics are saying the odds of it actually happening are better than some people might think.

'Longmire' Author Doesn't 'Worry' About The Show Being Renewed For A 4th Season

The fact that Season 3 ended with a major cliffhanger suggests that show-runners have confidence in the drama's return. According to CarterMatt on Monday, the network seems to be pulling for the series as well.

A&E is still promoting the series in spite of the fact that it has not officially been renewed. Longmire, along with the network's Duck Dynasty and Bates Motel, has also developed a strong social media presence, which suggests that it continues to maintain a strong following.

Longmire Finishes Off 3rd Season With Major Cliffhanger

From a financial perspective, CarterMatt argues that Longmire is one of Warner Bros. TV's less expensive shows because it films in New Mexico, which could give it a bump above more costly programs in the same ratings range.

If nothing else, ratings will likely influence the fate of Longmire. While popular out of the gate, ratings took a dip during Season 2. They did, however, rise again for Season 3. In spite of such inconsistency, Longmire has remained the network's most popular scripted series, giving it a keen advantage when it comes to A&E's scripted material.

In 2013 Longmire was not renewed for a third season until October, and so the drama still has another two months before fans should start to seriously worry about the show's fate. If the series does return for a fourth season, it will do so in 2015.