Has Dark Winds been renewed for Season 3? Here’s what we know:

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Renewed Or Cancelled?

Dark Winds has been one of AMC’s most successful endeavours of the last five years. Inspired by the Leaphorn and Chee novels, the first two seasons of Dark Winds have done numbers beyond expectations. Zahn McClarnon, Jessica Matton, and Kiowa Gordon have constituted the central protagonists on both occasions. The series has proved to be a lot more than just a representation of Native American stories and voices. It has assumed the shape of a unique homage to classical Westerns set in an eclectically tasteful era of its own. 

Season 2 of Dark Winds was certainly worth a watch. The finale opened the door to new possibilities in terms of plot and character lines. 

If you’ve finished watching this one, you may be wondering if this has been renewed or cancelled. Here’s what we know so far:

What is Dark Winds Season 2 about?

The sole focus for Joe Leaphorn in this season of Dark Winds is a blonde assassin terrorizing the Rez. Colton Wolf is a mercenary who has left a trail of bodies. But this isn’t the first time he has drawn Navajo blood. During his investigation into the murders, Leaphorn learns that Colton was responsible for the explosion of the Drumco well that took the life of his son, Joe Jr. This investigation ties into Jim Chee’s informal investigation as a private detective into a robbery at BJ Vines’ house.

The new season has many callbacks to the previous season’s plot but first-time viewers do not need much context. Leaphorn has a chance to not only put the demons of his past to rest but also nab a murderous lunatic before he does more damage.

Season 2 features side plots that focus on issues of forced sterilization of Native American women, musings about the prejudicial criminal justice system, and a sense of nostalgia that roots the story in the bygone era of America’s chequered history.

Has Dark Winds been renewed for season 3?

At the time of writing, AMC has not renewed Dark Winds for a third season. Given the nature of this series, that could change if it does good numbers for the network.

Generally AMC, like other networks and streaming platforms, gauges numerous metrics before renewing a show, including how many people initially watch it and then looking at the drop-off rate. With some shows, cancellations or renewals happen quickly (ala. Squid Game, Bridgerton etc.) Other times, it can take months before Netflix make a decision over a show’s future.

Season 1 of Dark Winds became AMC+’s most streamed show of all time. It was also extremely popular with viewers and critics. However, Season 2 has broken its predecessor’s streaming records much to everyone’s surprise. There has been almost a twofold jump in viewership and the critics have rated the new season at par with the brilliant first season. 

The Leaphorn and Chee novels are almost 23 in number, something that Chris Eyre, executive producer on the show touched upon when asked about a third season in an interview. 

“Hopefully we’ll get a third season, there’s enough source material. I think Tony wrote 18 books. And his daughter, Anne Hillerman, is continuing the series, and she has about five books, I think. So there’s 23 novels to cull from.”

There is no dearth of material, enthusiasm from the cast and creatives, and eagerness from the loyal fanbase to see the show return for a third season. We have also rated this new season very highly and expect it to be renewed in the coming months. There is no way that AMC will not go ahead with Season 3 for Dark Winds and fans can be rest assured to see their favourite Navajo duo back in action. 

We’ll be sure to update this section with accurate details over the coming weeks and months when we know more!

What we know about season 3 so far:

Not much is known about season 3 at the time of writing, given AMC has not officially renewed this one yet. Should the network decide to greenlight this one, we can expect a new storyline to be introduced in the third season. Since there are so many plots to choose from, it remains anyone’s guess what the new season will look like. 

We would also like to inform our readers that Jessica Matten, who plays Bernadette Manuelito on the show, will be coming back for the next season if it is renewed. Many forums have discussed the possibility of Matten leaving the show given how season 2 ends. But Eyre has made it clear that Bernadette will surely be there come the new season. Expect Kiowa Gordon, Zahn McClarnon, and Deanna Taushi Allison to return as well in their respective roles. 

As for the release date, the ongoing strikes will play spoilsport for a while. A 2024 release is too optimistic at this given point but the summer of 2025 should be a realistic target for AMC to release Season 3 of Dark Winds. 

Would you like to see Dark Winds return for a third season? Or do you think the story has run its course? Let us know your thoughts in the comments below!

 

116 thoughts on “Has Dark Winds been renewed for Season 3? Here’s what we know:”

  1. It’s all been said by others, but I too loved everything about Dark Winds: the stories, the characters, the actors, the amazing locations, the native American culture and exposure of the tragic history of maltreatment at the hands of the US government. I didn’t know about the forced sterilizations, really shocking. Many similarities to the treatment of Australia’s indigenous people. From Australia.

  2. Are you kidding me!!!… I’m sure AMC has enough money to go above and beyond paying the script writers, actors, and everyone else being a part of this profoundly quality-filled series of new ideas, new actors, new settings to people who don’t get to live there and know the Indian culture but yet now we do and get to see it through this box but yet now we do and get to see it through this ‘box’. I am a Gen X and I was there for walking Dead the first episode and beyond every episode and season. I can’t wait to watch Daryl Dixon return tonight in his walking Dead premiere episode, but I have been chomping at the bit looking for when dark winds returns and I cannot believe that AMC would let something like this slip through their fingers! Please get on the ball and renew this show before it hits the skids, because I don’t know if people are going to wait 2 years 2025 for it to come out again. Don’t leave the new, and old, fan base waiting! PS tell Kiowa Gordon since he’s going to become rich and famous to get into the gym I want to see him buffed up for the third season!!!😊😅❤️❤️❤️🌏🌎

  3. The 2 seasons of Dark Winds have been great. The focus on the Navajo culture has been very informative and since we visited the Monument Valley very recently it has helped us to understand that area and the people we met. The characters as the very believable and we are looking forward to seeing the series continue. It has been one of very few programs we watch on TV.

  4. You must return!!! We looove Dark Winds, We are sitting at the edge of our seats.we have read every tony and anne hillerman book!! Each book deserves a segment!!! I want to know more about the hopi, zuni, and pueblo tribes!! Do a segment on the ancient missing navajo rugs from thre trading post and tbe missing bones from the smithsonian! I called tony when i first read an except of thief of time -and he told me i couldnt buy the movie rights because robert redford did!! And that goes back to early 80’s. I have toured extensively at all the spots in the sw mentioned in his book. Even his book on viet nam deserves a movie. Wish u’d do a spoof on the roads scholar tours of all the locations that were toured in a group that were focus points in his book. Alas, i did white water rafting (and loved it) down the grand canyon- and i didnt find any diamonds but it was fun looking!!!

  6. OH Yes! Please Bring Dark Winds Back with another Season, Season 3 along with many more! Love it so much! Love the actors and just flowed sooo well! So good! I didn’t want Season 2 to end! Oh I hope the writers strike ends soon and everyone in the film industry is paid well, above and beyond! Shows like this really touch the heart and soul! Bring it back it’s Fantastic! Sadly since Yellowstone is not coming back, still waiting for the final episode, this definitely will take its place!

  7. There must be a Season 3 of DARK WINDS, Best Show in years!
    It’s a must… would be a huge disappointment if season 3 wasn’t in the works, lots of storylines for the characters for sure. Love the people /characters portrayed in the series, TRUE BLUE!!!

  8. I am Fox, Hopi and Zuni and Lakota and Oglala Souix I am.also.adopyed into the Tigua band from New Mexico/Texas area I look forward to seeing more of Dark Winds I love the actors and really love how in each show they embrace our culture and it’s so nice to finally see a show about our cultures and what we’re about as one that goes through the Navajo res to.hey home to my.people I love how it speaks to.everyonr and addresses our needs and views I welcome seasons 3,4,5,and beyond thank you for bringing us lovable characters that speak to.us and non natives

  10. My wife and I have loved both seasons of Dark Winds! We both put our votes in for a third (and more) season(s)! Yes there are many many story lines to choose from spaning from the big res to the Four corners, even out to California. Bringing many of the different nations that Tony and Ann wrote about in their books and Ann is still writing.

  11. I have read Mr. Hillerman’s novels several times and enjoyed the trilogy of Dark Wind movies that Robert Redford produced several years ago. Wes Study and Adam Beach were excellent as Lt Leaphorn and Chee. I hope this series continues for many years, starting next year, and not make us wait until 2025. Please note that the author of the article has made an injustice to Mr. McClarnon. His name is Zahn, not Zach. Mr. McClarnon has been in several other series, including Longmire, and is a very talented actor. He has definitely taken ownership of this role. All of the Native American actors are fantastic. I am so very proud of all of them, the director, the producers and this wonderful series.

  12. More please! I have looked forward to watching the weekly show and will miss it. Too many detective shows with the same old plot. Dark Winds gives me more insight to the life of my Cherokee ancestors, please continue!

  13. As a California Indian it has been so refreshing to see Dark Skies. As native people we only see westerns about cowboys and Indians. Usually based on stereotypes. I love Dark Winds because I love learning about native peoples lives, customs, ceremonies and perspectives. As a Native American it makes me feel proud to see and learn about the Navaho culture. This the best series ever. I look forward to see season three with more episodes. The cast is outstanding! We need to make all groups culturally literate. Thank you AMC.

  14. Hope to see more seasons of Dark Winds. Excellent story, actors, and history! Guess it is time to read the
    series!!

  16. I have loved AMC’s forays into dramatic series but Dark Winds is in a class by itself. It is truly superb. More seasons please.

  17. Oh definitely! We all need Season 3 and more Seasons.
    This show and all the actors in it are so real. The Dark Winds has taught me a lot about like and Native Indians!
    I have so much respect for them and they deserve this.
    The show is best thing on TV these days.

  19. Dark Winds was excellent and needs to come back for season 3. Excellent acting from everyon. Please bring back for season 3.

  20. I was not aware of Dark Winds until I came into my daughters room who has AMC + and I have basic cable. For the pass few weeks, I caught Dark Winds second season, I have literally have gone addicted to the series. I have been to anxious to see the next episode. I have watched the same episodes 3 or 4 times before the next one.
    We are a family of 12 and they all sit down watch Dark Winds while eating supper. But what’s funny is on all re-runs we see something we miss.
    We favor more than three series, for it is refreshing to see native Americans are as human as we are.
    We feel their pain, for recently we found out thru DNA that we have native anerican DNA( Apache).from southwestern New Mexico… Please don’t cancel show.

  23. The best series we’ve watched in a long time.
    The acting, writing and photography are so very good.
    Hope they produce a dozen more.
    Seriously.

  24. Looking forward to Season 3! This show is quality TV that is missing from many networks and streaming platforms!

  26. We absolutely need a Season 3. This is one of the best and well-written series on television. I hope Dark Winds continues for many years to come.

  27. I’ve been hooked since the first episode. The characters are authentic, good people but not perfect; characters you become invested in. Definitely needs at least a 3rd season.

  28. Fantastic show with a great cast. Disappointing that season 2 was only 6 episodes. I’m a dedicated fan that will be anxious to see it renewed for a 3rd season and beyond.

  29. Love this show.
    The actors are top notch, believeable, strong. The material is important to know and study. When you dont know where you’ve been how can you-know-where you are going. This is important TV viewing for all.
    Thank you.

  30. I would love for this to return. Like my father. I read all of Tony Hillermans books and am a huge fan of his books and now of the show.

  31. I think that this show series is one of the best show series on television or cable, it’s fresh and that is something that is missing from television and cable nowadays and it should continue. Thank you for the opportunity to view this show series.

  33. It’s great to see something different, culture! Back to simple basics! Definitely want to see a season 3!! What a cliffhanger! Lol love show
    😊

  34. yes for sure would love to have season 3 of dark winds please love the Navaho shows they’re awesome

  36. Excellent show and cast well worth watching and renewing. sure hope even with the strike that AMC goes forward with a 3rd season and beyond.

  39. Dark Winds is one of the best series I have seen. Being a Native American and seeing Native Americans Actors really helps give our People Hope! The Ceremonies of our People are here to help make our lives and this world a better place! Our Youth need to learn. Thank You for making this series. Yes I would definitely want to watch more Dark Winds Series

  40. What a sad hole would appear in our entertainment life if season 3 of Dark Winds does not become a reality – good energy should never be stifled.

  41. Please do renew! There are lots of novels to draw from and this cast brings them to life very well. I hope there will be more than one more season.

  42. This series is by far one of the most creative and engaging on tv!! I’ve read all the books…and eagerly look forward to more of the same…all new of course!!!

  44. I enjoyed the first 2 seasons and look forward fondly to the possibility of 2 or more seasons. It would be a shame if the momentum of this show doesn’t continue. It also pays tribute to the acting ability of these fine Native Americana actors.

  47. Season 2 was outstanding. Great writing, acting and production. Wonderful job of telling the story and the nuances of traditional tribal customs. The sterilization practice that was forced upon Native Americans needed to be exposed.

  48. Would love to see it come back for season three. I got season 1 on DVD from Amazon & waiting for season 2.

  51. Yes, more Dark Winds please! Tony Hillerman was a prolific writer and there are many more stories to be told.

  53. I love the show. This is been one of my favorite shows of the year irresonates in our senses. I hope it comes back for Season 3. Not in 2025 but next year. At my age, 81, I may not be around if you wait till 2025.

  59. Dark Winds has been a very approachable adaptation of a special culture in a certain time & era fir a police procedural. Loved Hillerman’s novels & look forward to this incredible cast to render these newly created storylines for the screen.

  60. I definitely want Dark Wind to continue. I’ve read the Tony Hillerman books and the ones his daughter wrote. Love seeing faces with the characters I’ve read about. May Dark Wind last a long time. Thank you

  61. Please bring Dark Winds back for a 3rd season. We love the show and hated to see it end. My husband and I have said this is our favorite show!! So please bring it back.

    Donna

  66. My husband and I watch Dark Winds faithfully. Can hardly wait for the next episode to come on. I have read some of Hillerman’s books and think there could be many seasons ahead. Please make season 3 ASAP. We will be waiting.

  69. We love Dark Winds. We had to watch video on demand for Season 1 and then watched all of Season 2. We certainly hope there will be more seasons. The scenery, the characters and the Navajo people are so interesting to see. We have always been fascinated by this region and these people.

  70. Love Hillerman books, father and daughter and love Dark Winds. I didn’t know there was Series One and feel bad to have missed it.Diane

  72. Yes 100%! Loved this show. Beautiful and heart breaking story of Native American lives. The main actors were superior and plots were so intense. Chemistry between the Chief Leaphorn and his wife and Bern and Chee was wonderful! Can’t wait for Season 3 and many more please!!

  75. Please bring Season 3 (and beyond) for Dark Winds! We’re just getting started with this series and it would be a crime to let it disappear after only 2 seasons. The acting is superb, the storylines mystical with the combination of white man policing and Indian traditional know how, put to dramatic outcomes. I’ve found that I’m drawn and have a connection to these people even though I’m not an american indian. Their traditions are fascinating to learn and that they are true to their traditions….it is truly their wonderful culture that everyone should embrace…..this series has it all….don’t let it disappear!!!

  76. Sorry I could not go back and edit misspellings and fat fingering of letters. It means a lot to me and I am still proud of the truths I have told to you.
    Thanks WCE

  78. Please bring a DARKWINDS season 3 back. It is a most interesting and well written story which I have told many people about, I was surprised that AMC even had such a great show in their teach, I find it hard to believe it is not popular. I am truly interested in all Native American stories that are intertwined with Native American beliefs and Lore. It is an awesome series, please bring it back. I would pay GB old money to see it I hate to say. The actors and actress’s are very special and I hope this message somehow trickles to them. I have finally found a series that I can look forward to seeing knowing beforehand I am not going to be disappointed. First rate producers and top notch actors have made this one of the best series I have ever seen. I am proud to have witnessed such a great production and believe it has set a standard for storyline and education In a series with total respect of the Native American people. We all know they deserve so very much and get so very little of their rightful respect. I say God Bless you all who had a part in this production. Time has come to show the dignity and gratitude for what all the Native Americans have done for every one of us. I can only truly pray that you will take my words as truth. This is one to make a 3rc season and at least 10 if not a permanent series .
    Thank you all for making this series that I love and thank you for being the power they need to get the word out about the lives they lead in successes and failures just like us all. We are all the same. But thanks for giving humanity, love, family and a feeling of greatness native American people deserve and this could be a news d helpful beginning of a genuine interest y many peoples I to the lives of some they thought they knew. Thank you so, so very much for some of the finest screen work I have ever seen. It is truly an amazing series.
    May you always have love on your side. I AM MOST GRATEFUL!
    Sincerely, W.C.EPPS

  80. This is a GREAT show. I had to watch season 1 on demand. It had me hooked from the first episode. When my housemate watched an episode, she was also eager for season 2. The show does not disappoint. Great plot line with Bernie and Chee. Would like to see more of Leaphorns background. Bring on season 3!!!!!!

  82. I would love for Dark Winds to come back for season 3 with more seasons to follow! Great cast and story line absolutely love this show!!! Please don’t let it end here keep it going!

  83. My husband and I are Dark Winds fanatics!! It is outstanding in every respect and we fervently hope there will be at least a season 3.

  85. I would definitely like a 3rd season. I have read every Hillerman novel and find them hard to put down. Please consider another season. Having Native American characters/actors is spot on.

  91. Sure hope they renew Dark Winds, best series I’ve seen in a long time, love the characters, stories. Sometimes I wonder if these networks really know what they’re doing.

  92. A 3 season is very much warranted and it has become extremely popular with Native Americans and ethnic indigenous Mexicans as well. Great story line and I can see future stories in the making. Each character growing in popularity and newcomers can keep it very interesting and intriguing, including the villains keeping the high explosive suspense. A 3rd season is indeed in order.

  93. I seriously hope the series comes back for a third season and hopefully more!!
    I have read some of Hillerman books and have enjoyed them tremendously.
    Finally a show that is worth stopping and sitting down to watch!! AMC, please don’t let us down now.

  94. Love this show! Very realistic and gives viewers a peek inside the world of indigenous people and the challenges they have and continue to endure.

  95. Yes, I would love to see a season 3 of Dark Winds, it’s an awesome show, so please let there be a season 3.

  104. This series faithfully creates Hillerman’s view of the Navajo Nation and let’s us share in the family, jnclyding the finding of balance. This is TV worth watching and shares a culture we need to understand inorder to better understand oy imbalance in the world. Long may it live!

  110. Please renew , this is such a wonderful series with spirit and heart . It would be a shame if this does not continue.

  111. This show is wonderful..I watched 1st season in one sitting..this is right up there with Longmire…a really good show needs to keep going

  113. Yes, our family would like Dark Winds to continue on TV. My Husband has read all of Tony Hillermans Books.

  114. Absolutely I want it back. There is so much here to love. The characters, the very talented actors. Tribal culture is woven into the story, making it powerful. .

  115. Loved the books and love the Dark Winds series. Please please give us more!! Nothing else like it out there. Wishing, hoping, for season 3.

  116. I love this series. I have read the books, but my husband has not and enjoyed the series as well. We are hopeful that the series will be continueD

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