When HBO launched “The Last of Us” in January 2023, nobody expected a video game adaptation to take over Sunday night…literally. Let alone have it dominate award season and leave millions emotionally wrecked on their couches. But with Pedro Pascal and Bella Ramsey at the helm, the series didn’t just survive; it infected pop culture in the best way it possibly could. Or can, depending on how you see it, right?
Now, after a fiery second season and a finale that left fans screaming at their screens (and possibly throwing things), all eyes are on what’s next. Here’s everything we know so far about Season 3.
All we have to say is, don’t hold your breath. Unfortunately, you might be waiting a while.
From Game to Global Hit
For those who have been keeping away from late-night HBO TV (we envy you), “The Last of Us” is a post-apocalyptic survival drama based on the wildly popular PlayStation franchise created by Naughty Dog. The story follows Joel (Pascal), a hardened survivor, and Ellie (Ramsey), a teenage girl immune to the brain-infecting Cordyceps fungus. Trying to find some sense of the whole ordeal, they journey through a devastated America. Season 1 adapted the original 2013 game nearly scene for scene and was praised for its emotional storytelling, world-building, and top-tier performances from pretty much every actor attached to the series.
Safe to say “The Last of Us” immediately became a runaway success. It earned sky-high ratings and 24 Emmy nominations. In short, HBO struck gold and promptly greenlit Season 2.
Season 2, which aired in spring 2025, dove into the emotionally brutal territory of “The Last of Us Part II” game. It introduced the ever-talented Kaitlyn Dever as Abby and gave fans a gut-wrenching reminder that no one is safe. Her character definitely left a pivotal staple in the minds of fans, especially those who didn’t know what would occur throughout the season.
Spoiler Alert: Joel’s fate? Let’s just say Pascal had more screentime in flashbacks than actual episodes.
Season 3: What’s the Plan, HBO?
Now to the big question: where is Season 3?
Here’s the blunt truth. It’s coming, but not anytime soon. Sorry, hardcore fans. HBO CEO Casey Bloys confirmed to Variety that the next installment is “definitely planned for 2027,” marking yet another excruciating multi-year gap. That would mirror the nearly 2.5-year wait between Seasons 1 and 2, which fans barely survived.
But the delays aren’t just about timing; rather, they’re also about structure. According to Bloys, co-creator Craig Mazin is still figuring out whether Season 3 will wrap the story or if there’s enough material for a fourth season. “Craig is still working it out whether it will be two more seasons or one more long season,” Bloys explained. “It hasn’t been decided yet, and I’m following Craig’s lead on that.”
In other words, it’s still chaos in the writers’ room. Which, of course, we can’t blame them for. Why not milk the series as much as they can? As long as they don’t start creating anything chaotic and out of the storyline, sure, why not?
Still, as if the delay wasn’t enough to stress fans out, the creative team has undergone a seismic shift. Neil Druckmann, who co-created the series and is also the mastermind behind the original games, is stepping back from the show. Druckmann announced on July 2 that he’s leaving his day-to-day duties to focus on his work at Naughty Dog.
“He has a full-time job creating video games,” Bloys said, adding that Druckmann left behind “a good blueprint” and full trust in Mazin’s vision.
But that’s not all. Halley Gross, the co-writer of “The Last of Us Part II” and a key writer on the show, is also exciting. Her decision, according to a statement, was to “make space for what comes next.”
So, yes, Mazin’s now flying solo.
The Abby Arc (& Less Bella?)
Here’s where things get tricky. Season 3 is expected to continue adapting the second half of “The Last of Us Part II.” Which, yes, means we’ll likely see a shift in perspective from Ellie to Abby. That’s faithful to the game, where players experience the narrative from both characters’ points of view.
But for fans of Ramsey, this might mean less screentime moving forward. Is HBO worried about that?
“Not from a marketing perspective,” Bloys said, adding that the brand is strong enough to handle a character shift. “I kind of appreciate shows that take things and do a show from a different point of view.”
It’s a bold move to say the least. Whether viewers will embrace Abby’s POV after the fallout of Season 2 remains to be seen. But if HBO sticks to the game’s structure, the emotional payoff could be huge. Of course, assuming fans don’t riot during the wait. We know how HBO fans can get at times when it comes to flipping through their favorite TV shows. Don’t mess with the routine, you know?
So, When Do We See Them Again?
Best-case scenario, Season 3 drops sometime in 2027. Worst case? We’re looking at another three-year hiatus, yikes. But not only that, a fourth season after that as well, and possibly the end of the franchise, is on the horizon as well. Of course, unless Naughty Dog surprises everyone with a third game. But let’s be real, let’s not count on that. In the meantime, HBO isn’t sweating it. “Craig is a pro,” Bloys said. “I think we’ll be in excellent shape. I’m not worried at all.”
Well, we might be. But, bottom line? “The Last of Us” isn’t over, ironically. But it’s not returning anytime soon. With major behind-the-scenes changes, a polarizing narrative pivot, and an unconfirmed endgame, fans are in for a long wait. And a lot of speculation, so, yes, buckle up.
