Dark Winds
Updated: 5/24/2026, 7:07:15 PM Wikipedia source
Dark Winds is an American psychological thriller television series created by Graham Roland. Based on the Leaphorn & Chee novel series by Tony Hillerman, it stars Zahn McClarnon and Kiowa Gordon as the aforementioned two characters, leading a mostly Native American cast. The series premiered on AMC and AMC+ on June 12, 2022. It has received very positive reviews, with particular praise for McClarnon's performance. Executive producers include Roland, McClarnon, George R. R. Martin, and Robert Redford. The series is Redford's third time adapting Hillerman's novels, after the films The Dark Wind (1991) and Skinwalkers (2002); it is also his final work, both behind the scenes and as an actor, as a cameo in a 2025 episode is his last on-screen role. The second season premiered on July 30, 2023, and the third season premiered on March 9, 2025. In February 2025, ahead of the third-season premiere, the series was renewed for a fourth season, which premiered on February 15, 2026. In February 2026, ahead of the fourth-season premiere, the series was renewed for a fifth season that is set to premiere in 2027.
Infobox
Genre
Psychological thriller Western noir thriller Crime drama
Created by
Graham Roland
Based on
Leaphorn & Chee by Tony Hillerman
Showrunners
Vince Calandra (season 1) John Wirth
Starring
Zahn McClarnon Kiowa Gordon Jessica Matten Deanna Allison Rainn Wilson Elva Guerra Jeremiah Bitsui Eugene Brave Rock Noah Emmerich Nicholas Logan Isabel Deroy-Olson Franka Potente
Country of origin
United States
Original languages
English Navajo
No. of seasons
4
No. of episodes
28
Executive producers
Graham Roland Zahn McClarnon George R. R. Martin Robert Redford Anne Hillerman Tina Elmo Vince Gerardis Vince Calandra Chris Eyre John Wirth Max Hurwitz Thomas Brady Jim Chory
Production location
New Mexico
Running time
39–53 minutes
Production companies
Rolling Cactus Inc. Eleventh Northwest Startling Television Tina Elmo Productions Fevre River Packet Co. Wildwood Enterprises AMC Studios
Network
AMC
Release
June 12, 2022 (2022-06-12) – present
Tables
First released
First released
Season
First released
Episodes
Last released
1
1
Season
1
Episodes
6
Episodes
June 12, 2022 (2022-06-12)
Originally released
July 17, 2022 (2022-07-17)
2
2
Season
2
Episodes
6
Episodes
July 30, 2023 (2023-07-30)
Originally released
September 3, 2023 (2023-09-03)
3
3
Season
3
Episodes
8
Episodes
March 9, 2025 (2025-03-09)
Originally released
April 27, 2025 (2025-04-27)
4
4
Season
4
Episodes
8
Episodes
February 15, 2026 (2026-02-15)
Originally released
April 5, 2026 (2026-04-05)
| Season | Episodes | Originally released | ||
| First released | Last released | |||
| 1 | 6 | June 12, 2022 (2022-06-12) | July 17, 2022 (2022-07-17) | |
| 2 | 6 | July 30, 2023 (2023-07-30) | September 3, 2023 (2023-09-03) | |
| 3 | 8 | March 9, 2025 (2025-03-09) | April 27, 2025 (2025-04-27) | |
| 4 | 8 | February 15, 2026 (2026-02-15) | April 5, 2026 (2026-04-05) | |
· Episodes › Season 1 (2022)
1
1
No.
overall
1
No. in
season
1
Title
"Monster Slayer"
Directed by
Chris Eyre
Teleplay by
Graham Roland
Original release date
June 12, 2022 (2022-06-12)
U . viewers
(millions)
1
In Gallup, New Mexico, robbers in a helicopter rob an armored truck, killing two guards. The helicopter flies over the nearby Navajo reservation, where it is seen by an older man named Hosteen Tso. Three weeks later, Tso is found dead in a motel room along with Anna Atcitty, the granddaughter of a Medicine Woman he was visiting due to ailments. Lie
In Gallup, New Mexico, robbers in a helicopter rob an armored truck, killing two guards. The helicopter flies over the nearby Navajo reservation, where it is seen by an older man named Hosteen Tso. Three weeks later, Tso is found dead in a motel room along with Anna Atcitty, the granddaughter of a Medicine Woman he was visiting due to ailments. Lie
No.
overall
In Gallup, New Mexico, robbers in a helicopter rob an armored truck, killing two guards. The helicopter flies over the nearby Navajo reservation, where it is seen by an older man named Hosteen Tso. Three weeks later, Tso is found dead in a motel room along with Anna Atcitty, the granddaughter of a Medicine Woman he was visiting due to ailments. Lie
2
2
No.
overall
2
No. in
season
2
Title
"The Male Rain Approaches"
Directed by
Chris Eyre
Teleplay by
Anthony Florez
Original release date
June 19, 2022 (2022-06-19)
U . viewers
(millions)
0
Flashbacks reveal that Anna Atcitty was dating Leaphorn's son Joe Jr., who worked at an oil drilling site with her father, Guy. At a Peyote ritual, a friend who had a premonitory vision warned Guy not to go to work that day. Guy warned several others, but not Joe Jr., who was killed in an explosion at the drilling site. Lester, the trading post own
Flashbacks reveal that Anna Atcitty was dating Leaphorn's son Joe Jr., who worked at an oil drilling site with her father, Guy. At a Peyote ritual, a friend who had a premonitory vision warned Guy not to go to work that day. Guy warned several others, but not Joe Jr., who was killed in an explosion at the drilling site. Lester, the trading post own
No.
overall
Flashbacks reveal that Anna Atcitty was dating Leaphorn's son Joe Jr., who worked at an oil drilling site with her father, Guy. At a Peyote ritual, a friend who had a premonitory vision warned Guy not to go to work that day. Guy warned several others, but not Joe Jr., who was killed in an explosion at the drilling site. Lester, the trading post own
3
3
No.
overall
3
No. in
season
3
Title
"K'e"
Directed by
Sanford Bookstaver
Teleplay by
Maya Rose Dittloff & Razelle Benally
Original release date
June 26, 2022 (2022-06-26)
U . viewers
(millions)
1
Money from the robbery is funneled through Devoted Dan's car dealership. Wanda, the painter wife of gift shop owner Lester, is also part of the money laundering. Leaphorn and Chee ask Raymond Begay to dive the pond on Tso's property, looking for evidence of the helicopter. Emma invites her niece, Nanobah, to stay at the Leaphorns' home as she celeb
Money from the robbery is funneled through Devoted Dan's car dealership. Wanda, the painter wife of gift shop owner Lester, is also part of the money laundering. Leaphorn and Chee ask Raymond Begay to dive the pond on Tso's property, looking for evidence of the helicopter. Emma invites her niece, Nanobah, to stay at the Leaphorns' home as she celeb
No.
overall
Money from the robbery is funneled through Devoted Dan's car dealership. Wanda, the painter wife of gift shop owner Lester, is also part of the money laundering. Leaphorn and Chee ask Raymond Begay to dive the pond on Tso's property, looking for evidence of the helicopter. Emma invites her niece, Nanobah, to stay at the Leaphorns' home as she celeb
4
4
No.
overall
4
No. in
season
4
Title
"Hooghandi"
Directed by
Sanford Bookstaver
Teleplay by
Billy Luther
Original release date
July 3, 2022 (2022-07-03)
U . viewers
(millions)
0
Raymond finds a helmet, but is shot by Father Tso. He and Frank Nakai are revealed to be buying up land around the mine for the Buffalo Society. Leaphorn suspects all of the crimes on the reservation are related. He and Chee talk to Father Tso, who admits he has a brother who attended Catholic school. Leaphorn and Chee look through the school recor
Raymond finds a helmet, but is shot by Father Tso. He and Frank Nakai are revealed to be buying up land around the mine for the Buffalo Society. Leaphorn suspects all of the crimes on the reservation are related. He and Chee talk to Father Tso, who admits he has a brother who attended Catholic school. Leaphorn and Chee look through the school recor
No.
overall
Raymond finds a helmet, but is shot by Father Tso. He and Frank Nakai are revealed to be buying up land around the mine for the Buffalo Society. Leaphorn suspects all of the crimes on the reservation are related. He and Chee talk to Father Tso, who admits he has a brother who attended Catholic school. Leaphorn and Chee look through the school recor
5
5
No.
overall
5
No. in
season
5
Title
"Ha'íínlni"
Directed by
Chris Eyre
Teleplay by
Erica Tremblay
Original release date
July 10, 2022 (2022-07-10)
U . viewers
(millions)
1
Chee leaves the reservation, saying goodbye to Manuelito, but she remains angry with him. He tends to a stranded motorist, who clues Chee into the too-good-to-be-true deals at Devoted Dan's car lot. Chee interviews Dan, who explains he is being blackmailed to help the Buffalo Society launder money. Chee also learns Dan was previously interviewed by
Chee leaves the reservation, saying goodbye to Manuelito, but she remains angry with him. He tends to a stranded motorist, who clues Chee into the too-good-to-be-true deals at Devoted Dan's car lot. Chee interviews Dan, who explains he is being blackmailed to help the Buffalo Society launder money. Chee also learns Dan was previously interviewed by
No.
overall
Chee leaves the reservation, saying goodbye to Manuelito, but she remains angry with him. He tends to a stranded motorist, who clues Chee into the too-good-to-be-true deals at Devoted Dan's car lot. Chee interviews Dan, who explains he is being blackmailed to help the Buffalo Society launder money. Chee also learns Dan was previously interviewed by
6
6
No.
overall
6
No. in
season
6
Title
"HózhóoNaasháa"
Directed by
Chris Eyre
Teleplay by
Maya Rose Dittloff
Original release date
July 17, 2022 (2022-07-17)
U . viewers
(millions)
1
A flashback shows Whitover and Tso discussing the armored car heist, revealing Whitover was in on the robbery. Chee radios Manuelito to warn her about Whitover, speaking Diné so Whitover cannot understand. Tso and Frank make a plan to escape by using the Mormons as cover, however the father crashes while going to retrieve a van; he is spotted and r
A flashback shows Whitover and Tso discussing the armored car heist, revealing Whitover was in on the robbery. Chee radios Manuelito to warn her about Whitover, speaking Diné so Whitover cannot understand. Tso and Frank make a plan to escape by using the Mormons as cover, however the father crashes while going to retrieve a van; he is spotted and r
No.
overall
A flashback shows Whitover and Tso discussing the armored car heist, revealing Whitover was in on the robbery. Chee radios Manuelito to warn her about Whitover, speaking Diné so Whitover cannot understand. Tso and Frank make a plan to escape by using the Mormons as cover, however the father crashes while going to retrieve a van; he is spotted and r
| No. overall | No. in season | Title | Directed by | Teleplay by | Original release date | U . viewers (millions) | |
| 1 | 1 | "Monster Slayer" | Chris Eyre | Graham Roland | June 12, 2022 (2022-06-12) | 1 | |
| In Gallup, New Mexico, robbers in a helicopter rob an armored truck, killing two guards. The helicopter flies over the nearby Navajo reservation, where it is seen by an older man named Hosteen Tso. Three weeks later, Tso is found dead in a motel room along with Anna Atcitty, the granddaughter of a Medicine Woman he was visiting due to ailments. Lie | |||||||
| 2 | 2 | "The Male Rain Approaches" | Chris Eyre | Anthony Florez | June 19, 2022 (2022-06-19) | 0 | |
| Flashbacks reveal that Anna Atcitty was dating Leaphorn's son Joe Jr., who worked at an oil drilling site with her father, Guy. At a Peyote ritual, a friend who had a premonitory vision warned Guy not to go to work that day. Guy warned several others, but not Joe Jr., who was killed in an explosion at the drilling site. Lester, the trading post own | |||||||
| 3 | 3 | "K'e" | Sanford Bookstaver | Maya Rose Dittloff & Razelle Benally | June 26, 2022 (2022-06-26) | 1 | |
| Money from the robbery is funneled through Devoted Dan's car dealership. Wanda, the painter wife of gift shop owner Lester, is also part of the money laundering. Leaphorn and Chee ask Raymond Begay to dive the pond on Tso's property, looking for evidence of the helicopter. Emma invites her niece, Nanobah, to stay at the Leaphorns' home as she celeb | |||||||
| 4 | 4 | "Hooghandi" | Sanford Bookstaver | Billy Luther | July 3, 2022 (2022-07-03) | 0 | |
| Raymond finds a helmet, but is shot by Father Tso. He and Frank Nakai are revealed to be buying up land around the mine for the Buffalo Society. Leaphorn suspects all of the crimes on the reservation are related. He and Chee talk to Father Tso, who admits he has a brother who attended Catholic school. Leaphorn and Chee look through the school recor | |||||||
| 5 | 5 | "Ha'íínlni" | Chris Eyre | Erica Tremblay | July 10, 2022 (2022-07-10) | 1 | |
| Chee leaves the reservation, saying goodbye to Manuelito, but she remains angry with him. He tends to a stranded motorist, who clues Chee into the too-good-to-be-true deals at Devoted Dan's car lot. Chee interviews Dan, who explains he is being blackmailed to help the Buffalo Society launder money. Chee also learns Dan was previously interviewed by | |||||||
| 6 | 6 | "HózhóoNaasháa" | Chris Eyre | Maya Rose Dittloff | July 17, 2022 (2022-07-17) | 1 | |
| A flashback shows Whitover and Tso discussing the armored car heist, revealing Whitover was in on the robbery. Chee radios Manuelito to warn her about Whitover, speaking Diné so Whitover cannot understand. Tso and Frank make a plan to escape by using the Mormons as cover, however the father crashes while going to retrieve a van; he is spotted and r | |||||||
· Episodes › Season 2 (2023)
7
7
No.
overall
7
No. in
season
1
Title
"Na'niłkaadii (Sheep Dog)"
Directed by
Chris Eyre
Written by
John Wirth & Rhiana Yazzie
Original release date
July 30, 2023 (2023-07-30)
U . viewers
(millions)
N/A
8
8
No.
overall
8
No. in
season
2
Title
"Wonders of the Unknown"
Directed by
Chris Eyre
Written by
Max Hurwitz & DezBaa'
Original release date
August 6, 2023 (2023-08-06)
U . viewers
(millions)
0
9
9
No.
overall
9
No. in
season
3
Title
"Antigonish"
Directed by
Michael Nankin
Written by
Steven Paul Judd
Original release date
August 13, 2023 (2023-08-13)
U . viewers
(millions)
0
10
10
No.
overall
10
No. in
season
4
Title
"The March"
Directed by
Michael Nankin
Written by
Jason Gavin
Original release date
August 20, 2023 (2023-08-20)
U . viewers
(millions)
1
11
11
No.
overall
11
No. in
season
5
Title
"Black Hole Sun"
Directed by
Billy Luther
Written by
Billy Luther & Max Hurwitz
Original release date
August 27, 2023 (2023-08-27)
U . viewers
(millions)
N/A
12
12
No.
overall
12
No. in
season
6
Title
"Hózhó náhásdlįį (Beauty Is Restored)"
Directed by
Chris Eyre
Written by
Graham Roland & John Wirth
Original release date
September 3, 2023 (2023-09-03)
U . viewers
(millions)
N/A
| No. overall | No. in season | Title | Directed by | Written by | Original release date | U . viewers (millions) |
| 7 | 1 | "Na'niłkaadii (Sheep Dog)" | Chris Eyre | John Wirth & Rhiana Yazzie | July 30, 2023 (2023-07-30) | N/A |
| 8 | 2 | "Wonders of the Unknown" | Chris Eyre | Max Hurwitz & DezBaa' | August 6, 2023 (2023-08-06) | 0 |
| 9 | 3 | "Antigonish" | Michael Nankin | Steven Paul Judd | August 13, 2023 (2023-08-13) | 0 |
| 10 | 4 | "The March" | Michael Nankin | Jason Gavin | August 20, 2023 (2023-08-20) | 1 |
| 11 | 5 | "Black Hole Sun" | Billy Luther | Billy Luther & Max Hurwitz | August 27, 2023 (2023-08-27) | N/A |
| 12 | 6 | "Hózhó náhásdlįį (Beauty Is Restored)" | Chris Eyre | Graham Roland & John Wirth | September 3, 2023 (2023-09-03) | N/A |
· Episodes › Season 3 (2025)
13
13
No.
overall
13
No. in
season
1
Title
"Ye'iitsoh (Big Monster)"
Directed by
Chris Eyre
Written by
John Wirth & Steven Paul Judd
Original release date
March 9, 2025 (2025-03-09)
U . viewers
(millions)
0
14
14
No.
overall
14
No. in
season
2
Title
"Náá'tsoh (Big Eyes)"
Directed by
Michael Nankin
Written by
Rhiana Yazzie
Original release date
March 16, 2025 (2025-03-16)
U . viewers
(millions)
0
15
15
No.
overall
15
No. in
season
3
Title
"Ch'į́į́dii (Ghosts)"
Directed by
Michael Nankin
Written by
Max Hurwitz & Billy Luther
Original release date
March 23, 2025 (2025-03-23)
U . viewers
(millions)
0
16
16
No.
overall
16
No. in
season
4
Title
"Chahałheeł (Darkness Falls)"
Directed by
Chris Eyre
Written by
Thomas Brady & Erica Tremblay
Original release date
March 30, 2025 (2025-03-30)
U . viewers
(millions)
0
17
17
No.
overall
17
No. in
season
5
Title
"Tsékǫ̨' Hasą́ní (Coal Mine Canyon)"
Directed by
Billy Luther
Written by
John Wirth & Steven Paul Judd
Original release date
April 6, 2025 (2025-04-06)
U . viewers
(millions)
0
18
18
No.
overall
18
No. in
season
6
Title
"Ábidoo'niidę́ę́ (What We Had Been Told)"
Directed by
Erica Tremblay
Written by
Max Hurwitz & Billy Luther
Original release date
April 13, 2025 (2025-04-13)
U . viewers
(millions)
0
19
19
No.
overall
19
No. in
season
7
Title
"T'áá Áłts'íísígo (Just a Small Piece)"
Directed by
Steven Paul Judd
Written by
Thomas Brady & Erica Tremblay
Original release date
April 20, 2025 (2025-04-20)
U . viewers
(millions)
0
20
20
No.
overall
20
No. in
season
8
Title
"Béésh Łį́į́ (Iron Horse)"
Directed by
Chris Eyre
Written by
John Wirth & Steven Paul Judd
Original release date
April 27, 2025 (2025-04-27)
U . viewers
(millions)
0
| No. overall | No. in season | Title | Directed by | Written by | Original release date | U . viewers (millions) |
| 13 | 1 | "Ye'iitsoh (Big Monster)" | Chris Eyre | John Wirth & Steven Paul Judd | March 9, 2025 (2025-03-09) | 0 |
| 14 | 2 | "Náá'tsoh (Big Eyes)" | Michael Nankin | Rhiana Yazzie | March 16, 2025 (2025-03-16) | 0 |
| 15 | 3 | "Ch'į́į́dii (Ghosts)" | Michael Nankin | Max Hurwitz & Billy Luther | March 23, 2025 (2025-03-23) | 0 |
| 16 | 4 | "Chahałheeł (Darkness Falls)" | Chris Eyre | Thomas Brady & Erica Tremblay | March 30, 2025 (2025-03-30) | 0 |
| 17 | 5 | "Tsékǫ̨' Hasą́ní (Coal Mine Canyon)" | Billy Luther | John Wirth & Steven Paul Judd | April 6, 2025 (2025-04-06) | 0 |
| 18 | 6 | "Ábidoo'niidę́ę́ (What We Had Been Told)" | Erica Tremblay | Max Hurwitz & Billy Luther | April 13, 2025 (2025-04-13) | 0 |
| 19 | 7 | "T'áá Áłts'íísígo (Just a Small Piece)" | Steven Paul Judd | Thomas Brady & Erica Tremblay | April 20, 2025 (2025-04-20) | 0 |
| 20 | 8 | "Béésh Łį́į́ (Iron Horse)" | Chris Eyre | John Wirth & Steven Paul Judd | April 27, 2025 (2025-04-27) | 0 |
· Episodes › Season 4 (2026)
21
21
No.
overall
21
No. in
season
1
Title
"Kǫ' Tsiitáá Álnééh (Baptism by Fire)"
Directed by
Craig Zisk
Written by
John Wirth & Steven Paul Judd
Original release date
February 15, 2026 (2026-02-15)
U . viewers
(millions)
0
22
22
No.
overall
22
No. in
season
2
Title
"Bikéé' Doo Éédahoozįįdę́ę́góó (Toward Their Unknown Paths)"
Directed by
Zahn McClarnon
Written by
Max Hurwitz & Wenonah Wilms
Original release date
February 22, 2026 (2026-02-22)
U . viewers
(millions)
0
23
23
No.
overall
23
No. in
season
3
Title
"Ahááldláádígíí (That Which Has Been Torn Apart)"
Directed by
Chris Eyre
Written by
Thomas Brady & Erica Tremblay
Original release date
March 1, 2026 (2026-03-01)
U . viewers
(millions)
N/A
24
24
No.
overall
24
No. in
season
4
Title
"Ni' Ániidí (The New World)"
Directed by
Jim Chory
Written by
John Wirth & Steven Paul Judd
Original release date
March 8, 2026 (2026-03-08)
U . viewers
(millions)
0
25
25
No.
overall
25
No. in
season
5
Title
"Atída'ahiilyaágíí (Those Who Harmed One Another)"
Directed by
Chris Eyre
Written by
Max Hurwitz & Wenonah Wilms
Original release date
March 15, 2026 (2026-03-15)
U . viewers
(millions)
0
26
26
No.
overall
26
No. in
season
6
Title
"Shíká Nidanitáhą́ą́ (Those Who Were Searching for Me)"
Directed by
Steven Paul Judd
Written by
Thomas Brady & Erica Tremblay
Original release date
March 22, 2026 (2026-03-22)
U . viewers
(millions)
0
27
27
No.
overall
27
No. in
season
7
Title
"Nániikai (We Came Back)"
Directed by
Chris Eyre
Written by
Shaandiin Tome & Shandton Williams II
Original release date
March 29, 2026 (2026-03-29)
U . viewers
(millions)
0
28
28
No.
overall
28
No. in
season
8
Title
"Ni' Hodisxǫs (The Glittering World)"
Directed by
Erica Tremblay
Written by
Max Hurwitz & Thomas Brady
Original release date
April 5, 2026 (2026-04-05)
U . viewers
(millions)
0
| No. overall | No. in season | Title | Directed by | Written by | Original release date | U . viewers (millions) |
| 21 | 1 | "Kǫ' Tsiitáá Álnééh (Baptism by Fire)" | Craig Zisk | John Wirth & Steven Paul Judd | February 15, 2026 (2026-02-15) | 0 |
| 22 | 2 | "Bikéé' Doo Éédahoozįįdę́ę́góó (Toward Their Unknown Paths)" | Zahn McClarnon | Max Hurwitz & Wenonah Wilms | February 22, 2026 (2026-02-22) | 0 |
| 23 | 3 | "Ahááldláádígíí (That Which Has Been Torn Apart)" | Chris Eyre | Thomas Brady & Erica Tremblay | March 1, 2026 (2026-03-01) | N/A |
| 24 | 4 | "Ni' Ániidí (The New World)" | Jim Chory | John Wirth & Steven Paul Judd | March 8, 2026 (2026-03-08) | 0 |
| 25 | 5 | "Atída'ahiilyaágíí (Those Who Harmed One Another)" | Chris Eyre | Max Hurwitz & Wenonah Wilms | March 15, 2026 (2026-03-15) | 0 |
| 26 | 6 | "Shíká Nidanitáhą́ą́ (Those Who Were Searching for Me)" | Steven Paul Judd | Thomas Brady & Erica Tremblay | March 22, 2026 (2026-03-22) | 0 |
| 27 | 7 | "Nániikai (We Came Back)" | Chris Eyre | Shaandiin Tome & Shandton Williams II | March 29, 2026 (2026-03-29) | 0 |
| 28 | 8 | "Ni' Hodisxǫs (The Glittering World)" | Erica Tremblay | Max Hurwitz & Thomas Brady | April 5, 2026 (2026-04-05) | 0 |