HBO has confirmed that season 3 of The Last of Us will not air until 2027, sparking speculation among fans about the show’s future. The network addressed the rumours during a programming update, stressing that the series remains in active development despite the extended wait.
Adapted from the acclaimed PlayStation video game franchise, The Last of Us debuted in January 2023 to strong critical and audience reception.
Set in a post-apocalyptic United States ravaged by a fungal outbreak, the first season followed Joel and Ellie’s cross-country journey, drawing over 37 million viewers per episode worldwide and securing multiple awards.
Season 2, broadcast from April to May 2025, covered the first half of The Last of Us Part II and introduced new characters alongside significant plot changes.
HBO content chief Casey Bloys confirmed the 2027 release date for season 3 but noted uncertainty over whether the remainder of the story will be told across one or two seasons.
The upcoming season will bring notable creative changes. Neil Druckmann, series co-creator and creative lead on the original games, will step back from his role, leaving Craig Mazin as sole showrunner following the departure of executive producer Halley Gross.
In a major narrative shift, season 3 will centre on Abby, a pivotal character from The Last of Us Part II. Kaitlyn Dever has been officially cast in the role, with the story expected to explore the aftermath of Joel’s death and the intertwined arcs of Ellie and Abby.
Although HBO has not released filming dates, production is expected to begin in the next year.
The series will continue its large-scale location shoots, complex visual effects work, and detailed character development, maintaining the high production standards that have defined the adaptation.
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