Summary
Recently, Netflix has put a number of new television series on their service, including a successful Western thriller calledDark Winds.Westerns have long been a popular genre, originating when Americans began migrating out West during the 1800s in search of gold and land. Over the years,Westerns have seen a rise and fall in popularity, with Hollywood legends like John Wayne and Clint Eastwood informing the future of the genre. These days,Western television showsseem to do especially well. Series likeYellowstone, Outer Range, Westworld,andBilly the Kidhave garnered particular popularity.
Considering that Westerns have been around for so long, there are certain characteristics that often appear inthe best Westerns. First and foremost, the story must focus on the fight between good and evil. Cowboys can be upstanding heroes or morally gray villains, but either way, it’s interesting to see them in a moral dilemma. Furthermore,the main character of a Western must be compelling. With a dark backstory and a difficult task ahead, Western protagonists are often in tough positions. Finally, a great Western usually has an ensemble of unique characters that make the world feel vivid and real.
10 Best Western TV Shows Set In Modern Times
While audiences often associate the Western genre with the era of the Wild West, plenty of Western TV series were actually set in modern times.
Dark Winds Seasons 1 & 2 Are Now Streaming On Netflix - What The Show Is About
Dark Winds Follows Two Criminal Investigations
When discussing the best Western shows of the last few years, it is impossible to ignoreDark Winds,which is now streaming on Netflix.Dark Windsis based on theLeaphorn and Cheebook series by Tony Hillerman. Set in the Four Corners area (Arizona, New Mexico, Colorado, and Utah) in the 1970s,Dark Windsfollows Joe Leaphorn and Jim Chee, two Navajo Tribal Police officerswho investigate the murders of two Native people. In the midst of their case, Leaphorn and Chee must also come face-to-face with the prejudice of the Wild West and their own dark pasts.
There are 18Leaphorn and Cheebooks written by Tony Hillerman published from 1970 to 2006.
Dark Windstypically airs on AMC, but is now streaming on Netflix. There are two seasons at the moment, both of which include six hour-long episodes.Dark Winds’castis full of great talent, including Zahn McClarnon, Kiowa Gordon, Jessica Matten, Rainn Wilson, and Noah Emmerich. Being based on books,Dark Windsalso has a tight story and the potential for even more seasons. Notably, the show also has 100% on Rotten Tomatoes. This alone is a strong reason why more people should watchDark Winds.
Why Dark Winds' Reviews Are So Good
Dark Winds Tells A Dark & Diverse Story
Earning 100% on Rotten Tomatoes is no small feat, so many are likely wondering howDark Windsgot such amazing reviews. Ultimately, it comes down to the show’s unique story. Historically, Westerns have centered on white Americans, with indigenous people often taking on supporting roles, or worse, stereotypes.Dark Windsnot only turns the tables on that trend, but goes even farther. The show centers on Native people and gives them a story that is dark, gripping, and honest about the Native experience. Overall, this makesDark Windsstand out from other Westerns.
Dark Windsis brutally honest and unafraid to dive into difficult stories.
Another big plus ofDark Windsis its settingand atmosphere. Though the show is a Western, it also has elements of mystery, wherein big questions are laid out throughout each season.Dark Windsis successful at blending these different genres, creating a world that is believable, exciting, and engaging. Audiences are sucked into the story of Leaphorn and Chee, and are eager to discover what happens next.Dark Windscan thank its sharp characters and neat storytelling for that. The show never meanders or draws itself out.Dark Windsis brutally honest and unafraid to dive into difficult stories.
Dark Winds Was Already Renewed For Season 3
Dark Winds Has A Bright Future
Dark Windsis more accessible than evernow that the Western thriller is on Netflix. Luckily, the show is expanding as well.Dark Windsseason 3is in the midst of production and will premiere some time in 2025. Now, audiences have plenty of time to binge the first two seasons of the show beforeDark Windsseason 3 hits AMC. What is most exciting about this new season is the opportunity for the series to continue its streak of amazing reviews.Dark Windsseason 3 may be the third season in a row to receive 100% on Rotten Tomatoes.
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The Shape Shifter
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Ultimately,Dark Windsrepresents a new era of Westerns. The show proves that the genre does not have to be tied down by its questionable past, and can make improvements that audiences and critics will both like.Dark Winds’diverse storytelling shows that there are plenty of fresh, new Western stories to tell. Hopefully,Dark Windscan continue being a pillar of Westerns for a long, long time.
Dark Winds
Cast
Dark Winds is a 2022 television series based on Tony Hillerman’s Leaphorn & Chee novels. Set in 1970s Navajo Nation, it follows Lieutenant Joe Leaphorn (Zahn McClarnon) and Officer Jim Chee (Kiowa Gordon) as they investigate a double murder case. The show delves into both mysticism and the stark realities of life on a Native American reservation, balancing crime-solving with rich cultural narratives and character development.
