HBO Renews The Last of Us for Season 3 Ahead of Season 2 Premiere

The Last of Us Season 2 will not be split into two parts; instead, HBO has renewed the show for a Season 3 ahead of the Season 2 premiere.

On X (formerly Twitter), Max’s official account shared the renewal update of The Last of Us Season 3 and wrote, “It can’t be for nothing. Season 3 is coming.”

Craig Mazin and video game creator Neil Druckmann serve as co-showrunners of The Last of Us, which is based on the critically acclaimed video game franchise developed by Naughty Dog for PlayStation. Both Mazin and Druckmann also write and executive produce the series.

In a statement, Mazin said, “We approached Season 2 with the goal of creating something we could be proud of. The end results have exceeded even our most ambitious goals, thanks to our continued collaboration with HBO and the impeccable work of our unparalleled cast and crew. We look forward to continuing the story of ‘The Last of Us’ with Season 3!”

“It can’t be overemphasized how proud HBO is of the outstanding achievement we believe the second season of The Last of Us is,” said Francesca Orsi, Executive Vice President, HBO Programming, Head of HBO Drama Series and Films. “Craig, Neil, Carolyn, and the entire executive producer team, cast, and crew have delivered a masterful follow-up, and we’re thrilled to carry the power of Craig and Neil’s storytelling into what we know will be an equally moving and extraordinary third season.”

Druckmann said, “To see The Last of Us brought to life so beautifully and faithfully has been a career highlight for me, and I am grateful for the fans’ enthusiastic and overwhelming support. Much of that success is thanks to my partner in crime, Craig Mazin, our partnership with HBO, and our team at PlayStation Productions. On behalf of everyone at Naughty Dog, our cast, and crew — thank you so much for allowing us this opportunity. We’re thrilled to bring you more of The Last of Us!“

Set in a post-apocalyptic world decimated by a fungal pandemic that transforms infected people into zombies, The Last of Us—which premiered in 2023—was among the highest-rated drama series in HBO history during its first season, earning 24 Primetime Emmy Award nominations.

Stars Pedro Pascal and Bella Ramsey are returning for Season 2, along with Gabriel Luna and Rutina Wesley. Season 2 also features Kaitlyn Dever, Isabela Merced, Young Mazino, Ariela Barer, Tati Gabrielle, Spencer Lord, Danny Ramirez, Jeffrey Wright, Catherine O’Hara, Joe Pantoliano, Alanna Ubach, Ben Ahlers, Hettienne Park, Robert John Burke, and Noah Lamanna.

According to The Last of Us Season 2 official description, “After five years of peace following the events of the first season, Joel and Ellie’s collective past catches up to them, drawing them into conflict with each other and a world even more dangerous and unpredictable than the one they left behind.”

The Last of Us Season 2 will premiere on Sunday, April 13, at 9:00 p.m. ET/PT on HBO and will be available to stream on Max.