The Last of Us Episodes: Season 1-3 Guide

Few TV shows have gripped audiences the way The Last of Us has, turning a beloved video game into a cultural event. Whether you’ve just finished season 1 or are tracking season 2’s air dates, this guide covers episode counts, release schedules, and the latest on a potential season 3, all anchored to official sources.

Season 1 episode count: 9 ·
Original network: HBO ·
First season airdate: 2023

Is Episode 7 the Finale of The Last of Us?

It’s a common point of confusion, especially for viewers catching up late. The short answer is no: Episode 7 is not the finale. Here’s the breakdown.

Episode 7: Left Behind

• In season 1, episode 7 is titled “Left Behind” and adapts the The Last of Us video game DLC of the same name, focusing on Ellie and Riley’s backstory.
• Season 1 runs a total of 9 episodes, as confirmed by Wikipedia’s episode list.
• The season 2 finale is episode 7, titled “Convergence,” which aired on May 25, 2025 (Deadline).

The True Finale: Episode 9

• For season 1, the finale is episode 9, titled “Look for the Light.” It aired on March 12, 2023 (Wikipedia).
• Season 2 has 7 episodes, so its finale is episode 7, which concluded on May 25, 2025 (Deadline).

The pattern: Season 1’s episode 7 is a pivot point, not a finish line. The story continues with two more episodes that land the emotional weight. Season 2, being shorter, uses episode 7 as its actual ending—a critical distinction for viewers setting expectations.

Is There a Season 3 for The Last of Us?

Yes, but with some nuance. Let’s untangle the current status.

Current Status of Season 3

• HBO and Sony officially renewed The Last of Us for a third season, as confirmed by IGN in April 2025, though no specific release date was set at that time.
• Casey Bloys, HBO’s CEO of Content, stated in January 2026 that season 3 is planned for a 2027 release (IMDb News).
• Reports from earlier in 2026 still peg season 3 for 2027 (ELLE).

“Season 3 is planned for a 2027 release.” — Casey Bloys, HBO CEO of Content (via IMDb News)

What Would Season 3 Cover?

• Craig Mazin, co-creator, has said that season 2 adapts portions of The Last of Us Part II (The Last of Us Fandom).
• Mazin has indicated that the remaining story from the game’s sequel might be split into two more seasons or one longer season (ELLE).
• This means season 3 could adapt the latter half of The Last of Us Part II, or explore original material depending on the creative direction.

“The remaining story from the game’s sequel could be told in either two more seasons or one longer season.” — Craig Mazin, co-creator (via ELLE)

The catch: While a renewal is in hand, the exact form and release window of season 3 remain fluid. For fans, the signal is positive but not yet locked down.

How Many Episodes Are in The Last of Us Season 2?

Season 2 is shorter than its predecessor, a choice that reflects the source material’s pacing.

Confirmed Episode Count

• Season 2 of The Last of Us consists of 7 episodes, as reported by Deadline.
• HBO has not officially confirmed the exact count, but the listing across multiple sources aligns on 7 episodes.
• A June 2024 interview with one of the showrunners confirmed the 7-episode plan, with one episode described as “quite big” in runtime (The Last of Us Fandom).

Why the Episode Count Matters

• Season 1 had 9 episodes; season 2 has 7, meaning two fewer episodes (IGN).
• The shorter season aligns with adapting the denser, more fragmented narrative of The Last of Us Part II, which covers multiple timelines and character perspectives.
• This means less filler and potentially more concentrated storytelling, but also a shorter runtime for the season overall.

What this means: Viewers get a leaner season that focuses on key emotional arcs. The trade-off is a faster conclusion, which may leave some wanting more.

When Do Episodes of The Last of Us Season 2 Air?

Here is the exact weekly schedule for those who want to plan their viewing.

Expected Release Window

• Season 2 premiered on Sunday, April 13, 2025, at 9:00 PM ET on HBO and Max (Esquire).

Release Schedule Pattern

• Episodes air weekly on Sundays, following HBO’s traditional model.
• The full schedule: Episode 1 on April 13, Episode 2 on April 20, Episode 3 on April 27, Episode 4 on May 4, Episode 5 on May 11, Episode 6 on May 18, and the finale (Episode 7) on May 25, 2025 (Esquire).

Why this matters: The weekly drip means no bingeing—each episode gets a full week of discussion and speculation. For fans, it’s a return to event television.

Is The Last of Us Season 2 Over?

Yes, season 2 has concluded. Here’s the context.

What ‘Over’ Means in Context

• Season 2’s finale aired on May 25, 2025, meaning all 7 episodes have been released (Deadline).
• As of now, there are no additional episodes beyond the 7; the season is complete.

Comparison to Season 1

• Season 1 also concluded its run after its finale aired on March 12, 2023.
• The pattern is the same: once the finale drops, the season is over until the next one is announced.
• With season 3 already renewed and planned for 2027, the wait is on.

The implication: For fans, the story is now in a holding pattern until the next season arrives. The time to catch up on earlier episodes—or revisit the game—is now.

Three seasons, one pattern: each season’s episode count reflects the story it tells, not a fixed formula.

For a comprehensive breakdown of every installment, check out this full episode list by season that covers all aired episodes.

Frequently asked questions

For viewers invested in the series, the path is clear: season 2 has wrapped with its 7-episode run, and season 3 is on the horizon for 2027. The choice now is whether to rewatch, revisit the games, or simply wait. For fans of thoughtful, character-driven television, the wait is likely worth it.