Dark Winds Season 4 Premiere Maintains Show's Perfect Rotten Tomatoes Score

AMC's acclaimed neo-Western series continues to impress with an outstanding start to its latest season.

Feb. 17, 2026 at 9:31pm

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AMC's Dark Winds has kicked off its fourth season with a premiere episode that has maintained the show's perfect 100% score on Rotten Tomatoes. Despite facing challenges in adapting the source material, the series has delivered another gripping installment that introduces new mysteries and personal trials for its main characters, including a surprise revelation for Lieutenant Joe Leaphorn. Critics have praised Dark Winds as one of the best current Western TV shows, commending its strong characterization, plotting, and nuanced depiction of Navajo culture.

Why it matters

Dark Winds has established itself as a standout neo-Western series, offering a fresh and culturally authentic take on the genre that surpasses many of its contemporaries. The show's continued critical acclaim and perfect Rotten Tomatoes score highlight its exceptional quality and cement its status as a must-watch for fans of the Western and crime drama genres.

The details

The season 4 premiere of Dark Winds follows young cousins Albert Gorman and Billie, who are on the run from a mysterious woman named Irene. Lieutenant Joe Leaphorn and the Navajo Tribal Police must deal with the fallout from Irene's actions in their jurisdiction, while Leaphorn also has a surprise in store for his returning sergeant, Bernadette Manuelito. The episode successfully introduces a new slow-burn mystery while also advancing the personal stories of the show's main characters and hinting at significant developments for the series as a whole.

  • Dark Winds premiered on AMC in June 2022.
  • The show's fourth season debuted on February 17, 2026.

The players

Joe Leaphorn

The lead protagonist of Dark Winds, a lieutenant in the Navajo Tribal Police who is known for his sharp investigative skills and deep understanding of Navajo culture.

Bernadette Manuelito

A sergeant in the Navajo Tribal Police who works closely with Leaphorn and is returning to the force in season 4.

Albert Gorman

A young man who is on the run with his cousin Billie, triggering the events of the season 4 premiere.

Irene

A mysterious woman who is pursuing Albert and Billie, leading to a confrontation with the Navajo Tribal Police.

Tony Hillerman

The acclaimed author whose Leaphorn & Chee novels serve as the basis for the Dark Winds series.

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What’s next

The judge in the case will decide on Tuesday whether or not to allow Albert Gorman and Billie out on bail.

The takeaway

Dark Winds has solidified its reputation as one of the best current Western TV shows, delivering a consistently excellent and culturally authentic take on the genre that continues to captivate critics and audiences alike.