HBO has officially announced the third season of The Last of Us. In an interview this week, the network’s president, Casey Bloys, announced that the series will return in 2027. The announcement also clarified the radical changes that will be made in the new season.

The Last of Us Season 3 to Air in 2027

After airing its first season in early 2023, The Last of Us took a nearly two-and-a-half-year break for its second season. The second season’s release date was set for 2025. The latest announcement confirms that the third season will follow a similar timeframe. It was announced that the series will premiere with new episodes in 2027.

The third season will feature significant changes in both the production team and the storyline. Neil Druckmann, who was a part of the creative team for the first two seasons, will not be involved in the production of the new season. Druckmann announced that he is leaving the series to focus on a new game project developed by his studio. Craig Mazin, creator of Chernobyl, is continuing the project solo.

The story is also undergoing a notable shift. The series’ third season, just like the second video game, shifts perspective. This season’s main character will be Abby, not Elly. Abby will be played by Kaitlyn Dever, and the story will be told through her perspective. This change could significantly impact both the series’ narrative structure and audience perception.

The Last of Us, which received critical and audience praise for its first season, hasn’t been met with as positive a reception in its second. After the second season drew criticism from some viewers due to its controversial narrative and pacing, the further delay of the third season raised questions about the show’s ability to maintain its momentum. The shift from Elly to Abby’s central focus could further fuel these discussions.

Long breaks between seasons have become commonplace in the television industry in the post-pandemic era, and The Last of Us has become part of this new production cadence. HBO’s statement indicates that the network is embracing longer development schedules for major productions, and that this is no longer the exception, but the norm.