HBO’s The Last of Us May End in 3 Seasons, Not 4, as Casey Bloys Says It Certainly Seems That Way
HBO’s The Last of Us has looked, for a long time, like a show built for a 4 season runway. Back in 2024, the conversation around pacing and scope consistently pointed to splitting the story of the 2 main games across multiple arcs, and in May 2025, showrunner Craig Mazin was notably firm about the idea that there was no realistic path to finishing the narrative in just 3 seasons.
Now, that outlook is suddenly less certain, and the shift is coming from the top.
In a recent interview with Deadline, HBO content boss Casey Bloys was asked directly about whether upcoming seasons for The Last of Us and Hacks were shaping up to be their final seasons. Bloys responded, “It certainly seems that way,” while also adding that HBO would defer to the showrunners on decisions like this.
On paper, it is a subtle statement. In practice, it is the clearest signal yet that HBO may be steering The Last of Us toward a 3 season wrap, even if the official line remains that Craig Mazin will guide the decision. And notably, since the interview was published, Mazin has not publicly confirmed or denied Bloys’ implication.
A few other variables are already in motion around Season 3. Neil Druckmann is no longer directly working on the show, and Season 3 will also recast Manny due to scheduling conflicts, according to Eurogamer.
From a narrative and structure perspective, a 3 season finish is not impossible. Depending on how aggressively the writers condense the remaining arcs, Season 3 could cover Abby’s portion of the Seattle story, Ellie’s return to Jackson, and the road to the California endgame. The risk is not whether it can be done, but whether it can be done without feeling compressed, because The Last of Us Part II is built around perspective, pacing, and emotional fallout that benefits from breathing room.
The business reality also matters, even if nobody wants to say it out loud. Season 2 earned 16 Emmy nominations in 2025 but only won 1, and ratings reportedly declined compared to Season 1. The Hollywood Reporter covered the ratings drop here: The Hollywood Reporter coverage If Season 2 landed with more mixed reception and softer audience momentum, it becomes easier for a premium network to push for a tighter finish rather than committing to an additional season sized budget and production cycle.
This is where Bloys’ phrasing becomes strategically interesting. Saying the decision rests with the showrunners is good messaging, but saying it certainly seems that way is a directional nudge, and the industry knows that a nudge from a network boss often translates into a practical constraint in planning.
Of course, the longer term wildcard is the franchise itself. If Naughty Dog ever ships The Last of Us Part III, the adaptation pipeline could reopen later, whether through additional seasons, a follow up series, or a new narrative arc. But that is speculation for now, and it does not change the immediate question: is HBO positioning Season 3 as the finish line.
For fans, the key takeaway is to treat this as a signal, not a confirmation. Bloys is indicating the door is open to a 3 season conclusion, and until Mazin speaks, that may be the most actionable read on where HBO is leaning.
If HBO does end The Last of Us in 3 seasons, would you rather see a tighter condensed conclusion, or should HBO commit to 4 seasons to preserve the full pacing of The Last of Us Part II?
