IsDark WindsBased on a True Story? The Real Inspiration Behind the Navajo Detective Thriller

Mar. 15, 2025

Zahn McClarnon as Joe Leaphorn and Jessica Matten as Sgt. Bernadette Manuelito. Dark Winds, Season 2, Episode 2.Photo:Michael Moriatis/AMC

Michael Moriatis/AMC

Before he died in 2008, author Tony Hillerman wrote 37 books — 18 of which tell the fictional story of Joe Leaphorn and Jim Chee of the Navajo Tribal Police.

In 2022, AMC adapted Hillerman’s Navajo novels into a series titledDark Winds. The show follows Lieutenant Leaphorn (Zahn McClarnon) and Deputy Chee (Kiowa Gordon) as they try to solve a string of crimes and murders on their reservation in the 1970s.

While the series is not based on a true story, creator Graham Roland and his producing team, which includesGame of ThronescreatorGeorge R. R. Martinand actorRobert Redford, have said they are dedicated to authentically depicting the Diné (the Navajo people).

Here’s everything to know about the chart-topping AMC series,Dark Winds, and the books that inspired it.

IsDark Windsbased on a true story?

Elva Guerra as Sally Growing Thunder. Dark Winds, Season 2, Episode 1.Michael Moriatis/AMC

Dark Windsis largely adapted from Tony Hillerman’s fiction novels, but the show’s themes and storylines are deeply rooted in history. In season 1, viewers learn about two pieces of Indigenous history in the United States: the forced sterilization of Native American women and assimilation boarding schools that attempted to detach young Indigenous children from their heritage, among other atrocities, including abuse and murder.

“What we wanted to smuggle in was a greater story about what it means to be Native, but also to go beyond just representation, like just having Natives on screen,” writer Maya Rose Dittloff toldSalonin 2022.

“We all had different backgrounds, different experiences and came from different tribes and nations and that was really cool,” he said of the writers' room. “I think all of the writers knew that we were doing something special with Tony.”

What isDark Windsabout?

Zahn McClarnon as Joe Leaphorn, Kiowa Gordon as Jim Chee and Jonathan Adams as Lester McGinnis. Dark Winds, Season 1, Episode 4.Michael Moriatis/Stalwart Productions/AMC

Michael Moriatis/Stalwart Productions/AMC

The AMC series, which garnered a 100% rating fromRotten Tomatoesfor the first and second seasons, is a “thrilling Southwestern Noir” that follows Lieutenant Joe Leaphorn and Deputy Jim Chee (who is also an undercover FBI agent) of the Navajo Tribal Police as they investigate a series of crimes on their reservation.

Season 1 draws from Hillerman’s novelListening Womanabout two people who are murdered in front of a blind shaman. While the “Listening Woman” believes supernatural evil has been unleashed, Leaphorn is sure the killer is human.

Season 2 draws from Hillerman’sPeople of Darkness, which tells the story of a dying man’s murder and a rich wife who agrees to pay $3,000 for the return of a stolen box of rocks. The series of odd events haunts Chee and draws him into the “Bad Country.”

Each season closely follows its respective book, but creator Roland did make certain changes regarding character development.

“The liberties that I took were really with the characters — adding another layer to them. [For example,] Leaphorn dealing with his own loss as he’s investigating the case, that’s something that isn’t in the novel … and Chee returning to the reservation after a long period [of time]," he explained during an interview withSciFi Vision.

Where isDark Windsfilmed?

John Paul Comanche as Najavo Medicine Man, Kiowa Gordon as Jim Chee and Jessica Matten as Sgt. Bernadette Manuelito. Dark Winds, Season 1, Episode 1.Michael Moriatis/Stalwart Productions/AMC

Dark Windsis mostly filmed atCamel Rock Studios— the first-ever Native American-owned film studio — located in Sante Fe, N.M. The backlot movie ranch features standing sets, shooting stages and 100 acres of tribal lands.

“The land breathes further life and authenticity into these stories,” McClarnon toldCowboys & Indiansin 2024. “This environment allows me to bring Joe Leaphorn to life. For so many Native tribes, land is the foundation of our culture and our spirituality. The land is sacred and an important character within our [tribal] stories.”

Camel Rock, formerly a 75,000-square-foot casino, opened its doors in 2020.Tom Hanks’News of the Worldwas the first film to be shot on the property.

Where can I watchDark Winds?

Jessica Matten as Sgt. Bernadette Manuelito. Dark Winds, Season 1, Episode 3.Michael Moriatis/AMC

Dark Windsseasons 1 and 2 are available to stream onAMC+andNetflix.

Will there be a season 3 ofDark Winds?

Shawnee Mae Pourier as Anna Atcitty, Makena Ann Hullinger as Nanobah and Zahn McClarnon as Joe Leaphorn. Dark Winds, Season 1, Episode 3.Michael Moriatis/Stalwart Productions/AMC

In September 2023,AMCannounced thatDark Windshad been renewed for a third season.

“We started this journey with very high hopes for this series, given the remarkable source material and extraordinary creative team behind it, and it has delivered on every level,” Dan McDermott, president of entertainment and AMC Studios for AMC Networks, said in a statement. “From the beloved novels to an incredibly collaborative producing team, there is so much storytelling yet to come in this universe.”

Dark Windsseason 3 is expected to premiere sometime in 2025, and according to theNew Mexico Film Office, the storyline will draw from Hillerman’s second detective novel,Dance Hall of the Dead.

source: people.com