Dark Winds Season 3 Becomes Instant Netflix Streaming Hit

George R.R. Martin‘s western crime series with a 100% critics score on Rotten Tomatoes becomes an instant hit after getting a new streaming home. While Martin is best known for his work on the Game of Thrones franchise, including the upcoming House of the Dragon season 3, he’s also been involved in other TV projects as a producer.

The fantasy author serves as an executive producer on Dark Winds, a western crime drama and psychological thriller that airs on AMC. It follows three Navajo Tribal Police officers in the 1970s, investigating various cases in the Four Corners. The show has been ongoing since 2022, with Dark Winds season 4 currently in development. It’s also been a critical sensation.

Now, FlixPatrol reports that Dark Winds is Number 8 on Netflix’s global streaming charts as of October 3, 2025. This worldwide success coincides with season 3’s international release, putting it on the Top 10 list of 29 countries. Of these countries, the show is Number 1 in 14 of them, including Mexico, Argentina, Chile, Guatemala, Bolivia, and Uruguay.

What Dark Winds’ International Success Means For The Show

Joe Leaphorn (Zahn McClarnon) in Dark Winds season 3, episode 8

Dark Winds season 3 was released in various regions on October 1, its arrival on Netflix quickly prompting the series’ global success. Season 3 doesn’t arrive on Netflix in the United States until October 27, meaning that, at least for now, the newest season’s primary audience on the platform will be international. In many locations, it’s become exceedingly popular.

This matches the series’ critical success, with reviews for the show praising Dark Winds‘ cast, storytelling, and filmmaking. While it originally aired on AMC, its home on Netflix is part of a streaming deal between both companies that’s proven quite lucrative as of writing. It also means its streaming success may prompt the show’s continued production.

Our Take On Dark Winds Becoming A Global Streaming Hit

Sheriff Gordo Sena (A Martinez) in his police uniform in Dark Winds season 3, episode 7

Given its widespread international release, it’s not surprising Dark Winds season 3 managed to make the show a global hit. It also speaks to how much more success the show may have once season 3 arrives on Netflix in its country of origin. While the show is available in full on AMC+, the more popular streamer offers a bigger audience.

Since its worldwide success is reflective of its critical reception, it seems like Dark Winds will remain a staple of Netflix’s streaming deal with AMC for the foreseeable future. Season 4 is already in development, meaning the show’s chart-topping streaming performance is likely far from over. How this will be reflected in season 3’s US Netflix release remains to be seen.