Summary

  • The Last of Us show could continue beyond three seasons, adapting the second game into multiple seasons with potentially larger or smaller episode counts.
  • Seasons 2 and 3 will cover the sequel, potentially splitting the perspectives of the two main characters into two seasons.
  • The show may introduce original stories and explore new aspects of the world, possibly requiring more seasons than originally planned.

The Last of Us showrunner Craig Mazin has revealed the series could last beyond three seasons, but with one key change surrounding how the story gets told. The critically acclaimed HBO series based on the video game of the same name is currently planned to run until at least season 3. This is a result of the next game in the series, The Last of Us Part II, being adapted into multiple seasons.

While The Last of Us season 2 is still in production, Mazin told The Hollywood Reporter that the series could still be around for season 4. However, the show may see future seasons have larger or smaller episode counts than season 1 depending on the story. Check out what Mazin had to say below:

I was aware that I mentioned [four seasons]. You never know. It can end up being three or five. But four seems like a good number. Some seasons, because of the story we’re telling, will need fewer episodes and some will need more. The best news is the audience wants more. We will not indulge a desire for more simply to make them happier when they hear how many episodes are announced. And if they don’t like how many episodes are in a season because they want more, well, OK. But when all is said and done, I think the wisdom of how we lay it out will hopefully be clear. I don’t know if any season will actually have the same amount of episodes. But, whatever, the number’s not important. What’s important is when they get to the end of the season, they’re like, 'That was a good season.'

How Many Seasons Of The Last Of Us Will There Be?

Joel hugs Ellie in The Last Of Us season 1 finale

Mazin went on to reiterate the plan to turn the second game of the franchise into multiple seasons, influenced by how big the story of the game is. This means at least seasons 2 and 3 of the adaptation will cover the sequel. It would make sense for the show to adapt The Last of Us Part II into two seasons, as the game is equally split between two characters' perspectives. This means each season could potentially show their perspectives with a similar structure to the game.

However, it's unclear what the plan for the show would be if it went beyond season 3. Even so, Bill and Frank in The Last of Us episode 3 proves the show won't shy away from introducing original stories. It's possible that, once the show has adapted the material of the games, future seasons will explore the world in new ways that surprise everyone.

It's also possible the second game will need more than two seasons to be adapted, especially if future seasons are longer or shorter than season 1's nine episodes. The series could also introduce original stories laced within the adaption, justifying a need for more seasons. No matter what the plan is for the show's future, it's clear The Last of Us has more stories left to tell than originally anticipated.

Source: THR