As A&E's highest-rated scripted series, it came as quite a surprise when Longmire was cancelled back in August. Ultimately the decision seems to have come down to the network's desire to attract younger viewers.

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Fans, however, have refused to let the show go quietly and as a result have possibly drawn a bigger spotlight to the bias of cable television when it comes to the age of viewers.

According to The Wall Street Journal on Thursday, Longmire was not only the highest-rated scripted series, but the second-highest overall right behind the incredibly popular Duck Dynasty.

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Averaging 5.6 million viewers for Season 3, Longmire beat out AMC's game-changing hit Mad Men, which began airing its seventh and final season this year.

So why did Longmire get the axe? Will the show find a home on a new network?

Warner Horizon will be presenting the crime drama to potential suitors this week, but as for cancellation it seems like Longmire is just the latest in a long line of well-rated, well-performed programs whose viewership skewed too old for advertisers.

"The networks are all trying to be younger and have edgy shows that attract a lot of attention," claimed Brian Hughes of Interpublic Group of Cos.

The Wall Street Journal noted that similar fates met A&E's The Glades, which was cancelled in spite its ratings in 2013. Harry's Law, the NBC drama which starred Kathy Bates also found itself bumped off after having developed a loyal following.

Advertisers on A&E play to the 18-49 age range and according to A&E Senior Vice President Dan Silverman, "the audience just wasn't there" for Longmire.

It is still uncertain whether the series will find a new home, though fans are lending their support to the cast and crew through social media.

If Longmire does return for a fourth season, it will likely do so during the later half of 2015.

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Longmire, A&e