Netflix subscribers in the UK are celebrating the arrival of crime drama Dark Winds, which has shot to the number three spot on the streaming service's most-watched chart. The series, based on Tony Hillerman's Leaphorn & Chee novels, originally premiered in the US in 2022 and holds a rare perfect 100% score on Rotten Tomatoes from both critics and audiences.
Set in 1971 on the Navajo Nation near Monument Valley, the show follows Lieutenant Joe Leaphorn (Zahn McClarnon) and his Navajo Tribal Police deputies Bernadette Manuelito (Jessica Matten) and Jim Chee (Kiowa Gordon) as they investigate crimes in the American Southwest. Executive producers include Game of Thrones creator George R. R. Martin and Robert Redford.
Fans have been effusive in their praise. One viewer described it as 'a knotty, atmospheric mystery that still feels fleet enough to be tackled in one or two binges,' while another called it 'gripping' and 'a must-watch.' A third added: 'Dark Winds is what True Detective was supposed to be. Great show.'
Critics have also been impressed. Time Magazine's Judy Berman called it 'gripping, gorgeously shot and propelled by superb performances,' and Rolling Stone's Alan Sepinwall praised it as 'a gripping, pulpy drama with a tangible sense that the people telling this story know what is distinct about it.'
The series has been renewed for a third season, expected in early 2025. AMC Networks president Dan McDermott said: 'We started this journey with very high hopes... and it has delivered on every level.'
