HBO’s smash-hit TV show, THE LAST OF US, based on the video game of the same name, just got an exciting production update – although it might leave fans disappointed. HBO CEO Casey Bloys revealed at a recent press conference that the second season would enter production in early 2024. Long-time fans of the game and new-found fans of the show, which launched its first season in January 2023, are eager to see how the story of Joel and Ellie will continue. The show has been a major success. Could it signify the end of the notoriously bad video game adaptations at last?
Season 2 is slated for a 2025 launch
While it’s always exciting for fans to get updates on current developments, this news confirms they will have to practice patience. With the second season starting production in 2024, and the network not including THE LAST OF US in their 2024 slate, the story of Joel (played by Pedro Pascal) and Ellie (played by Bella Ramsey) won’t continue until sometime in 2025, at the earliest. The show’s second season was greenlit back in January, even before the first season had wrapped up. However, due to the current situation in Hollywood, the show’s production has seen delays. Co-creators Neil Druckman (creator of “The Last of Us” games and Naughty Dog Co-President) and Craig Mazin (creator of HBO’s “Chernobyl”) recently confirmed that they had already “outlined all of Season 2.”
It is not yet known what the second season will entail. The original video game was followed by one sequel, “The Last of Us: Part II,” which the creators plan to adapt. The first season of the show told the story of the entire first game. As the sequel was significantly longer, it is likely the second season won’t span the entirety of “Part II.”
HBO’s adaptation drew in millions of viewers
THE LAST OF US was an instant success when it premiered on HBO linear services and its online streaming platform Max in January 2023. The season premiere drew in 4.7 million viewers across HBO’s platforms in the US, marking the broadcaster’s second-largest debut in over 10 years, behind only “Game of Thrones” spinoff “House of the Dragon”. Growing consistently throughout the season, the show’s finale reached 8.2 million viewers in the US, a 75% increase compared to its debut episode. Meanwhile, the show has garnered 24 Emmy nominations, including for Outstanding Drama Series, Lead Actor for Pascal, Lead Actress for Ramsey, and Writing for Mazin.
The curse of video game adaptations
Video games being adapted into movies and TV shows have not had a good run over the last three decades. With one flop following the other, it seemed game adaptations were cursed. Could THE LAST OF US rein in a new era of well-received video game adaptations? Many TV shows based on video games are slated to release soon, including series based on hit video games such as “Fallout,” “God of War,” “Horizon Zero Dawn,” “Among Us,” and “Tomb Raider.” Will they buck the trend of bad game adaptations and follow in the footsteps of THE LAST OF US?
While movies and shows based on video games have had a troubled past, the use of movie and TV IP in games has been successful for a long time. Prime examples of how adaptations can work are the many “The Walking Dead” video games the long-running TV show has spawned. You can find “The Walking Dead” in any game genre by now, with the Telltale game series being especially well received. With “Star Trek: Bridge Crew” and “Star Trek Online” the celebrated space show has had its impact on gamers, while several “Game of Thrones” games let players travel back to Westeros in various genres. TV shows have even inspired the creation of popular online slots. Many of the best-rated no deposit bonus casino platforms online offer slots based on “Game of Thrones,” “The Walking Dead,” “Narcos,” and even shows such as “Hell’s Kitchen” and more. By offering customers a no deposit bonus, new players can try these games out without placing money, making them more easily accessible. While these games based on TV shows have been popular for decades, the time may have come when shows based on games might also finally find critical acclaim.
HBO’s THE LAST OF US has proven that video game adaptations can indeed be a major success. The second season of the highly acclaimed HBO show is almost underway.
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