The Last of Us Season 3 is officially happening — but fans will need to wait until 2027 to see what happens next. HBO confirmed the return of its Emmy-winning series, despite ongoing controversy and shake-ups behind the scenes. Here’s everything you need to know about the future of Joel, Ellie, Abby, and the Emmy-nominated cast that’s stirring conversation across the industry.
What Went Wrong in Season 2?
Season 2 of The Last of Us opened to high expectations after Season 1 earned a “certified fresh” 96% critic score and 86% audience score on Rotten Tomatoes. But Season 2 took a wild turn — earning a respectable 91% from critics while audience ratings nosedived to a dismal 37%.
Why the backlash? Most of it surrounds the shocking death of Joel Miller (Pedro Pascal) in Episode 2, mirroring the game’s storyline. While gamers expected it, many show-first fans were left stunned. And despite powerful flashbacks later in the season, the damage — and division — was done.
Bella Ramsey Makes Emmy History
Bella Ramsey continues to break ground, becoming the first non-binary performer to receive more than one Emmy nomination. They’re now a back-to-back nominee for Outstanding Lead Actress in a Drama Series for their performance as Ellie.
Ramsey’s recognition comes as The Last of Us bags 16 nominations at the 77th Emmy Awards, bringing its total to 40 across both seasons. They previously defended gendered award categories while also supporting representation — a moment many fans are celebrating.
What’s Next in Season 3?
Season 1 was Joel’s story. Season 2 became Ellie’s arc. Season 3? All eyes are now on Abby, played by Kaitlyn Dever. As a member of the WLF (Washington Liberation Front), Abby seeks vengeance for her father’s death at Joel’s hands. Her story promises to bring emotional depth, moral complexity, and heated fandom debates.
Expect Season 3 to double down on exploring trauma, justice, and blurred lines of heroism. Ellie and Abby’s parallel arcs will likely collide — in powerful, tragic, and unexpected ways.
Why the 2027 Release?
According to HBO boss Casey Bloys, the creative team — including Craig Mazin — is still mapping out the season’s structure. With Neil Druckmann stepping away to focus on Naughty Dog’s next game, Mazin remains the showrunner’s heartbeat.
The long gap between seasons is partly due to the high production value, casting demands, and the network’s perfectionist approach to story execution. Bloys confirmed the show is “definitely planned for 2027”, though whether it ends with Season 3 or extends to a fourth remains undecided.
Behind the Emmy Curtain
The announcement came alongside HBO’s massive Emmy haul — a record-breaking 142 nominations. The Last of Us sits proudly among giants like The Penguin, The White Lotus, and Hacks, solidifying its place as one of TV’s most critically acclaimed dramas.
Casey Bloys credited the success to a “group effort” across creative departments, with shoutouts to showrunners, actors, and internal teams who brought the post-apocalyptic vision to life.
Fan Reactions: Divided But Engaged
The death of Joel sparked intense review bombing, with many fans upset by the direction of the narrative and Ramsey’s expanded role. However, others praised the bold storytelling and emotional risk-taking that set the series apart.
Fan-favorite Dina, portrayed by Isabela Merced, added depth, while Abby’s impending focus has already reignited conversations online. Season 3 will likely push boundaries even further — and that’s exactly what makes this series so polarizing, yet unforgettable.
Final Thoughts
The Last of Us Season 3 is already one of the most anticipated shows of 2027. With Emmy recognition, cultural conversation, and narrative ambition all fueling its momentum, this is one series you don’t want to sleep on.
As the series evolves — and its characters continue to challenge our loyalties — it promises to leave a lasting mark on television history.