The desert is quiet. Maybe a little too quiet for fans who spent the last few years glued to the screen watching Joe Leaphorn and Jim Chee navigate the gritty, sun-scorched mysteries of the Navajo Nation. If you’ve been scouring the internet trying to figure out will there be a dark winds season 3, you can finally breathe a sigh of freedom. AMC didn't leave us hanging in the dust.
They officially greenlit the third installment back in late 2023, following a season 2 finale that pulled in massive numbers for the network. It wasn't just a "maybe." It was a definitive "yes." But as we move through 2025 and look toward the future of the series, the details of that return have shifted and evolved in ways that even die-hard Tony Hillerman readers might not have expected.
The Production Timeline and Why It Took So Long
Television moves slow. Sometimes it moves at a crawl that feels like a heat stroke in the middle of a New Mexico July. While the renewal happened quickly, the actual "boots on the ground" filming in Santa Fe and Tesuque Pueblo didn't kick into high gear until early 2024.
You’ve gotta remember the industry-wide strikes that paralyzed Hollywood. Writers and actors were on the picket lines, not in the writers' room. This created a massive backlog. While fans were itching for more Leaphorn, the creative team—led by showrunner John Wirth—was navigating a logistical nightmare.
The good news? They actually finished principal photography. In fact, most of the heavy lifting for the third season was wrapped by the summer of 2024. This places the premiere firmly in the "imminent" category. Unlike some shows that get stuck in development hell, Dark Winds has a clear path forward.
What’s the Story This Time?
Season 3 isn't just a repeat of the cat-and-mouse games from the first two outings. It’s expanding. The narrative jumps forward roughly six months from where we left off.
Leaphorn and Chee are in different places, both literally and spiritually. If you recall the season 2 finale, there was a lot of emotional wreckage to clear away. Joe is still grappling with the closure—or lack thereof—regarding his son’s death, while Chee is carving out his own path as a private investigator.
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The plot this time around centers on the disappearance of two boys. Their bicycles are found abandoned on the reservation, but there’s no sign of a struggle. Just emptiness. This sends Leaphorn and Chee into a spiral that links back to a broader, more dangerous conspiracy. Honestly, it feels like the stakes have shifted from personal vendettas to something that threatens the community at large.
Breaking from the Books
One thing people often get wrong about this show is assuming it’s a page-for-page adaptation of Tony Hillerman’s novels. It’s not. While the first season drew heavily from Listening Woman and the second from People of Darkness, season 3 is taking a more "remix" approach.
The writers are pulling elements from multiple books to create a cohesive season-long arc. This allows them to keep the pacing tight. You don't want a show that feels like a slow-burn procedural from the 90s; you want that high-octane, prestige drama feel that AMC has perfected since the Breaking Bad days.
The Cast: Who’s Coming Back to the Rez?
It wouldn't be the same show without Zahn McClarnon. His portrayal of Joe Leaphorn is, quite frankly, the heartbeat of the production. He brings this weary, stoic energy that feels incredibly authentic. He’s back, obviously.
Kiowa Gordon is also returning as Jim Chee. The chemistry between those two—the older, cynical Lieutenant and the younger, more idealistic (but increasingly jaded) Chee—is what makes the show work.
- Jessica Matten is back as Bernadette Manuelito. Her character had a huge moment at the end of season 2, deciding to leave the tribal police for a Border Patrol job. Watching how she integrates back into the main storyline is going to be a major highlight.
- Deanna Allison returns as Emma Leaphorn, providing the emotional grounding the show desperately needs.
- New Faces: We’re seeing some heavy hitters join the fray. Jenna Elfman and Bruce Greenwood have been added to the cast. Greenwood, in particular, feels like a perfect fit for the show’s noir-western aesthetic.
Why Dark Winds Matters More Than You Think
There’s a reason people keep asking will there be a dark winds season 3. It’s not just another crime show. It’s one of the few pieces of mainstream media that actually prioritizes Indigenous perspectives both in front of and behind the camera.
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The writers’ room is almost entirely Native American. The filming takes place on actual tribal lands with the cooperation of the local communities. This isn't "cowboys and Indians" trope-heavy nonsense. It’s a nuanced look at life on the reservation in the 1970s, dealing with everything from systemic neglect to the internal politics of the Navajo Nation.
George R.R. Martin and Robert Redford, who both serve as executive producers, have been vocal about the importance of this specific setting. Martin, who lives in Santa Fe, has a deep love for the American Southwest that translates into the show's high production value. You can feel the heat radiating off the screen. You can smell the sagebrush.
The Premiere Window
Let's get down to brass tacks. AMC hasn't pinned a specific calendar date yet, but all signs point to a mid-2025 release.
Typically, AMC likes to pair their prestige dramas. We’ve seen Dark Winds occupy that late spring/early summer slot before, and it works. It’s the perfect "summer noir" vibe. The post-production phase—editing, color grading (which is vital for that 70s film look), and scoring—takes months.
Because the footage is already in the can, we aren't looking at another two-year wait. The marketing engine should start revving up soon. Expect a teaser trailer to drop during one of AMC’s other major flagship airings in the coming months.
Addressing the Rumors of a Cancellation
There was a brief period where people were worried the show might get the axe. The television industry is in a weird spot. Shows are getting canceled even after they've been filmed just for tax write-offs.
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However, Dark Winds is safe. Its ratings were incredibly consistent. More importantly, it performs exceptionally well on AMC+, the network's streaming platform. In the modern era, streaming numbers often carry more weight than "live" overnight ratings. The show has a loyal, dedicated audience that binges the episodes as soon as they drop.
What to Watch While You Wait
If the wait is killing you, there are a few things you can do to stay in that headspace.
First, go back to the source material. Tony Hillerman’s daughter, Anne Hillerman, has continued the book series, and her novels give even more depth to Bernadette Manuelito.
Second, check out some of the other projects the cast has been involved in. Zahn McClarnon was incredible in Reservation Dogs (a very different vibe, but equally important) and Longmire. Kiowa Gordon has been popping up in more indie projects that showcase his range beyond the badge.
Actionable Steps for Fans
To stay ahead of the curve and ensure you don't miss the premiere, here is how you should handle the coming months:
- Monitor AMC’s Official Press Site: This is where the actual dates drop first, usually before they hit social media.
- Re-watch Season 2, Episode 6: The finale contains several small clues about Leaphorn's mental state that will be pivotal for the season 3 opening.
- Check Local Casting Calls: If you happen to live in the New Mexico area, the production often uses locals for background work. While season 3 is wrapped, keeping an eye on these calls is the first way people find out about a potential season 4.
- Follow the Cast on Social Media: Zahn McClarnon and Jessica Matten are fairly active and often post "behind the scenes" photos that give away more than the official trailers do.
The return of Dark Winds is a certainty. The mystery isn't if it’s coming, but rather how much darker the story will get once it arrives. The 1970s setting provides a perfect backdrop for a world that's changing too fast, leaving people like Joe Leaphorn to try and hold the line between the old ways and a violent new reality. Keep your eyes on the horizon; the dust is starting to kick up again.