AMC’s critically acclaimed thriller Dark Winds is gearing up for its fourth season, promising to deliver even more pulse-pounding drama in the dusty expanses of the Navajo Nation. Renewed in March 2025 ahead of Season 3’s finale, the series—based on Tony Hillerman’s Leaphorn & Chee novels—has built a loyal following with its blend of psychological suspense, cultural authenticity, and unflinching exploration of Native American life in the 1970s. Production is underway in Santa Fe, New Mexico, with eight hour-long episodes slated for a 2026 premiere on AMC and AMC+. As the network teases, this installment could be “more addictive than True Detective and darker than Broadchurch,” ramping up the stakes with new cast members Isabel DeRoy-Olson and Luke Barnett, whose characters inject fresh intrigue into the ongoing saga of Lieutenant Joe Leaphorn and Sergeant Jim Chee.

At the helm is showrunner John Wirth, who continues to steer the series toward deeper, more layered storytelling. Zahn McClarnon, reprising his role as the stoic Leaphorn, will also make his directorial debut this season, adding a personal touch to the proceedings. McClarnon, a Lakota-Irish actor known for his nuanced performances in Fargo and Westworld, has been a cornerstone of the show since its 2022 debut. Alongside him, Kiowa Gordon returns as the ambitious Chee, with Jessica Matten and Deanna Allison rounding out the core ensemble. The supporting cast from Season 3—including A Martinez, Jeri Ryan, Jenna Elfman, Bruce Greenwood, Raoul Max Trujillo, Tonantzin Carmelo, Alex Meraz, Terry Serpico, Derek Hinkey, Phil Burke, and Christopher Heyerdahl—may see some returns, though details remain under wraps.

The new faces are poised to shake things up. Isabel DeRoy-Olson, fresh off her breakout role in Lily Gladstone’s Fancy Dance, joins as Billie Tsosie, a resourceful Navajo teenager who escapes her boarding school in search of freedom and connection. Sources close to production describe Billie as “eager to break free from isolation,” but her impulsive adventure lands her in perilous territory, entangled with shady figures and supernatural undertones. DeRoy-Olson, a Trondek Hwech’in First Nation member, brings authenticity to the role, drawing from her own experiences in indigenous storytelling. “She’s a fighter,” DeRoy-Olson teased in a May 2025 interview with Deadline. “Billie represents that youthful rebellion against a system that boxes you in.”

Luke Barnett, known for his work in The Righteous Gemstones and The Blacklist, steps in as FBI Special Agent Toby Shaw. Shaw arrives on the Navajo reservation probing a mystery tied to a missing friend, setting up inevitable clashes with Leaphorn and Chee. Barnett’s character adds a federal layer to the tribal police dynamics, echoing real-world tensions between Native authorities and outside agencies. “Toby’s driven by personal stakes,” Barnett told TV Insider. “He’s not just another suit—he’s haunted by what he’s uncovering.” Additional newcomers include Chaske Spencer (The English) as Sonny, a charismatic but lethal recruiter for a Los Angeles crime syndicate preying on young Native American men, and Franka Potente (The Bourne Identity) in a mysterious guest role that’s being kept tightly guarded.

While full plot details are scarce to avoid spoilers, AMC has dropped hints of a “haunting and unforgettable chapter” involving “ghost sickness”—a traditional Navajo belief in supernatural afflictions tied to the dead—and buried secrets in the desert. The storyline picks up from Season 3’s unresolved threads, where Leaphorn grappled with personal loss and Chee navigated moral gray areas. This time, a runaway Navajo teen (presumably Billie) becomes central, drawing the officers into a web of crime rings, FBI investigations, and cultural superstitions. “What’s buried in the desert” teases a storm of revelations, with themes of identity, colonialism, and the supernatural weaving through the narrative. Creator Graham Roland, alongside executive producers Robert Redford, George R.R. Martin, Chris Eyre, Tina Elmo, Jim Chory, Vince Gerardis, and Anne Hillerman (Tony’s daughter), emphasize the series’ commitment to Native voices: A predominantly Native American cast and writing team ensure cultural accuracy.

Filming in Santa Fe kicked off in spring 2025, utilizing the region’s stark landscapes to amplify the show’s atmospheric tension. The production team, led by Wirth, has expanded the episode count from six in Seasons 1 and 2 to eight for Seasons 3 and 4, allowing for more intricate plotting. McClarnon’s directorial episode is expected to spotlight Leaphorn’s internal struggles, blending introspective moments with high-stakes action. “Directing while acting is a challenge, but it’s rewarding,” McClarnon shared at a 2025 TCA panel. “It lets me dive deeper into Joe’s world.” The budget, bolstered by AMC’s investment, includes enhanced practical effects for the desert sequences and cultural consultants to portray Navajo traditions respectfully.

Dark Winds has evolved from a sleeper hit to a prestige series, earning praise for its representation and storytelling. Season 1, set in 1971, introduced Leaphorn and Chee’s partnership amid a bank robbery and ancient curses. Season 2 delved into ritual killings, while Season 3, which aired in March 2025, tackled water rights scandals and personal vendettas. Critics have lauded its “Navajo noir” aesthetic—moody cinematography, sparse dialogue, and a soundtrack blending traditional chants with eerie scores. Rotten Tomatoes scores hover in the high 90s, with outlets like The Hollywood Reporter calling it “a masterclass in atmospheric thriller-making.”

The renewal reflects AMC’s faith in the show’s staying power. “Dark Winds continues to captivate with its unique voice and compelling characters,” AMC Networks president Sarah Barnett said in a March 2025 statement. Viewership has grown steadily, with Season 3 averaging 1.5 million viewers per episode, up 20% from Season 2. Streaming on AMC+ has expanded its reach, drawing international fans intrigued by its cultural depth.

Behind the scenes, the series honors Hillerman’s legacy while updating it for modern audiences. Anne Hillerman, who continues her father’s novels, consults to ensure fidelity. Martin, a fan of the books, brings his Game of Thrones-honed intrigue, while Redford’s involvement underscores environmental themes tied to the Southwest.

As anticipation builds, fans speculate on crossovers or spin-offs, but Wirth remains focused: “Season 4 digs into the supernatural in ways we’ve hinted at before.” With “ghost sickness” looming—perhaps manifesting as hallucinations or curses tied to unsolved crimes—the desert’s secrets promise to unearth more than bones.

No trailer has dropped yet, but promotional stills show McClarnon and Gordon in wind-swept dunes, DeRoy-Olson looking defiant amid shadows, and Barnett’s Shaw exuding federal intensity. The 2026 premiere aligns with AMC’s strategy for tentpole releases, potentially debuting in spring or summer to capitalize on awards buzz.

For a show that’s “darker than Broadchurch,” Season 4’s storm could redefine Navajo noir. As Leaphorn might say, the winds carry warnings—and this chapter’s deadlier than ever.