The Last of Us HBO series isn’t ending with Season 3. According to showrunner Craig Mazin, there’s a “solid chance” that Season 3 will be longer than its predecessor. But wrapping up the entire story in just one more season? That’s not possible — at least not yet.

In an interview with Collider , Mazin explained that while Season 3 might expand the narrative further, it won’t serve as the final chapter. He noted that Joel’s death is such a powerful emotional event — a “narrative nuclear bomb,” as he put it — that the story can’t move on from it quickly. The creative team doesn’t want to rush or skip over it. Still, finishing everything in Season 3 would be too much to handle. Mazin expressed hope that the show will earn enough support and funding to return for a fourth and final season. That, he said, is the most likely outcome.

The Last of Us HBO series is based on the critically acclaimed video games by Naughty Dog. The first season, which premiered in 2023, followed smuggler Joel (Pedro Pascal) as he escorted Ellie (Bella Ramsey), a teenager immune to a deadly fungal pandemic, across a ruined America. It was praised by both critics and fans, winning eight out of 24 Emmy nominations and being called one of the best video game adaptations ever made.

Season 2 picks up five years later and brings in characters from The Last of Us Part II , including Abby (Kaitlyn Dever), who seeks revenge against Joel for killing her father. It also introduces new relationships, like the bond between Ellie and Dina (played by Isabela Merced), and returns fan-favorite characters like Isaac, portrayed by Jeffrey Wright.

While professional critics gave Season 2 a strong 95% approval rating, audience reactions were mixed. Some viewers criticized the casting choices, especially the physical differences between the actors and their in-game counterparts. Kaitlyn Dever, who plays Abby, even required extra security during filming due to online backlash. Bella Ramsey temporarily left social media after facing harsh criticism from fans.

Currently, Season 2 is airing on HBO and Max. Its seventh and final episode will air this Sunday. Earlier in the season, the show brought back Pedro Pascal for a flashback-style episode exploring Joel and Ellie’s relationship during the five years they lived in Jackson — a moment promoted as emotionally rich as the beloved Bill and Frank storyline from Season 1.

With the story set to continue into at least two more seasons, fans of The Last of Us HBO series have plenty more drama, heartbreak, and survival ahead.

Also read:

• Andy Serkis Reveals How Tom Hardy Basically Played Two Roles At Once In Venom
• S.W.A.T. Exiles Production Start Date Revealed – Shemar Moore’s Hondo Returns in 2026!
• Andor Season 2 Just Dropped A George Lucas Deep Cut That Star Wars Nerds Are Losing Their Minds Over