If you’re missing cracking the chilling cases that haunt Shetland in the eponymous BBC show, we’ve got your next watch sorted. Swap the rugged backdrop of the Scottish Island for the arid New Mexican desert – and introduce some supernatural elements – and you arrive at Dark Winds. But it’s not your average detective drama, there’s a twist – it’s a gripping western noir set in 1971 revolving around a native community.
We are introduced to a trio of detectives, Lieutenant Joe Leaphorn (Zahn McClarnon), Sergeant Jim Chee (Kiowa Gordon) and Sergeant Bernadette ‘Bern’ Manuelito (Jessica Matten). The group are tasked with dramatic cases, including a grisly double murder case and a missing teenager, all while confronting personal demons and their own spiritual beliefs – and Shetland fans will love it.
With series 4 recently released on Netflix, here’s everything you need to know about Dark Winds, including the plot, cast and how to watch it.
What is Dark Winds about?
Based on the Leaphorn & Chee book series by Tony Hillerman, Dark Winds takes us to the southwestern U.S. desert region of Navajo in the early 1970s, where we meet a crime-fighting trio of Lieutenant Joe Leaphorn (Zahn McClarnon), Sergeant Jim Chee (Kiowa Gordon) and Sergeant Bernadette ‘Bern’ Manuelito (Jessica Matten). The first series aired on AMC in 2022, seeing the trio investigate a myriad of puzzling cases plaguing the region, on a hunt for clues in a chilling double murder case that forces them to challenge their own spiritual beliefs and past traumas.
In series 2 of the Western noir, which premiered in 2023, Joe reunites with his former-deputy-turned-private-eye, Jim Chee (Kiowa Gordon). Working on two separate cases, they end up on the same trail for the same suspect – and an exhilarating chase to catch a killer across the Navajo Country high desert unfolds.
Series 3, which premiered in 2025, sees Joe’s wife, Emma (Deanna Allison) leaving him after she finds out about a shocking act of betrayal he carried out. Series 4, which aired this year, picks up with him realising he is unhappy and determined to retire – that is, after he solves one last case of a missing Navajo runaway. The investigation takes the trio all the way to Los Angeles, where they find the girl is in grave danger. But will they get to her before it’s too late?
Who’s in the cast of Dark Winds?
The cast for Dark Winds includes:
- Zahn McClarnon (Doctor Sleep) as Lieutenant Joe Leaphorn
- Kiowa Gordon(The Red Road) as Jim Chee
- Jessica Matten (Rez Ball) as Sergeant Bernadette ‘Bern’ Manuelito
- Deanna Allison (Edge of America) as Emma Leaphorn
- Jenna Elfman (Shifting Gears) as Sylvia Washington
- Franka Potente (The Bourne Supremacy) as Irene Vaggan
- Adolph Martinez (Longmire) as Sheriff Lawrence
- Bruce Greenwood (The Resident) as Tom Spenser
Is there a trailer for Dark Winds?
Yes – you can watch the full trailer for Dark Winds here.
Is Dark Winds any good?
Yes – it’s very rare we come across a show that scores a perfect 100% on Rotten Tomatoes, and Dark Winds has this esteemed accolade. The shows lead, Zahn McClarnon, is magnetic and, paired with the stunning backdrop of New Mexico, it’s hard to stop watching this refreshing take on a mystery show that offers a rare perspective into Native American heritage and life.
How can I watch Dark Winds?
You can watch Dark Winds now on Netflix and Now.
What other detective dramas can I watch now?
If you want a classic British police drama, we’d recommend The Tower, which stars Gemma Whelan as Detective Sarah Collins, who investigates the dark side of policing. The drama kicks off at a southeast London tower block, where a Metropolitan police officer and 15-year-old refugee have plummeted to their deaths – and it’s the beginning of a catalogue of compelling mysteries. You can watch The Tower now on ITVX. If you’re after something cosier, we’d direct you towards Mrs Sidhu Investigates, the Channel 4 series in which we meet high-end-caterer-turned-local-sleuth Mrs Sidhu (Meera Syal), who unravels a series of mysteries in her local town. You can watch Mrs Sidhu Investigates on Channel 4.
