The gripping saga of HBO's "The Last of Us" has once again left fans on the edge of their seats as Season 2 concluded with a dramatic and unsettling twist. The season finale, titled "Convergence," aired over the weekend of May 31 to June 1, 2025, ending with Abby, portrayed by Kaitlyn Dever, killing Jesse and shooting Ellie, played by Bella Ramsey, before the narrative rewinds three days earlier to reveal Abby's perspective in Seattle. This creative choice mirrors the storytelling style of the original video game, "The Last of Us Part II," where multiple viewpoints deepen the understanding of the characters' motives and the human cost of their actions.
Despite the emotional intensity of the finale, there was no new episode to look forward to on June 1, 2025. Instead, HBO treated subscribers to a marathon of the entire second season, running from 12:36 p.m. ET to 7:02 p.m. ET, allowing fans to revisit the seven-episode arc that has captivated audiences.
Season 2 of "The Last of Us" covered early events from the 2020 video game sequel, exploring the intertwined stories of Ellie, Joel, and Abby. The show has stayed relatively faithful to the source material, with some notable deviations, such as the acclaimed reimagining of Bill and Frank’s storyline in Season 1. However, the second season ended squarely in the middle of the game's narrative, leaving more than half of the story yet to be told.
Fans eager for more need not despair. HBO officially renewed "The Last of Us" for a third season on April 9, 2025, just days before Season 2 premiered. This upcoming season promises to delve deeper into Abby's story, positioning her as the central figure, as co-creator and co-showrunner Craig Mazin emphasized during a virtual press conference held in late May 2025. "There is another side to this story that we have yet to really delve into," Mazin said, adding, "Abby is the hero of her story." His words underscore a shift in narrative focus that will explore Abby's motivations and the broader conflicts enveloping the post-apocalyptic world.
Mazin, along with co-creator Neil Druckmann, also teased that Season 3 will address lingering mysteries from the previous season. Viewers can expect answers about the origins of the Seraphites, the fate of their enigmatic prophet, Isaac's intentions, and the cause behind the explosive climax of Season 2's finale. "What is going on? How did that war start? How did the Seraphites start? Who is the prophet? What happened to her? What does Isaac want? What’s happening at the end of Episode 7? What is this explosion? What is all of it?" Mazin questioned, promising that all will become clear.
While anticipation builds, the wait for Season 3 will be substantial. Historically, new seasons of "The Last of Us" take approximately two years to progress from scripting to screen. The first two seasons experienced delays due to the COVID-19 pandemic and industry-wide strikes by the Writers Guild of America (WGA) and the Screen Actors Guild‐American Federation of Television and Radio Artists (SAG-AFTRA) in 2023. These factors have pushed production schedules back, and early indicators suggest that filming for Season 3 may not commence until 2026.
Isabela Merced, who plays Dina, revealed in an interview with Variety that production might be delayed until 2026, making a late 2026 or even early 2027 premiere the most realistic estimate. This extended hiatus poses risks for the series, particularly given the noticeable drop in viewership between Seasons 1 and 2. While the Season 2 premiere saw a 13% increase from 4.7 million to 5.3 million viewers, the finale experienced a sharp 55% decline compared to the Season 1 finale, drawing 3.7 million viewers against 8.2 million previously.
Critics and fans alike have voiced concerns that the prolonged gap could erode the momentum the series has built. The narrative's shift to focus more heavily on Abby, a character who controversially killed a beloved protagonist and attempted to kill another, adds to the uncertainty about how audiences will receive the forthcoming season. Some suggest that HBO could have mitigated this risk by filming Seasons 2 and 3 back-to-back, especially since the renewal was confirmed well before Season 2 aired. Instead, the production's staggered approach means that viewers must endure a lengthy wait to see the continuation and conclusion of Ellie and Abby's intertwined journeys.
Nevertheless, the show's critical acclaim and passionate fan base remain strong. "The Last of Us" continues to be one of HBO's flagship dramas, praised for its faithful adaptation of the video game's emotional depth and complex characters. For those new to the series or wishing to catch up, all episodes from Seasons 1 and 2 are available for streaming on Max. New subscribers can access the platform for $9.99 per month with ads or $16.99 per month for an ad-free experience. Additionally, the Disney+ Bundle, which includes Disney+, Hulu, and Max, offers a discounted package at $16.99 per month with ads or $29.99 without ads, providing an economical way to enjoy a broad range of content.
As the story pauses, the world of "The Last of Us" remains a haunting and compelling exploration of survival, revenge, and the blurred lines between heroism and villainy. With Season 3 on the horizon, fans can look forward to uncovering Abby's story in full and finally resolving many of the season's unanswered questions. Until then, the marathon airing offers a perfect opportunity to revisit the journey so far and prepare for the next chapter in this gripping saga.
