AMC’s Dark Winds has been getting praise from critics and fans alike ever since it first hit the screen in 2022. Viewers persistently gush over the show’s rich atmosphere and the fact that it depicts a world generally underrepresented on television.
Luckily for everyone involved, we haven’t seen the last of what the noir thriller has to offer.
Set in the ‘70s, Dark Winds follows Navajo Tribal Police officers as they investigate crimes and face their own personal demons. With a third season on the way, we’re hoping the show will finally jump from underrated to mainstream. Here’s everything you need to know in order to tune in.
Dark Winds Season 3 Release Date
Season 3 of Dark Winds is currently in production and set to debut on AMC and AMC+ in 2025. An official premiere date hasn’t been set at the time of writing. That said, season 1 premiered in June 2022, and season 2 in late July 2023. It’s safe to assume that season 3 will drop sometime during the summer.
Dark Winds Season 3 Cast
- Zahn McClarnon as Joe Leaphorn
- Kiowa Gordon as Jim Chee
- Jessica Matten as Bernadette Manuelito
- Deanna Allison as Emma Leaphorn
- A Martinez as Sheriff Gordo Sena
In addition, AMC confirmed an impressive slate of guest stars for season 3, including Jenna Elfman, Bruce Greenwood, Raoul Max Trujillo Tonantzin Carmelo, Alex Meraz, Terry Serpico, Derek Hinkey, Phil Burke, and Christopher Heyerdahl.
What will happen in Dark Winds Season 3?
According to AMC, the third season of Dark Winds picks up six months after season 2. This time around, we follow Leaphorn and Chee as they look into the disappearance of two boys. At the same time, Manuelito tries to get used to her new life with the Border Patrol but gets enthralled in a conspiracy.
Is Dark Winds Season 3 Based on True Events?
The noir thriller is compelling enough to make viewers wonder whether it’s based on true events. However, that’s not the case. The series is inspired by a series of novels penned by Tony Hillerman. Still, the events depicted on screen are rooted in history, and many of the issues the characters face on the reservation are true to what happened in real life.
Additionally, series creator Graham Roland is dedicated to depicting the lives of the Navajo people as accurately as possible. Dark Winds has an entirely Native writer’s room and works with a language consultant and a cultural advisor.
Does Dark Winds Stay Loyal to the Novels?
While the storylines in the series are adapted from Tony Hillerman’s books, some storylines are blended together. The writers also make changes to the source material to better fit their TV characters and the stories they want to tell.
If you’re looking to compare and contrast yourself, the first season is mainly based on the novel Listening Woman, while the second tackles People of Darkness.