AMC and its streaming platform AMC+ have officially renewed “Dark Winds” for a third season.
This announcement comes shortly after the conclusion of the drama’s second season, which ranked among the top 10 cable dramas for the current season.
Season 3 is expected to premiere in early 2025, with production and writing resuming after the conclusion of strikes by writers and actors.
“Dark Winds,” based on Tony Hillerman’s Leaphorn & Chee novels, stars Zahn McClarnon and Kiowa Gordon as Navajo detectives Joe Leaphorn and Jim Chee.
The show boasts a stellar lineup of executive producers, including Robert Redford and George R.R. Martin.
Dan McDermott, President of Entertainment and AMC Studios for AMC Networks, expressed his satisfaction with the series, stating, “We started this journey with very high hopes for this series, given the remarkable source material and extraordinary creative team behind it, and it has delivered on every level.” He thanked fans for embracing the series and critics for celebrating it.
The show’s second season garnered an average of 1.7 million viewers in Nielsen’s three-day ratings. Although specific streaming figures are not disclosed, AMC noted that the show’s performance on AMC+ improved compared to its first season.
“Dark Winds” also features Jessica Matten, Deanna Allison, and Elva Guerra in key roles, with guest stars including Jeri Ryan, Nicholas Logan, A Martinez, and Joseph Runningfox. Over 90 percent of the cast and crew for the second season are of Indigenous heritage.
The series was created by Graham Roland (“Jack Ryan”), with John Wirth (“Hell on Wheels”) serving as the showrunner. Executive producers include Zahn McClarnon, Robert Redford (who holds the rights to Hillerman’s novels), George R.R. Martin (a longtime friend of Hillerman), Anne Hillerman, Chris Eyre, Vince Gerardis, and Tina Elmo.
In addition to AMC and AMC+, “Dark Winds” is currently available for streaming on HBO Max as part of a “programming pop-up” that showcases various AMC Networks series until October 31st.