The acclaimed AMC series is based on Tony Hillerman’s “Leaphorn and Chee” novels.

Will there be a *Dark Winds *season 5? Everything we know so far about the desert road ahead

The acclaimed AMC series is based on Tony Hillerman's "Leaphorn and Chee" novels.

By Allison DeGrushe

Allison DeGrushe

Allison DeGrushe is a timely SEO writer at **. She has been working at * *since 2025. Her work has previously appeared on Distractify.

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February 16, 2026 5:42 p.m. ET

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Zahn McClarnon as Joe Leaphorn on 'Dark Winds'. Credit:

- *Dark Winds *is officially returning for a fifth season.

- Zahn McClarnon, who also serves as an executive producer, is expected to reprise his role as Leaphorn in season 5.

- AMC Networks has confirmed it will premiere sometime in 2027.

AMC's *Dark Winds *might not always get the attention it deserves, but it's definitely worth watching.

Based on Tony Hillerman's *Leaphorn & Chee *novels and backed by George R.R. Martin and the late Robert Redford, the crime thriller follows Lt. Joe Leaphorn (Zahn McClarnon), Jim Chee (Kiowa Gordon), and Bernadette "Bern" Manuelito (Jessica Matten) as they navigate deadly cases and unravel crimes on the reservation. And let's not forget — all of this plays out in the Four Corners region in the 1970s.

Season 4 premiered on Sunday, Feb. 15, and while fans are still following the latest twists and clues, AMC has already confirmed that the show is far from over. Here's everything we know so far about *Dark Winds *season 5.

Will there be a *Dark Winds *season 5?

Zahn McClarnon as Joe Leaphorn, Jessica Matten as Bernadette Manuelito, and Kiowa Gordon as Jim Chee on 'Dark Winds'.

*Dark Winds* is coming back for a fifth season. AMC announced the renewal in February 2026, just a few days ahead of the season 4 premiere.

"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 showrunner John Wirth and the incomparable Zahn McClarnon," Dan McDermott, CCO of AMC Networks and president of entertainment and AMC Studios, said in a statement.

He added, "Our extraordinary producing and creative team, cast and crew have crafted a gripping crime drama that continues to be embraced by fans and widely celebrated by critics. We can’t wait to share more of this incredible story with audiences across the globe."

Leaphorn and Chee begin the search for a missing girl in the 'Dark Winds' season 4 premiere

6 things we're hoping for on 'Dark Winds' season 4

Showrunner and executive producer John Wirth thanked AMC Networks for the opportunity to entertain audiences through the unique lens of a traditional crime story set on the Navajo Nation in 1972, adding that the team is "thrilled" to get to work on season 5.

McClarnon also expressed gratitude for the network's continued support, noting that it's "such a privilege to embody the character of Joe Leaphorn." He continued, "I’m excited to return to Santa Fe with this amazing cast and crew to craft another thrilling season of the show that means so much to all of us."

What is *Dark Winds *season 5 about?

Kiowa Gordon as Jim Chee and Zahn McClarnon as Joe Leaphorn on 'Dark Winds'.

AMC hasn't dropped any hints about what season 5 of *Dark Winds *will bring to the small screen, and with season 4 just starting, that's not too surprising. Still, it's safe to assume the main trio will be back, following leads and digging into a new deadly mystery across the Navajo Nation.

Who’s in the cast of *Dark Winds *season 5?

Kiowa Gordon as Jim Chee, Jessica Matten as Bernadette Manuelito, and Zahn McClarnon as Joe Leaphorn on 'Dark Winds'.

Other than confirmation that McClarnon will reprise his role as Leaphorn, AMC hasn't announced any additional casting for *Dark Winds *season 5. That said, it's tough to picture the show without Gordon and Matten as Chee and Manuelito. Both have become central to the series, so their return feels likely.

The supporting cast is also expected to return, with Deanna Allison as Leaphorn's estranged wife, Emma; A Martinez as Gordo Sena; and Andersen Kee and Wade Adakai as officers Harold Bigman and Gary Felix, respectively.

It's not yet clear if any of season 4's newcomers — Franka Potente, Isabel DeRoy-Olson, Chaske Spencer, Luke Barnett, and Titus Welliver — will return for season 5.

How many episodes are in *Dark Winds *season 5?

Zahn McClarnon as Joe Leaphorn on 'Dark Winds'.

Like seasons 3 and 4, *Dark Winds *season 5 will consist of eight hour-long episodes.

When does *Dark Winds *season 5 come out?

Kiowa Gordon as Jim Chee and Zahn McClarnon as Joe Leaphorn on 'Dark Winds'.

As of this writing, there's no exact release date for *Dark Winds *season 5. However, AMC has said it will premiere sometime in 2027.

Where can I watch Dark Winds?

*Dark Winds* is currently available to stream on Netflix and AMC+.

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