Whether you were a fan of the original video game or a new fan of the show, The Last of Us has gripped viewers since it first aired in January 2023. Pedro Pascal and Bella Ramsey‘s performances as Joel and Ellie, respectively, tugged at fans’ heartstrings as their on-screen bond developed throughout season 1. Now that season 2 ended in bloodshed, fans are wondering whether season 3 is in the works after rumors of a cancellation circulated in June 2026.
Below, Hollywood Life has the latest update on whether or not The Last of Us is getting a third season.
When Did The Last of Us Season 2 Come Out?
Season 2 of The Last of Us premiered on HBO and Max on April 13, 2025.
What Time Does The Last of Us Air?
New episodes continue to air weekly on Sundays at 9:00 p.m. ET / 6:00 p.m. PT.
Is There a Season 3 of The Last of Us?
Yes, The Last of Us was officially renewed for a season 3 shortly before the premiere of its second season.
“We approached season 2 [trailer below] with the goal of creating something we could be proud of,” co-creator and showrunner Craig Mazin said, per The Hollywood Reporter. “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.”
Co-creator Neil Druckmann added in a separate statement, “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.”
However, in a surprising twist, Neil stepped down from his creative duties with the show. He will remain a co-creator and executive producer. In a statement to Deadline, Neil said, “I’ve made the difficult decision to step away from my creative involvement in The Last of Us on HBO. With work completed on season 2 and before any meaningful work starts on season 3, now is the right time for me to transition my complete focus to Naughty Dog and its future projects, including writing and directing our exciting next game, Intergalactic: The Heretic Prophet, along with my responsibilities as Studio Head and Head of Creative.”
The Last of Us Season 3 Release Date
Season 3 of The Last of Us is scheduled to be released sometime 2027, HBO and Max content chairman and CEO Casey Bloys told Variety.
“The series is definitely planned for 2027,” Casey confirmed. “Craig is still working it out whether it will be two more seasons or one more long season. It hasn’t been decided yet, and I’m following Craig’s lead on that.”
Was The Last of Us Season 3 Cancelled?
No. Production on the third season of The Last of Us was not cancelled, but it was halted in June 2026. Multiple outlets reported that production logs from the set indicated that the pause was due to “local disruptions” due to the World Cup.
Is Pedro Pascal Still in The Last of Us?
Pascal’s character, Joel Miller, was killed off early in season 2 of The Last of Us, but Pascal continues to appear in the series through flashbacks. He will appear in season 3, but he will likely only be in flashbacks.
How to Watch The Last of Us
All episodes of The Last of Us are available to watch on HBO Max and Prime Video with an add-on subscription to Max.
