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The Last of Us: how the series reached n°1 with just one episode
Adapted from the 2013 video game of the same name, The Last of Us, created by Neil Druckmann and Craig Mazin, has been described by some as the greatest video game adaptation of all time. With just one episode aired on HBO (and on Amazon Prime Video at the time), it immediately shot to the top of the best series rankings… The show is now back with a new season once again led by Pedro Pascal and Bella Ramsey.
by La rédaction.
Pedro Pascal and Bella Ramsey in a post-apocalyptic world
A parasitic fungus turning humans into bloodthirsty monsters, a devastated Boston, patrols sweeping through quarantine zones and executing civilians at the slightest sign of infection… This is the dark landscape painted by The Last of Us, an adaptation of the eponymous video game created by Neil Druckmann and Bruce Straley in 2013, and developed by Naughty Dog (also known for Crash Bandicoot, Uncharted…).
Considered a masterpiece by PlayStation 3 players, the game sold over 5 million copies (including the PS3 and PS4 versions) and quickly became one of the most acclaimed titles in next-gen console history. A sequel followed in 2020, pushing the survival-horror genre even further and cementing its status as a benchmark in post-apocalyptic storytelling. It follows Joel Miller, a weary fifty-something man haunted by personal tragedy and years of survival, who crosses paths with young Ellie. Together, they embark on a long and perilous journey in the hope of… humanity’s survival.
Heavily criticized after the first trailer for the lack of resemblance between the actors and their video game counterparts—Pedro Pascal (Narcos, The Mandalorian) plays Joel, while Bella Ramsey (Game of Thrones) portrays Ellie, arguably to perfection—the first episode, which aired on Sunday, January 15, 2023, on HBO and the next day in France on Amazon Prime Video, ultimately won over viewers.
One of the best series launches in TV history, alongside Game of Thrones
“Impactful and incredibly dark,” “a masterpiece just like the game,” “faithful, heartbreaking, and gripping…” The press was effusive in its praise for The Last of Us. The series quickly climbed to the top of TV show rankings, earning, for instance, a score of 9.4 out of 10 on IMDB, the global online database for cinema, TV—and, to a lesser extent, video games.
Highly anticipated by fans of the 2013 game, the series impressed with its precision and fidelity: scenes lifted directly from the original work, cinematic sequences, and even gameplay-inspired moments. Atmosphere, characters, direction, soundtrack… Far from being a mere imitation, The Last of Us offers a genuine extension of the game. A massive hit in the U.S., the pilot achieved the second-best series premiere on HBO in the last 13 years, just behind the launch of the Game of Thrones spin-off House of the Dragon, and since Boardwalk Empire (2010), the gritty Prohibition-era drama starring Steve Buscemi.
A second season aiming to cement the show as a genre standard
Five years after the events of Season 1, The Last of Us returns to HBO with a new slate of episodes that promise to shake up the rules of video game adaptation. Pedro Pascal and Bella Ramsey reprise their roles as Joel and Ellie, now living in Jackson, Wyoming, a community trying to rebuild some semblance of normalcy amid the post-apocalyptic chaos.
Inspired by The Last of Us Part II, this new season is set to be denser and more emotionally complex. The introduction of Abby, played by Kaitlyn Dever, marks a major narrative turning point, exploring themes of vengeance and redemption. Showrunners Craig Mazin and Neil Druckmann have confirmed the adaptation will span multiple seasons—three, it seems—allowing for a more in-depth exploration of story arcs and characters.
Seven new episodes through the end of May
Season 2, made up of seven episodes, began airing on April 14, 2025, on HBO and the Max platform, with a new episode released weekly until May 25. Critics are already praising the production’s quality, emphasizing its loyalty to the game’s universe while also bringing new depth to the characters and plot. Without giving away key developments, it’s clear the storyline this time will diverge from that of the game.
The Last of Us continues to stand as a landmark in video game adaptations, offering a rich and immersive narrative experience that captivates both long-time fans and new audiences alike.
The Last of Us Season 2 (2025), available on HBO and HBO Max.
