The AMC+ incursion into Netflix has officially begun, and it comes as no surprise that these series have swiftly claimed four out of the 10 top spots on the list of the most popular shows on Netflix. However, you might be astonished to learn that Dark Winds has ascended to the No. 3 slot, surpassing all other AMC shows, including Fear the Walking Dead.

Dark Winds may not boast the same viewership as AMC’s plethora of Walking Dead spinoffs, but it is an exceptional show, and fans are now flocking to it, thanks to its wider reach on Netflix. If you need convincing to give this buzzworthy series a try, here are four compelling reasons to watch Dark Winds on Netflix.

Zahn McClarnon shines in a long-overdue starring role

Fans of Westworld can attest to Zahn McClarnon’s remarkable talent, which enables him to captivate audiences without uttering a single word of English. He demonstrated this skill in a standout episode of Westworld season 2, where his character, Akecheta, poignantly recounts his personal narrative in the Lakota language. Prior to and following Westworld, McClarnon has had numerous supporting roles, but Dark Winds marks his first opportunity to take the reins and headline a drama series.

In this show, McClarnon gets to showcase his impressive acting range as Joe Leaphorn, a lieutenant for the tribal police of Navajo County during the 1970s. He is undoubtedly the star of the series, and McClarnon masterfully brings his character to life, making him seem like a genuine person. Even McClarnon’s subtlest gestures, facial expressions, and movements convey Leaphorn’s thoughts and emotions with remarkable nuance. He embodies the complex hero that Dark Winds requires, and he shines as a leading man in the series.

Dark Winds champions Native American representation behind the scenes

Tony Hillerman, the author of the Leaphorn & Chee novels that the show is based on, was not a Native American. Hillerman crafted excellent stories featuring indigenous characters, but Dark Winds showrunner Graham Roland took a significant step forward by assembling a team of exclusively Native American screenwriters to script the show. The writers and producers have also demonstrated a commitment to portraying Navajo culture with utmost accuracy and respect.

Our dedication to authenticity extends beyond the camera lens, as Kiowa Gordon and Jessica Matten take on the roles of Jim Chee and Bernadette Manuelito, respectively, alongside Zahn McClarnon’s Leaphorn. The complex dynamics between these characters form the foundation of the series, and they’re not the only Native American actors bringing their talents to the show. Dark Winds stands out as one of the few TV series to provide opportunities for native performers to shine, making it a truly unique viewing experience.

The enigmatic mysteries keep us on the edge of our seats

With its intricate plotlines and unexpected twists, Dark Winds masterfully weaves a web of intrigue that keeps viewers hooked. As the series unfolds, the mysteries deepen, and the stakes escalate, making it impossible to look away. If you’re a fan of suspenseful storytelling, Dark Winds is sure to captivate you.

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Personally, I prefer shows with a substantial episode count. However, Dark Winds benefits from its concise six-episode seasons, making it a gripping narrative that’s hard to put down. With only 12 episodes across the two seasons, seasoned binge-watchers can devour the entire series in under a week – or even a single day, if you’re a die-hard fan.

Most of the answers you’re seeking are just a few episodes away, so you’ll never be left in suspense for too long. This is one of the advantages of the streaming era. And if Dark Winds becomes your new obsession, you’ll be thrilled to know that a third season is on the horizon, although you might need to switch to AMC to catch it. Like other recent AMC+ arrivals, Dark Winds won’t be a permanent fixture on Netflix, so be sure to savor it while you can.

Stream Dark Winds on Netflix.