HBO’s adaptation of The Last of Us has been renewed for season 3, ahead of its second season debut on Sunday, April 13.
The renewal follows mostly strong reviews for The Last of Us season 2, which partially adapts 2020’s PS4 game The Last of Us Part 2, and introduces the key character of Abby played by Kaitlyn Dever.
The decision isn’t a surprise – back in February, HBO’s programming EVP Francesca Orsi told Deadline that a total of four seasons was likely for the show.
“We don’t have a complete or final plan, but I think it’s looking like four seasons. I wouldn’t want to confirm that, but it’s looking like this season and then two more seasons after this and we’re done.”
The Last of Us – starring Pedro Pascal as Joel and Bella Ramsey as Ellie – debuted in January 2023 to critical acclaim and huge ratings, with 32 million viewers watching per episode in the US by its end.
It was the highest-rated first season in HBO’s history, surpassing a previous record set by House of the Dragon a year earlier.
Season 2 comprises seven episodes versus the first season’s nine, and picks up five years after the first season’s finale. The show is co-created by Chernobyl writer Craig Mazin and Naughty Dog’s Neil Druckmann.