The Last of Us Secures Season 3 Renewal Before Season 2 Hits HBO

HBO Doubles Down: The Last of Us Gets Third Season Renewal

HBO isn't holding back when it comes to its blockbuster adaptation of The Last of Us. With Season 2 still months away—set to premiere in April 2025—the network is already banking on its continued popularity by renewing it for a third season. That kind of preemptive move is rare in TV and signals absolute confidence in the show's grip on audiences.

The news hit fans before even a frame of Season 2 had dropped, making it a strong vote of trust in the creative team and the loyal fanbase. But this isn't just business as usual for the post-apocalyptic drama. Big things are changing, both on screen and behind the scenes.

Creative Shake-Up and a New Centerpiece

Season 3 is set to take a sharp turn by pushing Kaitlyn Dever's character—Abby—into the spotlight. While the first two seasons revolved around Ellie (played by Bella Ramsey) and Joel (Pedro Pascal), the story will now explore Abby's complicated journey, paralleling major threads from the critically acclaimed video game sequel, The Last of Us Part II.

But fans should also brace for some creative changes. Neil Druckmann, the co-creator of the original games and an executive guiding hand for the series, along with key writer Halley Gross, are stepping away to focus on new projects at Naughty Dog, the game's developer. That hands the show’s creative wheel firmly to showrunner Craig Mazin, whose vision will shape the final seasons.

The exit of Druckmann and Gross is a big deal considering how closely the series has followed the moody, emotional beats of the games. Druckmann’s knack for blending intimate human drama with brutal, suspenseful twists has helped set the show apart from other dystopian fare. Their absence will be felt, but HBO’s leadership seems confident that Mazin can keep the momentum.

HBO chairman Casey Bloys confirmed that Season 3 is “definitely planned” and pointed to a 2027 release window. However, there’s still uncertainty about how the story will be split between seasons. Mazin and HBO are discussing whether to pack Abby's arc into one extended season or let it play out over two smaller ones. The aim is to balance faithful adaptation with room for character growth and new twists.

All these changes hint that Season 3 could wrap up the series. But nothing’s locked in yet—much will depend on how Mazin and his team want to stick (or stray) from the games, and whether HBO wants to ride this franchise any further.

For longtime fans and newcomers, it’s clear the story is far from over. With HBO’s bold commitment and a new creative focus, there’s every reason to keep watching as The Last of Us universe gets ready for its next act.