The Last of Us Season 3 is confirmed for 2027 as HBO’s acclaimed post-apocalyptic drama continues its global success. After Season 2’s gripping finale in May 2025, fans worldwide await the next chapter focusing on Abby’s perspective and the consequences of revenge.
Key Takeaways
- The Last of Us Season 3 officially set for 2027 release on HBO and Max after Season 2 concluded in May 2025
- Filming began in June 2025 in Vancouver, with production extending into 2026
- Season 3 will shift focus to Kaitlyn Dever’s Abby, exploring her perspective from “Seattle Day 1”
- Season 2 averaged 37 million viewers per episode, surpassing Season 1’s 32 million average
- Co-creator Neil Druckmann stepped away to focus on Naughty Dog’s new game “Intergalactic: The Heretic Prophet”
- Season 2 ended on a major cliffhanger with gunshot and epilogue teasing Abby’s storyline
- HBO still deciding whether Season 3 will be the final season or if Season 4 is needed
What Happened in Season 2?
The Last of Us Season 2 premiered on April 13, 2025, taking place five years after Joel (Pedro Pascal) rescued Ellie (Bella Ramsey) from the Fireflies. The season explored the strained relationship between Joel and Ellie as she discovered the truth about his lie from the Season 1 finale. Living in Jackson, Wyoming, their bond faced devastating tests when Abby and her group arrived seeking revenge for Joel’s massacre at the Salt Lake City hospital.
The season consisted of seven episodes, concluding on May 25, 2025, with a finale that left audiences stunned. Ellie tortured Nora for information, learned painful lessons about vengeance, and the season ended with a gunshot and epilogue showing Abby’s life as a Wolf in Seattle—teasing that Season 3 will revisit events from her perspective.
Table: The Last of Us Season 2 & 3 Essential Facts
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Season 2 Premiere | April 13, 2025 |
| Season 2 Finale | May 25, 2025 |
| Season 2 Episodes | 7 episodes |
| Season 2 Average Viewers | 37 million per episode |
| Season 3 Release Window | 2027 |
| Season 3 Filming Start | June 2025 (Vancouver) |
| Season 3 Focus | Abby’s perspective (Kaitlyn Dever) |
| Key Cast | Bella Ramsey, Pedro Pascal, Kaitlyn Dever, Laura Dern |
| Showrunners | Craig Mazin (Neil Druckmann stepped away) |
| Based On | The Last of Us Part II video game by Naughty Dog |
| Rotten Tomatoes (Season 2) | Critical acclaim, Emmy-winning series |
| Network | HBO / Max streaming |
Critical Reception and Global Impact
Season 2 received widespread acclaim for its emotional storytelling and faithful adaptation of the source material. While the finale drew 3.7 million viewers on premiere day—30% down from the season premiere and 55% down from Season 1’s finale—the overall season performance exceeded expectations.
“Season 2 is tallying 37 million viewers per episode as opposed to 32 million for Season 1. The show continues to accrue more viewers in the days and weeks after initial release.”
— Variety report on viewership trends
The series has become one of HBO’s most successful adaptations, praised for Pedro Pascal and Bella Ramsey’s performances alongside newcomer Kaitlyn Dever’s portrayal of Abby.
What’s Happening with Season 3?
HBO officially confirmed Season 3 ahead of the Season 2 premiere, with filming beginning in Vancouver on June 30, 2025. HBO content chief Casey Bloys stated the season is “definitely planned for 2027” but revealed uncertainty about whether the story will require two more seasons or one extended final season.
The biggest change: Neil Druckmann, co-creator and game director, has stepped away from the HBO series to focus on Naughty Dog’s new IP “Intergalactic: The Heretic Prophet,” announced in December 2024. Writer Halley Gross also departed, leaving Craig Mazin as the primary showrunner moving forward.
Analysis: Why the Two-Year Wait?
The extended gap between seasons stems from multiple factors: complex shooting locations, extensive visual effects work, cast availability, and the scope of adapting The Last of Us Part II’s expansive narrative. Season 3 is expected to feature more episodes and action sequences, requiring additional production time.
Rumors of cancellation circulated in August 2025 due to the delays, but HBO firmly denied them, reaffirming their commitment to completing the adaptation.
What’s Next: Season 3 and Beyond
Season 3 will explore Abby’s journey as a Wolf soldier in Seattle, paralleling Ellie’s story from Season 2. Fans anticipate emotional confrontations, moral ambiguity, and the consequences of cycles of violence that defined the game.
The future of The Last of Us Part III as a video game remains uncertain, with Druckmann confirming he has “a concept” for a third game but warning fans not to “bet on there being more”.
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