AMC Renews 'Dark Winds' for Season 5

The acclaimed crime drama based on Tony Hillerman's Leaphorn & Chee books will continue its run on the network.

Feb. 5, 2026 at 10:07pm

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

AMC has announced that it has renewed its period drama series "Dark Winds" for a fifth season. The show, which is set in the 1970s and follows Navajo Tribal Police, will begin filming the new episodes in Santa Fe, New Mexico in March 2026 and is expected to air in 2027.

Why it matters

"Dark Winds" has been widely praised for its compelling character-driven storytelling, authentic portrayal of Navajo culture and spirituality, and breathtaking cinematography. The renewal for a fifth season demonstrates the show's continued popularity and critical acclaim, solidifying its place as a must-watch crime drama on AMC.

The details

The fourth season of "Dark Winds" is set to premiere on AMC on February 15, 2026. The series stars Zahn McClarnon, Kiowa Gordon, and Jessica Matten, and is based on the Leaphorn & Chee books by acclaimed author Tony Hillerman. The show follows the Navajo Tribal Police as they investigate crimes in the 1970s.

  • Filming on Season 5 is scheduled to begin in Santa Fe, New Mexico in March 2026.
  • Season 5 of "Dark Winds" is expected to air on AMC and AMC+ in 2027.

The players

Zahn McClarnon

An acclaimed actor who stars as the lead in the "Dark Winds" series.

John Wirth

The showrunner for "Dark Winds" who will continue to oversee the series in its fifth season.

Dan McDermott

The chief content officer of AMC Networks and president of AMC Studios, who announced the renewal of "Dark Winds" for Season 5.

Tony Hillerman

The acclaimed author whose Leaphorn & Chee book series serves as the basis for the "Dark Winds" television show.

Kiowa Gordon

An actor who co-stars in "Dark Winds" alongside Zahn McClarnon and Jessica Matten.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“Over four seasons, Dark Winds has masterfully blended compelling character-driven stories, Navajo culture, spirituality and breathtaking cinematography. We are elated to continue the journey alongside show-runner John Wirth and the incomparable Zahn McClarnon.”

— Dan McDermott, Chief Content Officer of AMC Networks and President of AMC Studios

What’s next

Filming on Season 5 of "Dark Winds" is scheduled to begin in Santa Fe, New Mexico in March 2026, with the new episodes expected to air on AMC and AMC+ in 2027.

The takeaway

The renewal of "Dark Winds" for a fifth season demonstrates the show's continued critical and commercial success, solidifying its status as a must-watch crime drama that authentically portrays Navajo culture and delivers compelling character-driven storytelling.