Get ready, fans! AMC's critically acclaimed neo-Western thriller, Dark Winds, is officially returning for its fourth season, and it's bringing our favorite Navajo Tribal Police officers to a whole new, grittier setting.
TL;DR- Season 4 Premiere: Catch the intense new season starting Sunday, February 15, 2026, at 9 pm ET/PT on AMC and AMC+.
- New Setting, New Case: Lt. Joe Leaphorn, Jim Chee, and Bernadette Manuelito head to 1970s Los Angeles to search for a missing Navajo girl, uncovering ties to organized crime.
- Familiar Faces & Fresh Blood: Zahn McClarnon, Kiowa Gordon, and Jessica Matten are back, joined by new cast members like Franka Potente and Titus Welliver, plus a directorial debut for Zahn McClarnon!
Get ready! Dark Winds Season 4 is coming to AMC and AMC+ on February 15, 2026. Discover the new mystery, returning cast, exciting new characters, and what's next for Leaphorn, Chee, and Manuelito as they tackle a dangerous case stretching from the Navajo Nation to 1970s Los Angeles.
Get Ready for More Neo-Western Thrills: Dark Winds Season 4 is Almost Here!
Good news, Dark Winds devotees! The highly anticipated fourth season of AMC's gripping noir thriller has locked in its return date, and it's sooner than you might think. Mark your calendars for Sunday, February 15, 2026, at 9 pm ET/PT, because that's when you'll be reunited with the dedicated officers of the Navajo Tribal Police on both AMC and AMC+.
Based on Tony Hillerman's beloved "Leaphorn & Chee" book series, this show has consistently delivered compelling mysteries, rich character development, and an authentic portrayal of Native American culture in the 1970s. It's no wonder the first three seasons boast a perfect 100% score on Rotten Tomatoes!
Get ready for Dark Winds Season 4! Discover the February 15, 2026 premiere date on AMC and AMC+, dive into the new L.A. mystery, meet the returning and new cast, and find out how Lieutenant Leaphorn's personal journey continues.
A New Case Takes Our Heroes Far from the Reservation
This season promises a major shift in scenery for our beloved trio. While the heart of Dark Winds has always been the rugged beauty and intricate community of the Navajo Nation, Season 4 will see Lt. Joe Leaphorn (Zahn McClarnon), Jim Chee (Kiowa Gordon), and Bernadette Manuelito (Jessica Matten) venturing into uncharted territory.
The central mystery revolves around the search for a missing Navajo girl. This urgent quest pulls them from the familiar safety of their reservation all the way to the "gritty terrain of 1970s Los Angeles." Talk about a change of pace! They'll be racing against the clock, trying to save her from an "obsessive killer with ties to organized crime." Get ready for a high-stakes, cross-cultural investigation that will undoubtedly test our heroes in new and unexpected ways.
"I had this badge for four years before I saw my first murder," Leaphorn laments in the new teaser. "Now it just feels like every day. It's hard having to hold it all. I'm sorry I'm asking you to." This quote alone hints at the escalating stakes and the emotional toll the job continues to take.
Dark Winds Season 3 is HERE and it's intense! Get the scoop on the new season plot details Zahn McClarnon's directing debut and HUGE news about Season 4. All the details on MoviesMoly!
The Incredible Ensemble Cast Returns with Added Talent
The core cast that makes Dark Winds so captivating is all set to return, bringing their powerful performances back to the screen. Zahn McClarnon, who also serves as an executive producer, is back as the stoic and deeply thoughtful Lt. Joe Leaphorn. This season is extra special for him as he's also making his eagerly awaited television directorial debut!
Kiowa Gordon returns as the insightful and often conflicted Jim Chee, while Jessica Matten reprises her role as the formidable Bernadette Manuelito. And what about Leaphorn's estranged wife, Emma? Deanna Allison will be back as Emma Leaphorn, meaning we'll hopefully get some answers about the future of their relationship after the emotionally charged events of Season 3. Plus, A. Martinez is back as Scarborough Police Department Acting Chief Gordo Sena.
But wait, there's more! Season 4 is introducing a prominent roster of new faces who are sure to stir things up:
- Franka Potente (known for Run Lola Run) joins as Irene Vaggan.
- Isabel DeRoy-Olson (Fancy Dance) plays Billie Tsosie, a decisive and resourceful Navajo teenager whose desire for freedom leads her into deep trouble.
- Chaske Spencer (The Twilight Saga) is Sonny, a charming yet menacing recruiter for an L.A. crime ring, luring young Native American men into a life of crime.
- Luke Barnett (The Crossing Over Express) will portray FBI Special Agent Toby Shaw, arriving with his own mysterious investigation.
- And none other than Titus Welliver (the iconic Bosch himself!) steps in as Dominic McNair, a ruthless L.A. crime boss dealing in drugs and stolen luxury goods.
Dark Winds Season 3 is here and Bruce Greenwood is shaking things up! Get to know the cast new characters plot twists and where to watch the latest season of this hit Navajo thriller.
Exploring Deeper Character Arcs and Personal Struggles
Beyond the thrilling new case, Season 4 is poised to delve further into the personal lives and past traumas of its characters. Viewers know that Leaphorn has carried the heavy burden of being forced to abandon his culture after being sent to a Christian boarding school, and this deeply impacts his perspective and drive.
We're also keenly invested in Joe and Emma Leaphorn's marriage. Remember how Emma left Joe after he killed B.J. Vines, the man responsible for their son's death? Season 3 ended with Joe replaying Emma's deposition tape, clinging to her hopeful words: "I hope one day I can forgive him." We're definitely hoping for some healing and resolution there, as their relationship forms a powerful emotional anchor for the series.
"I had this badge for four years before I saw my first murder. Now it just feels like every day. It's hard having to hold it all. I'm sorry I'm asking you to."
— Lt. Joe Leaphorn (Zahn McClarnon) in the Season 4 Teaser
Selena Gomez is back with a new banger, 'In the Dark,' featured on the soundtrack for Netflix's 'Nobody Wants This' Season 2! Get all the details on the retro-inspired video, her personal connection to the lyrics, and what to expect from the rom-com's star-studded new season.
The Creative Minds Behind the Magic
The show's continued success is a testament to its stellar creative team. Dark Winds was created by Graham Roland, who also executive produces alongside a powerhouse lineup including the legendary Robert Redford and Game of Thrones mastermind George R.R. Martin. John Wirth serves as the showrunner, ensuring the series maintains its signature blend of suspense and cultural depth.
Additional executive producers include Zahn McClarnon, Chris Eyre, Tina Elmo, Jim Chory, Thomas Brady, Max Hurwitz, Vince Gerardis, and Anne Hillerman, the daughter of original author Tony Hillerman.
Why Dark Winds Continues to Be a Must-Watch
Dark Winds isn't just another crime drama; it's a "neo-Western thriller" that brings a unique perspective to the screen. Set in the 1970s, it tackles enduring themes like bigotry, classism, and violence against Indigenous people with nuance and respect. It's been praised for its propulsive suspense, immersive cinematography, and, crucially, for amplifying Native American voices both in front of and behind the camera. It offers a fresh and vital narrative that distinguishes it from anything else on television.
How to Catch Up Before Season 4 Drops
If you haven't jumped on the Dark Winds bandwagon yet, or if you just need a refresher on Leaphorn's past cases, you're in luck! All three previous seasons are available to stream on AMC+. Plus, you can find the first three seasons via The AMC Collection on Netflix, making it super easy to binge-watch and get up to speed before the new season premieres. Trust us, you don't want to miss a single moment of this captivating series.
FAQ: All Your Burning Questions About Dark Winds Season 4 When does Dark Winds Season 4 premiere? Dark Winds Season 4 premieres on Sunday, February 15, 2026, at 9 pm ET/PT. Where can I watch Dark Winds Season 4? You can watch new episodes on AMC and stream them on AMC+. How many episodes will be in Dark Winds Season 4? Season 4 will consist of eight hour-long episodes. Where can I stream previous seasons of Dark Winds? All previous seasons (1-3) are available on AMC+ and via The AMC Collection on Netflix. Sources- Based on provided articles from AMC, The Hollywood Reporter, Variety, Deadline, CBR, Showbiz Junkies, Buddy TV, IBW Team, and A.V. Club.