HBO Boss Indicates The Last of Us Will End With Season 3

Despite mixed reactions to Season 2, HBO is backing showrunner Craig Mazin to wrap up the series based on the video game franchise.

Jan. 31, 2026 at 4:39am

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In a new interview, HBO boss Casey Bloys gave the clearest indication yet that the acclaimed series The Last of Us will come to an end with its upcoming third season. This contradicts previous comments from showrunner Craig Mazin, who had suggested a fourth season would likely be needed to fully adapt the story from the two Naughty Dog-developed video games. However, Bloys stated that "it certainly seems" Season 3 will be the final installment, deferring to the showrunners' decision.

Why it matters

The Last of Us has been a major hit for HBO, adapting the beloved PlayStation video game franchise. The decision to end the series with Season 3 comes despite some mixed reactions to Season 2, which closely followed the divisive events of the second game. This suggests HBO is confident in showrunner Craig Mazin's ability to successfully conclude the story, even with the departure of original game creator Neil Druckmann.

The details

In a previous interview, Mazin had indicated a fourth season was "pretty much essential" to wrap up the full narrative from the two Naughty Dog video games. However, in the new Deadline interview, HBO boss Casey Bloys gave a clear indication that Season 3 will be the final installment, stating "it certainly seems that way" when asked if the upcoming seasons of The Last of Us and Hacks would be their last. Bloys deferred the final decision to the showrunners, but his comments suggest HBO is ready to conclude the series with Season 3.

  • The Last of Us Season 2 finale aired in 2026.
  • The Last of Us Season 3 is expected to premiere in 2027.

The players

Casey Bloys

The boss of HBO who indicated The Last of Us will come to an end with Season 3.

Craig Mazin

The showrunner of The Last of Us who previously suggested a fourth season would likely be needed to fully adapt the story from the video games.

Neil Druckmann

The creator of the original The Last of Us video game franchise, who departed the HBO series after Season 2.

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What they’re saying

“It certainly seems that way, but on decisions like that, we will defer to the showrunners. So you can ask them.”

— Casey Bloys, HBO Boss (Deadline)

“Hopefully, we'll earn our keep enough to come back and finish it in a fourth. That's the most likely outcome.”

— Craig Mazin, Showrunner (Collider)

“People are of course entitled to their opinions. But it doesn't affect the show, it doesn't affect how the show continues or anything in any way. They're very separate things to me. So no, I just don't really engage.”

— Bella Ramsey, Ellie Actress (The Awardist Podcast)

What’s next

The upcoming third season of The Last of Us is expected to shift focus to the character of Abby following the events of Season 2, which saw the death of Joel (played by Pedro Pascal). It remains to be seen exactly how showrunner Craig Mazin will adapt the Seattle section of The Last of Us Part 2 through Abby's perspective.

The takeaway

The decision to end The Last of Us with Season 3, despite previous indications a fourth season would be needed, suggests HBO is confident in showrunner Craig Mazin's ability to successfully conclude the acclaimed adaptation of the beloved video game franchise. This comes amid mixed reactions to Season 2, highlighting the challenges of adapting divisive source material.