AMC Networks has renewed its acclaimed noir drama Dark Winds for a fifth season, ahead of the show’s Season 4 debut.
Season 4 premieres Sunday, February 15, at 9 p.m. ET/PT on AMC and AMC+. The season includes eight hour-long episodes, with new installments airing weekly on Sundays.
Season 5 Set to Film in New Mexico
Season 5 will begin filming in Santa Fe, New Mexico, in March. Like the previous seasons, it will consist of eight hour-long episodes. The new season is expected to premiere in 2027.
AMC Executives Praise the Series’ Impact
Dan McDermott, Chief Content Officer of AMC Networks and President of AMC Studios, highlighted the show’s success and creative vision.
“Over four seasons, Dark Winds has masterfully blended compelling character-driven stories, Navajo culture, spirituality, and breathtaking cinematography,” McDermott said. “We are elated to continue the journey alongside showrunner John Wirth and the incomparable Zahn McClarnon.”
He added, “Our extraordinary producing and creative team, cast, and crew have crafted a gripping crime drama that continues to be embraced by fans and celebrated by critics. We can’t wait to share more of this story with audiences worldwide.”
Zahn McClarnon Reflects on Returning for Season 5
Executive producer and star Zahn McClarnon also expressed gratitude for the renewal.
“Thank you to Kristin Dolan, Dan McDermott, and all of AMC Networks for continuing to support and believe in Dark Winds,” McClarnon said. “It’s a privilege to embody Joe Leaphorn. I’m excited to return to Santa Fe with this cast and crew to craft another thrilling season.”
Showrunner John Wirth on AMC’s Support
Showrunner and executive producer John Wirth emphasized the network’s long-term commitment.
“For four seasons, AMC Networks has given us the opportunity to entertain audiences through a traditional crime story set on the Navajo Nation in 1972,” Wirth said. “We are one of one and never take that support for granted.”
He added, “Thanks to our writing staff, cast, and Santa Fe crew, which has become a training ground for Native artists, we are thrilled to return for a fifth season.”
A Critically Acclaimed Crime Drama
Executive produced by Robert Redford and George R.R. Martin, Dark Winds earned a 100 percent Rotten Tomatoes score for its first three seasons.
The series stars Zahn McClarnon, Kiowa Gordon, Jessica Matten, and Deanna Allison. It follows Lt. Joe Leaphorn, Jim Chee, and Bernadette Manuelito of the Navajo Tribal Police as they investigate violent crimes in the 1970s.
Viewers can stream the first three seasons on AMC+ and through The AMC Collection on Netflix.
Season 4 Expands the Story Beyond Navajo Nation
Season 4 centers on the search for a missing Navajo girl.
The case leads Leaphorn, Chee, and Manuelito from the Navajo Nation to 1970s Los Angeles. The trio races against time to save her from an obsessive killer linked to organized crime.
Guest Stars Join Season 4
Season 4 features a strong lineup of guest stars, including:
- Franka Potente as Irene Vaggan
- Isabel DeRoy-Olson as Billie Tsosie
- Chaske Spencer as Sonny
- Luke Barnett as FBI Agent Toby Shaw
- Titus Welliver as crime boss Dominic McNair
A. Martinez also returns as Acting Chief Gordo Sena.
Creative Team Behind the Series
Dark Winds is based on Tony Hillerman’s Leaphorn & Chee novels. The series was created by Graham Roland, with John Wirth serving as showrunner.
Executive producers include Redford, Martin, Roland, Wirth, McClarnon, Chris Eyre, Tina Elmo, Jim Chory, Thomas Brady, Max Hurwitz, Vince Gerardis, and Anne Hillerman.
With Season 5 now confirmed, AMC continues to invest in one of its most respected and culturally significant dramas.
