Dark Winds is based on the acclaimed “Leaphorn & Chee” series of novels by bestselling author Tony Hillerman. The books, starting with The Blessing Way in 1970, follow Navajo Tribal Police officers Lieutenant Joe Leaphorn and Officer Jim Chee as they solve crimes on the reservation, weaving in rich Native American traditions, spirituality, and justice. The show adapts these stories loosely, bringing Hillerman’s world to life with authentic storytelling and stunning visuals.

So far, there are four seasons of Dark Winds. Three have already aired, with the fourth set to premiere imminently.

Viewers can catch previous seasons on AMC+, through the AMC Collection on Netflix, and on Acorn TV. You can also purchase individual episodes or full seasons on platforms like Apple TV, Amazon Prime, and others.

Season 4 premieres on Sunday, February 15, at 9 p.m. ET/PT on AMC and AMC+. New episodes will drop weekly, consisting of eight hour-long installments.

The series carries a TV-MA rating, reflecting its mature themes of violence, crime, and emotional intensity.

Recapping the action: In Season 2, Lt. Joe Leaphorn and Jim Chee (now a private investigator) tangled with a mysterious cult and a killer tied to a devastating secret from Leaphorn’s past. The season built to a tense climax as Leaphorn sought revenge for his son’s death, confronting the criminal mastermind while upholding Navajo justice alongside Sgt. Bernadette Manuelito.

Season 3 jumped ahead six months, with Leaphorn and Chee probing the disappearance of two boys—leaving only an abandoned bicycle and blood-stained ground. Leaphorn grappled with haunting childhood memories, while Bernadette, now with the Border Patrol far from home, uncovered a sprawling conspiracy involving human and drug smuggling.

The upcoming Season 4 ramps up the stakes: The team searches for a missing Navajo girl, tracking her from the safety of Navajo Nation to the dangerous streets of 1970s Los Angeles. They race against time to rescue her from an obsessive killer linked to organized crime. Notably, the second episode marks the television directorial debut of star and executive producer Zahn McClarnon.

As for a Season 5? AMC has already renewed the show ahead of Season 4’s debut, so more mysteries are on the way in 2027.

In total, the first two seasons featured six episodes each, while Seasons 3 and 4 expand to eight apiece—bringing the running total to 28 episodes once Season 4 wraps.

Filming takes place primarily in Santa Fe, New Mexico, and surrounding areas, including spots like Tesuque Pueblo. These locations capture the stark beauty of the Southwest, with vast deserts, red rock formations, and authentic Navajo Nation vibes standing in for the reservation.

The cast is a standout, led by Zahn McClarnon as the stoic, wise Lt. Joe Leaphorn. McClarnon, known for Longmire, Fargo, and Westworld, brings depth to the grieving father and veteran cop. Of Lakota and Irish descent, he also directs in Season 4.

Kiowa Gordon plays Jim Chee, the intuitive officer-turned-PI. Gordon, who portrayed Embry Call in the Twilight saga, draws from his Hualapai heritage.

Jessica Matten shines as Sgt. Bernadette Manuelito, a fierce and principled officer of Red River Métis and Cree descent.

Supporting players include Deanna Allison as Emma Leaphorn and A Martinez as Gordo Sena.

Season 3 welcomed guests like Jenna Elfman, Jeri Ryan, and Bruce Greenwood.

For Season 4, fresh faces join: Franka Potente as the formidable Irene Vaggan, Titus Welliver as ruthless crime boss Dominic McNair, Chaske Spencer as the charismatic yet lethal recruiter Sonny, Isabel DeRoy-Olson as resourceful teen Billie Tsosie (a series regular), and Luke Barnett as FBI Agent Toby Shaw.

Executive producers include McClarnon himself, alongside legends Robert Redford and George R.R. Martin (author of Game of Thrones). The series has earned critical acclaim, boasting a perfect 100% on Rotten Tomatoes for its first three seasons.

With its powerful performances, cultural authenticity, and pulse-pounding plots, Dark Winds continues to stand out in the crowded TV landscape. As Leaphorn, Chee, and Manuelito venture into new dangers this February, the series proves that justice—and storytelling—knows no boundaries.