The desert winds are rising once again… and this time, the storm is bigger than ever. ‘Dark Winds’ Season 4 is on the horizon, and it’s not just returning — it’s expanding. AMC & Netflix’s Navajo crime thriller is adding even more stars to its already powerful ensemble, raising the stakes in ways fans never saw coming. Joe Leaphorn and Jim Chee return to navigate a maze of murder, betrayal, and buried secrets, but they won’t be alone — new faces are joining the saga, and with them come fresh dangers, deeper mysteries, and shocking twists. Every shadow hides a threat, every choice cuts deeper, and the line between justice and survival has never been so thin. Fans are already calling Dark Winds “more addictive than True Detective and darker than Broadchurch,” and Season 4 promises to live up to the hype — delivering breathtaking performances, haunting storytelling, and a fearless exploration of Navajo identity and justice

Dark Winds may have closed out its third season earlier this year, but work on the next chapter is well underway as Season 4 of the AMC and AMC+ fan-favorite noir drama takes shape to continue the story of Lieutenant Joe Leaphorn (Zahn McClarnon).

Renewed back in March 2025, the news was revealed prior to Season 3’s finale, giving fans something to look forward to in the future. And despite the show’s under wraps production, there are plenty of details we already know about the upcoming fourth season. Below, we’re breaking down everything you need to know about Dark Winds Season 4, so far. Scroll down for a closer look at the must-see details, and stay tuned for more in the months ahead.

When will Dark Winds Season 4 premiere?

According to AMC Networks, Dark Winds Season 4 is anticipated to begin airing in 2026 with eight all-new hour-long episodes, following suit with Season 3’s upped episode count over Seasons 1 and 2’s respective six-episode runs.

A. Martinez and Kiowa Gordon in 'Dark Winds' Season 3

When will Dark Winds Season 4 film?

Season 4 is currently filming in Santa Fe, New Mexico. Star McClarnon was set to make his directorial debut in the upcoming chapter. “I’m looking forward to exploring and inhabiting the character of Joe Leaphorn once again in Season 4, and I’m excited to make my directorial debut on a show that means so much to me,” said executive producer and star Zahn McClarnon. “I’d like to send my gratitude and appreciation to Kristin Dolan, Dan McDermott, and all of the hard-working folks at AMC Networks for their support and commitment to Dark Winds. And of course, I’m most thrilled to be spending time with this wonderful cast and crew whom I have grown to love.”

Who will star in Dark Winds Season 4?

Alongside McClarnon, Dark Winds features Kiowa Gordon, Jessica Matten, and Deanna Allison among others. Season 3’s ensemble includes A Martinez, Jeri Ryan, Jenna Elfman, Bruce Greenwood, Raoul Max Trujillo, Tonantzin Carmelo, Alex Meraz, Terry Serpico, Derek Hinkey, Phil Burke, and Christopher Heyerdahl. It’s unclear if all of these stars will be back for Season 4, but stay tuned for updates.

According to Deadline, Chaske Spencer has joined Season 4’s ensemble as Sonny, a recruiter for an LA crime ring who is described as charismatic and lethal. Sonny uses his charms to lure young Native American men into a life of crime. And Franka Potente will also join Season 4 in a key guest role, according to Deadline, with details being kept under wraps.

Meanwhile, Deadline additionally announced that Isabel DeRoy-Olson and Luke Barnett would join the series in new roles. DeRoy-Olson will play a Navajo teen named Billie Tsosie who is eager to connect with people outside of her boarding school. When he cousin takes her out of school, she finds out she’s in over her head with only her wits to keep her alive. As for Barnett, he’ll play FBI Special Agent Toby Show, who arrives searching for answers to a mystery involving one of his friends.

The logline or story of Season 4 has yet to be revealed, but we’d expect the 70s-set series will continue to follow Leaphorn as he solves mysteries as part of the Navajo Tribal Police.

Who will make Dark Winds Season 4?

As mentioned above, McClarnon, who is set to direct, will also continue his role as executive producer behind the scenes with showrunner John Wirth, creator Graham Roland, Robert Redford, George R.R. Martin, Chris Eyre, Tina Elmo, Jim Chory, Vince Gerardis, and Anne Hillerman.