The Last of Us
Detailed Ratings
Plot 4.3/5
Characters 3.0/5
Acting 3.3/5
Production 3.7/5

The Last of Us

Series 2 seasons
ActorsPedro Pascal, Bella Ramsey
+9
Balance
+9 -0
Score weighted by each hero's level: a recommendation from a level 3 hero counts for 3.
3.3/5
3
Reviews
Tome
From the editors, by Tome Updated on 16/02/2026

When the World Ends: A Journey Through "The Last of Us"

In 2023, as the world continues to reel from its own recent upheavals, The Last of Us arrives on our screens with eerie serendipity. Based on the celebrated video game series, this adaptation has been causing a stir both for its faithful rendering and its timely exploration of survival themes. The post-apocalyptic narrative is helmed by Craig Mazin, known for Chernobyl, which only adds to its promise of gripping storytelling.

The Concept

Tensions run high as we follow the journey of Joel, a seasoned survivor, and Ellie, a teenager who might just hold the key to humanity's salvation. Set against the backdrop of a world ravaged by a fungal pandemic, their path is fraught with danger and moral dilemmas. Season one delves into their developing partnership amidst a decaying society that feels all too close to home.

The Series Identity

The Last of Us stands apart thanks to its nuanced character development and atmospheric storytelling. The casting is impeccable, with Pedro Pascal embodying the grizzled Joel and Bella Ramsey bringing Ellie’s fierce spirit to life. While it joins the ranks of post-apocalyptic tales like The Walking Dead, it carves out its niche through intimate narratives and emotional stakes that resonate deeply.

Viewing Guide

This ongoing series currently boasts one season, with episodes running just under an hour each. Streamed on HBO Max, it's an essential watch for fans of intense drama and survival stories. While captivatingly dark, it’s worth noting the mature themes and violence that may not suit all viewers.

+9
Balance
+9 -0
Score weighted by each hero's level: a recommendation from a level 3 hero counts for 3.
3.3/5
3
Reviews
Detailed Ratings
Plot 4.3/5
Characters 3.0/5
Acting 3.3/5
Production 3.7/5
Tome
From the editors, by Tome Updated on 16/02/2026

When the World Ends: A Journey Through "The Last of Us"

In 2023, as the world continues to reel from its own recent upheavals, The Last of Us arrives on our screens with eerie serendipity. Based on the celebrated video game series, this adaptation has been causing a stir both for its faithful rendering and its timely exploration of survival themes. The post-apocalyptic narrative is helmed by Craig Mazin, known for Chernobyl, which only adds to its promise of gripping storytelling.

The Concept

Tensions run high as we follow the journey of Joel, a seasoned survivor, and Ellie, a teenager who might just hold the key to humanity's salvation. Set against the backdrop of a world ravaged by a fungal pandemic, their path is fraught with danger and moral dilemmas. Season one delves into their developing partnership amidst a decaying society that feels all too close to home.

The Series Identity

The Last of Us stands apart thanks to its nuanced character development and atmospheric storytelling. The casting is impeccable, with Pedro Pascal embodying the grizzled Joel and Bella Ramsey bringing Ellie’s fierce spirit to life. While it joins the ranks of post-apocalyptic tales like The Walking Dead, it carves out its niche through intimate narratives and emotional stakes that resonate deeply.

Viewing Guide

This ongoing series currently boasts one season, with episodes running just under an hour each. Streamed on HBO Max, it's an essential watch for fans of intense drama and survival stories. While captivatingly dark, it’s worth noting the mature themes and violence that may not suit all viewers.

Status: Ongoing
Publication: 2023 - Present
Country of origin: United States
Original language: English
Age rating: Mature (18+)
Genres: Dystopian Post-Apocalyptic

Also in the The Last of Us universe

See all 3 works
The Last of Us Part II
The Last of Us Part II
Game
2020
4.8
The Last of Us Part I
The Last of Us Part I
Game
2022
4.8

Reviews

defiant-control

A once-excellent game adaptation that is trending the wrong direction

Season 1 of Last of Us blew me away. I've played the games and was thus a bit disappointed by the way they chose to depict some of the characters, but the third episode (the Bill one, for those who know) is one of the true 10/10 TV episodes I've ever watched. Even with its differences from the game, most notably how Ellie is depicted, I still really enjoyed this take on the game.

Season 2 started strong. The first two episodes were absolutely stellar, and then the wheels fell off. I'm very confused by how the showrunners chose to alter the main characters' personalities and several other key aspects of the game. I'm fine with writers taking creative licenses when it works, but I haven't felt at all like it has worked in season 2. I'm anxious to see if season 3 travels further down this road or rights the ship.
Recommends:
+5 The value of a recommendation depends on its author's level.
Overall
Plot
Characters
Acting
Production
14
GirlRainbow31
Translated from French

From game to series

Being passionate about both video games (especially The Last Of Us Part II), I was a bit disappointed by the series. The characters as created in the games don't really match the acting, in both seasons. Only Joel, Tommy and Marlene's characters work well, but the scenes between Ellie and Dina are totally different between the series and the video games (which is a real shame). That said, I'm still happy that TLOU was made into a series, two new seasons are supposedly expected and potentially a Part III game, I still recommend it, but I much prefer the video games to the visual fiction.
Recommends:
+3 The value of a recommendation depends on its author's level.
Overall
Plot
Characters
Acting
Production
17
ShadowMan
Translated from French

Promising

I started watching, and it's quite promising. It's more ambitious than just cashing in on a video game franchise with some commercial and marketing ploys.

Still, I don't feel an overwhelming urge to dive into the next episode... To be continued.
Recommends:
+1 The value of a recommendation depends on its author's level.
Overall
Plot
Characters
Acting
Production
19
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