How to watch
The Last of Us Watch Order in the correct order
How to watch The Last of Us TV series in order
Last updated: April 30 2026
Written by: ChronoAlice
HBO's The Last of Us is one of the most acclaimed video game adaptations ever made, delivering a brutal and deeply emotional post-apocalyptic story across multiple seasons. If you're wondering where to start or how the seasons connect, this guide has you covered.
Based on Naughty Dog's landmark video games, The Last of Us follows Joel Miller and Ellie Williams as they traverse a United States devastated by a fungal pandemic that turns infected humans into terrifying creatures. The HBO adaptation — developed by Craig Mazin and Neil Druckmann — premiered in January 2023 and earned widespread acclaim for its performances, writing, and emotional depth. Season 2, adapting the equally acclaimed sequel game, premiered in April 2025.
🕐 Release Order
Release order is the only order here — the series tells a linear story and each season must be watched before the next to fully understand the characters and their journeys.
- The Last of Us — Season 1 (2023)
- The Last of Us — Season 2 (2025)
Season 1 covers the events of the first game, following Joel and Ellie's cross-country journey. Season 2 begins adapting The Last of Us Part II and shifts the story's perspective in a bold, challenging direction.
📖 Story Chronology
The Last of Us tells its story in chronological order across its seasons, though Season 1 features significant flashback episodes that fill in character backstories — most memorably Episode 3, which stands as one of television's finest standalone hours.
- The Last of Us — Season 1 (2023) — Joel and Ellie's journey across the United States, 20 years after the outbreak
- The Last of Us — Season 2 (2025) — five years later, old wounds resurface with devastating consequences
Which Order Should You Choose?
There's only one way to watch The Last of Us: Season 1 first, then Season 2. Do not skip episodes or watch out of order — the emotional payoff of Season 2 depends entirely on your attachment to the characters built across Season 1. If you have never played the games, don't worry — the show is designed for newcomers and rewards them just as richly. And if you have played them, be prepared: the show takes creative liberties that often improve upon the source material.
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