The wait is almost over for fans of the hit AMC series. The third episode of Dark Winds Season 4 is set to arrive this weekend, continuing the story that saw Leaphorn, Chee, and Manuelito leave the familiar landscape of the Navajo Nation for the dangerous streets of 1970s Los Angeles.
The series, which returned for its fourth season on February 15, 2026, has been releasing new episodes weekly. Episode 3 is scheduled to debut on Sunday, March 1, 2026, at the show’s regular time slot of 9 p.m. ET/PT on AMC. For those who prefer streaming, the episode will be available simultaneously on AMC+ at the same time .
When and Where to Watch Dark Winds Season 4 Episode 3
Viewers in the United States can catch the episode live on AMC at 9 p.m. Eastern and Pacific time. The episode will also drop on AMC+ right at that moment, so streaming subscribers do not have to wait until after the linear broadcast ends .
For global audiences, availability may vary depending on regional licensing. In the United Kingdom, viewers typically need to check local AMC affiliate channels or streaming platforms that carry AMC content. Canadian audiences can watch through the AMC Canada channel or streaming services that offer AMC+ as an add-on. In Australia and India, the show is available through various streaming platforms that license AMC programming, though release times may be delayed by a few hours or days depending on the distributor. For the most accurate local listings, checking official AMC regional websites or local TV guides is recommended.
Full Season 4 Episode Schedule
AMC has confirmed the complete release schedule for all eight episodes of Dark Winds Season 4. Following the February 15 premiere, episodes air weekly with no breaks .
- Episode 1: February 15, 2026 (Already aired)
- Episode 2: February 22, 2026 (Already aired)
- Episode 3: March 1, 2026 (Upcoming)
- Episode 4: March 8, 2026
- Episode 5: March 15, 2026
- Episode 6: March 22, 2026
- Episode 7: March 29, 2026
- Episode 8: April 5, 2026
The season will run through the first week of April, giving viewers a solid two months of new content.
What to Expect in Episode 3
Season 4 adapts Tony Hillerman’s novel The Ghostway, which originally published in 1984. The story follows Lieutenant Joe Leaphorn (Zahn McClarnon), Deputy Jim Chee (Kiowa Gordon), and Officer Bernadette Manuelito (Jessica Matten) as they investigate the disappearance of a young Navajo girl from her boarding school .
The search takes the trio away from the Navajo Nation and into the unfamiliar territory of 1970s Los Angeles. They must race against time to save the missing girl from an obsessive killer connected to an organized crime outfit. The season marks the first major venture outside the reservation for the characters, creating a fish-out-water dynamic as they navigate the neon-lit streets and criminal underworld of a major city .
By Episode 3, viewers can expect the investigation to deepen as Leaphorn, Chee, and Manuelito adjust to their new environment while facing mounting dangers. The case brings them up against crime boss Dominic McNair, played by Titus Welliver (Bosch: Legacy), and a lethal survivalist named Irene Vaggan, portrayed by Franka Potente (The Bourne Supremacy) .
Season 4 Cast and New Additions
The core cast returns for Season 4, with familiar faces continuing their roles .
- Zahn McClarnon as Lieutenant Joe Leaphorn
- Kiowa Gordon as Deputy Jim Chee
- Jessica Matten as Officer Bernadette Manuelito
- Deanna Allison as Emma Leaphorn
- A Martinez as Acting Chief Gordo Sena
The season also brings several new characters into the mix .
- Titus Welliver as Dominic McNair, an L.A. crime boss
- Franka Potente as Irene Vaggan, a survivalist
- Isabel DeRoy-Olson as Billie Tsosie
- Chaske Spencer as Sonny
- Luke Barnett as FBI Special Agent Toby Shaw
This season also marks a milestone for star Zahn McClarnon, who makes his directorial debut with an episode. McClarnon, who also serves as an executive producer, expressed his excitement about stepping behind the camera for a project that holds deep personal meaning .
“I’m looking forward to exploring and inhabiting the character of Joe Leaphorn once again in Season 4, and I’m excited to make my directorial debut on a show that means so much to me,” McClarnon said .
What Happened in Episode 2
For those catching up, Season 4 Episode 2 aired on February 22. While detailed plot descriptions for the new season remain under wraps, the season premiere established the central mystery of the missing girl and introduced the new threats waiting in Los Angeles. The investigation officially moved beyond reservation boundaries, setting the stage for the culture clash and heightened danger that defines this season’s arc .
The show continues to draw from Navajo culture and beliefs, with Season 4 exploring themes related to ghost sickness, a traditional Navajo concept where spirits can cling to the living if proper ceremonies are not performed .
Why Dark Winds Remains a Fan Favorite
Dark Winds has built a strong following since its debut, holding a 100% rating on Rotten Tomatoes . Critics consistently praise Zahn McClarnon’s lead performance, with many calling Season 3 his best work yet. The show found new audiences when its first three seasons arrived on Netflix in October 2025, frequently ranking in the streamer’s Top 10 most-watched shows .
The series benefits from high-profile executive producers, including George R.R. Martin and the late Robert Redford. Created by Graham Roland, the show distinguishes itself through authentic representation, having added a Navajo cultural adviser starting in Season 2 following feedback from The Navajo Times about language use and cultural accuracy .
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How to Catch Up Before Episode 3
New viewers have options to get up to speed before Episode 3 airs on March 1. Seasons 1 through 3 are currently available on Netflix, making it easy to binge the entire series ahead of the new episodes . The first two episodes of Season 4 are available on AMC+ for streaming, and replays air periodically on AMC for those who prefer watching on traditional television.
With Episode 3 arriving this Sunday, fans will get the next piece of the puzzle in what promises to be the series’ most ambitious case yet. The journey to Los Angeles has just begun, and the danger is only building.
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