What can be more relaxing than watching a desolate, post-apocalyptic series in which most of humanity has been wiped off? Based on the enthusiasm surrounding the second season of The Last of Us, not much.
The sci-fi drama returned after a long break with an atmospheric premiere that set the tone for what’s to come. Even better, the quality remains consistent, with acting that gives you goosebumps and visuals that linger.
You can breathe easy: for now, the show’s ending is nowhere in sight.
The Last of Us Season 3 Release Date
The Last of Us premiered in January 2023 to critical acclaim. It broke viewership records and won eight Emmy awards, with fans praising the performances, story, and production.
As expected, the series was renewed for a second season which arrived in April 2025, following a two-year hiatus. At the time of writing, episodes roll out weekly, with the finale scheduled for May 25.
Thankfully, the show has already been renewed for more. Depending on how long fresh episodes take to film, we could get The Last of Us Season 3 in early 2027. While we would be thrilled for the series to return sooner, the long break between the first two installments doesn’t make that possibility very likely.
The Last of Us Cast
- Pedro Pascal as Joel Miller
- Bella Ramsey as Ellie
- Gabriel Luna as Tommy
- Isabela Merced as Dina
- Young Mazino as Jesse
- Kaitlyn Dever as Abby
What Will Happen in The Last of Us Season 3?
The Last of Us is set 20 years after the breakout of a mass fungal infection that makes people turn into zombie-like creatures. Society as we know it is no more, and what’s left of humanity has a hard time keeping danger at bay.
In season 1, the action revolves around a smuggler, Joel, who travels across the US with a teenager, Ellie, attempting to safely escort her to a lab. She has immunity from the infection, and a group of scientists hope to use it to find a cure. Problem is, the two grow closer as they make their journey – and once they get there, Joel makes a decision that changes their lives for good.
The season 2 premiere catches up with Joel and Ellie five years later. Their relationship is strained, and they’ve settled into a community along with Joel’s brother Tommy. Soon, threats emerge and their personal issues unravel. There’s also a new player on the horizon, Abby, who seems set on wreaking all kinds of havoc.
With only the premiere out so far, it’s difficult to speculate what The Last of Us season 3 may bring. Abby’s path will eventually cross with that of our protagonists, a confrontation that will likely shape the narrative from there on.
For now, all we can do is hope that the action sequences will be explosive and the emotional beats will land. If the first season is any indication, there’s no doubt about it.
Is The Last of Us Based on a Book?
It’s actually based on a video game.
The series was inspired by the franchise created by Naughty Dog. Season 1 adapted the first game, The Last of Us, which came out in 2013. It’s widely praised as one of the greatest games of all time.
Sequel The Last of Us Part II was released in 2020. Its story is expected to act as a blueprint for the show moving forward. If you’re hungry for spoilers, start there.
