Fans of HBO`s critically acclaimed series, “The Last of Us,” have received a definitive, albeit somewhat distant, answer regarding the future of the post-apocalyptic saga. The third season is officially slated to premiere in 2027, as confirmed by HBO`s Chairman and CEO, Casey Bloys, during a conversation with Variety. For those who believe patience is a virtue, this revelation offers a clear, if not immediate, target date for their next deep dive into this grim, yet profoundly human, narrative.
Beyond the Horizon: More Than Just Three Seasons?
In a surprising twist for a series adapting a finite, albeit expansive, video game storyline, Bloys hinted that Season 3 might not mark the end of Joel and Ellie`s (or perhaps, Abby`s) journey. There`s a tangible possibility that the show could extend to a fourth season. This revelation suggests that the creative team, led by showrunner Craig Mazin, may be exploring avenues to expand upon the existing lore, or perhaps, as Bloys subtly indicated, Mazin is still meticulously determining the optimal way to present the remaining story elements, despite prior statements on the narrative`s structure. One can only imagine the intricate deliberations involved in translating such a beloved, and emotionally charged, source material to the screen, especially when considering the potential to push beyond established boundaries.
The Next Chapter: Abby Takes Center Stage
As previously hinted and now more firmly established, the third season is expected to delve into the latter half of “The Last of Us Part II.” This means that a significant portion of the narrative will shift its focus to Abby, a character whose introduction in the game divided, yet ultimately enriched, the story. Her perspective is crucial to understanding the nuanced themes of revenge, empathy, and cycles of violence that define the game`s second installment. This pivot promises to challenge viewers, mirroring the game`s own audacious narrative choices, and potentially spark new debates among the series` burgeoning fanbase.
A Legacy of Acclaim: Reflecting on Past Success
The journey of “The Last of Us” on television has been nothing short of a phenomenon. The series initially captivated audiences with its premiere on January 15, 2023, earning widespread critical acclaim. Its faithful yet innovative adaptation of the first game resonated deeply, evidenced by strong ratings such as 8.7 out of 10 on IMDb and 7.9 out of 10 on Kinopoisk. The second season, which debuted on April 13, 2025, continued this legacy, further cementing the show`s reputation for high-quality storytelling and production value. It`s worth noting, as part of the series` evolving production narrative, that game creator Neil Druckmann and one of the original screenwriters were not involved in the production of the continuation (Season 2), a development that garnered some attention at the time, but clearly did not impede the show`s success.
As fans brace themselves for the significant wait until 2027, the prospect of “The Last of Us” continuing beyond even a fourth season suggests a long-term commitment from HBO to this dystopian world. Whether this means further game adaptations or entirely new narratives spun from the established universe remains to be seen. For now, the countdown to Season 3 begins, promising more intense drama, moral quandaries, and perhaps, a few more years of fervent speculation.
