Dark Winds Season 4: Release window revealed, here’s all about the plot, cast and more

The psychological thriller Dark Winds, one of AMC’s most acclaimed contemporary dramas, is officially set to return with its fourth season.

Following a well-received third installment, the network confirmed earlier this year that Dark Winds Season 4 is in active development, with filming already in progress in Santa Fe, New Mexico, as per a report by Decider.

The news brings anticipation to viewers who have followed the journey of tribal police officers Joe Leaphorn and Jim Chee, whose investigations into complex crimes are set against the backdrop of the American Southwest and rooted in Native American culture.

Season 4 Greenlit and in Production

AMC announced the renewal of Dark Winds for an eight-episode fourth season in February 2025, as per a report by Decider.

The announcement was accompanied by a statement from series lead Zahn McClarnon, who not only returns as the central character Joe Leaphorn but is also slated to make his directorial debut on the series.

“I’m looking forward to exploring and inhabiting the character of Joe Leaphorn once again in Season 4, and I’m excited to make my directorial debut on a show that means so much to me,” McClarnon said, thanking AMC Networks leadership for their ongoing support.

The network has confirmed that the new season will premiere sometime in 2026 on both AMC and its streaming platform, AMC+.

Where to Watch Dark Winds Now

Viewers eager to catch up on earlier episodes of Dark Winds have several options:

• Netflix: The first two seasons are available for streaming, following their debut on the platform in August 2024.
  
• AMC+ and AMC.com: All three seasons can be streamed with a valid AMC+ subscription or a cable login. The service is available for $6.99/month, with an ad-free annual option at $95.88.
  
• Amazon Prime Video: Subscribers can add AMC+ to their Prime accounts for the same monthly fee. A seven-day free trial is also available for eligible new users.
  
• Other platforms: AMC+ can be integrated with platforms like Sling TV, Philo, and YouTube TV for flexible viewing.
  

Season 3 Streaming and Netflix Prospects

While Seasons 1 and 2 have found a home on Netflix, there is currently no confirmed timeline for when Season 3 will arrive on the platform.

Historically, Season 2 aired its finale in September 2023 and was made available on Netflix nearly a year later.

If this pattern holds, Season 3 may not stream on Netflix until sometime in 2026.

For now, AMC and AMC+ remain the exclusive platforms for the latest season, which concluded with its Season 3 finale on April 27, 2025.

What’s Next for Fans?

With Dark Winds continuing to garner praise for its authentic storytelling and powerful performances, particularly by its Native American cast, Season 4 is expected to deepen its exploration of crime, identity, and cultural legacy.

As production advances in New Mexico, fans can anticipate fresh narratives and more intricate mysteries in the high desert.

FAQs

Why did Bernadette leave the Dark Winds?

Bernadette embraces the “American” side of her identity more strongly than either Leaphorn or Chee, a perspective that ultimately influenced her decision at the end of Season 2 to leave the reservation and take a position with the U.S. Border Patrol.

Is Dark Winds a horror series?

Dark Winds is a U.S.-based psychological thriller TV series developed by creator Graham Roland.