HBO really took a gamble with this one. People were skeptical because, honestly, video game adaptations usually suck. But Craig Mazin and Neil Druckmann actually pulled it off. If you’re sitting on your couch wondering exactly how many episodes of The Last of Us you need to clear your schedule for, the answer isn’t just a simple number. It depends on whether you're catching up on Joel and Ellie’s initial journey or bracing yourself for the brutal chaos of the upcoming Season 2.
As of right now, there are exactly nine episodes in the first season.
That’s it. Just nine. It feels like more because the premiere was basically a feature-length movie, and the emotional weight of "Long, Long Time" (the Bill and Frank episode) lingers in your brain for weeks. But in terms of actual entries in the HBO Max catalog, you’re looking at a nine-episode arc that covers the entirety of the first game, including the Left Behind DLC.
Why the Episode Count Matters for the Story
You’ve probably noticed that most prestige TV shows aim for that golden ten-episode mark. The Last of Us broke that mold. Originally, there were whispers that the first season might be ten episodes, but the creators realized that combining the first two scripted segments into one massive premiere made more narrative sense.
It was a smart move.
By making the premiere longer, they established the world-building of the 2003 outbreak and the 20-year jump to the Boston QZ without rushing the introduction of Tess and the Fireflies. If they had split those, the pacing would’ve felt sluggish. Instead, we got a tight, high-stakes season that never overstays its welcome.
Breaking down the Season 1 runtime
It isn't just about the count; it’s about the minutes. The premiere clocks in at 81 minutes. Episode 3 is about 75 minutes. Then you have shorter, punchier entries like Episode 8 ("When We Are in Need"), which is only about 51 minutes but feels like a lifetime of tension because of David.
If you’re planning a binge-watch, you’re looking at roughly 8.5 to 9 hours of total footage. You can do it in a weekend. Easily. But you might need a box of tissues and a lighthearted sitcom to decompress afterward because this show is heavy.
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How Many Episodes of The Last of Us Are Coming in Season 2?
Here is where things get interesting. And a little bit complicated.
HBO has officially confirmed that Season 2 will be shorter than the first. We are getting seven episodes.
Why seven? It sounds like a downgrade, right? Not necessarily. Craig Mazin has been very vocal about the fact that The Last of Us Part II (the second game) is a much larger, more complex beast than the first one. It’s got a dual-perspective narrative that is almost impossible to cram into a single season of television.
Mazin told Deadline that they hit a "natural break point" after seven episodes. They didn't want to pad the story just to hit a specific number. They wanted to tell a specific chunk of the story perfectly.
The Season 3 and Season 4 Possibilities
Because Season 2 is shorter, the creators have hinted that the story of the second game will likely bleed into a Season 3, and potentially even a Season 4. This is a massive shift in how they’re handling the source material. While Season 1 was a 1:1 adaptation of the first game, the future of the show is much more expansive.
Expect "big" episodes. Mazin has teased that at least one episode in the second season will be significantly longer than the others—think feature-film length again. So, while the episode count is lower, the actual "meat" on the bone might still be substantial.
The Production Reality of Season 2
Filming for the second season took place across British Columbia, specifically around Vancouver. This is a change from the Alberta locations used in the first season, mainly because the second game takes place largely in the Pacific Northwest (Seattle).
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The weather was a factor. The scope was a factor. The 2023 strikes definitely pushed things back.
We know the cast is expanding significantly. You’ve got Kaitlyn Dever coming in as Abby, Isabela Merced as Dina, and Young Mazino as Jesse. These are pivotal characters. Introducing them properly takes time, which is why the pacing of these seven episodes is going to be incredibly dense. There’s no room for "filler." Every second of those seven episodes has to count.
What happened to the "missing" episodes?
Some fans were worried that a seven-episode count meant certain plot points were being cut. Honestly, that’s unlikely. It’s more probable that the "missing" three episodes have simply been pushed into the beginning of Season 3. By stretching the second game across multiple seasons, HBO ensures their biggest hit stays on the air longer while giving the actors room to breathe. Pedro Pascal and Bella Ramsey are in high demand; scheduling a massive production like this is a logistical nightmare.
What Most People Get Wrong About the Episode Structure
A common misconception is that the show follows the game’s "levels." It doesn't.
For example, the "Pittsburgh" section of the game was changed to Kansas City in the show. The "Suburbs" section was condensed. The show treats the narrative like a drama first and an adaptation second. This means the episode count is dictated by emotional beats rather than how many "boss fights" there are.
If you’re wondering how many episodes of The Last of Us you should watch before deciding if it’s for you, the answer is three. If "Long, Long Time" doesn't move you, the show probably isn't your vibe. But for most people, that’s the hook that confirms this is something special.
Essential Viewing Details for Newcomers
If you are just starting your journey through the cordyceps-infested ruins of America, here is the roadmap for what you’re getting into:
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- Season 1: 9 Episodes (Complete)
- Season 2: 7 Episodes (Upcoming 2025/2026)
- Season 3: Confirmed to be in development, likely to cover the remainder of Part II.
The production value is insane. HBO reportedly spent upwards of $10 million to $15 million per episode. When you watch it, you see where the money went. The sets aren't just green screens; they built entire crumbling city blocks. This isn't The Walking Dead where they stay in the woods for three seasons to save on the budget. This is sprawling, expensive, and visually stunning.
Is there a "best" way to watch?
Some people suggest playing the game first. I say watch the show first. The show adds layers to characters like Bill, Frank, and even Kathleen (a character created specifically for the show) that aren't in the game. Watching the show allows you to experience the story with fresh eyes, and then you can go play the game to see the "original" version and appreciate the differences.
Actionable Next Steps for Fans
Now that you know the score, don't just sit there. If you’re caught up, you’ve got a bit of a wait before Season 2 drops.
Watch "The Last of Us: Inside the Episode" featurettes. After you finish each episode of the first season, HBO has these 10-minute deep dives. They aren't just fluff. They feature Neil Druckmann and Craig Mazin explaining why they changed certain things from the game. It’s a masterclass in adaptation.
Check out the "Left Behind" standalone game or DLC.
Episode 7 of the show covers this, but the game version has some of the best atmospheric tension in the entire series. It’s a quick play—about 2 or 3 hours—and it fills in the gaps of Ellie’s trauma perfectly.
Prepare for the "Part II" emotional rollercoaster.
If you haven't played the second game, maybe avoid spoilers. The internet is a minefield for this story. If you want to go into Season 2 fresh, stay off the subreddits. The narrative choices in the second half of this story are divisive, bold, and incredibly gut-wrenching. Knowing how many episodes of The Last of Us are coming won't prepare you for the actual content of those episodes.
Stay tuned for more updates as we get closer to the 2025/2026 release window. The filming is wrapping up, the teasers are starting to leak, and the world is about to get a lot more complicated for Joel and Ellie.