Created by Craig Mazin (left) and Neil Druckmann.
The Last of Us premiered its first season on January 15, 2023. Season 2 debuted on April 13, 2025.
Distributed by HBO and HBO Max.
Series Review
The Last of Us (HBO) remains one of the finest video-game adaptations on television, marrying tense, post-apocalyptic survival with deeply human storytelling.
Pedro Pascal and Bella Ramsey deliver powerhouse performances as Joel and Ellie, whose evolving father-daughter bond anchors a journey fraught with loss, sacrifice, and fleeting hope.
Season 1 meticulously recreates the game’s emotional beat while enriching its world: from Joel’s haunted backstory and Ellie’s fierce wit, to side arcs like Bill’s tender romance, each episode stands out.
The production design and cinematography capture the ravaged beauty of America, and the writing deftly balances brutal action with quiet, character-driven moments.
Season 2, which premiered April 2025, raises the stakes further—exploring vengeance and redemption through dual perspectives—cementing the series as a benchmark for adaptations.
Ratings:
Rotten Tomatoes: 95%
Metacritic: 6.4 / 10 (Users)
IMDb: 8.7 / 10
Google Audience Score: 90% liked this movie.
The Last of Us Actors
Pedro Pascal as Joel Miller
DOB: April 2, 1975
Bio: Born in Santiago, Chile, and raised across Orange County, CA and Belgium, Pedro honed his craft at NYU’s Tisch School.
He began in Off-Broadway productions before breaking out on television, and is an outspoken advocate for immigrant.
Role: A grizzled smuggler whose hardened exterior slowly cracks as he protects Ellie on their perilous journey.
Seasons & Episodes: S1: Episodes 1–9; S2: Episodes 1–2
What to Expect: Gruff mentorship, jolting survival moments, and one of television’s most heartfelt father-child dynamics.
Favorite Things: Collecting vintage guitars, reading crime graphic novels, and attending Broadway revivals.
Notable Works: Game of Thrones, Narcos, The Mandalorian.
Bella Ramsey as Ellie Williams
DOB: September 25, 2003
Bio: Hailing from Nottingham, England, Bella trained in local theatre before earning acclaim as Lyanna Mormont on Game of Thrones.
A dedicated environmentalist and mental-health advocate, they bring fierce authenticity to every role.
Role: A resourceful 14-year-old immune to the infection—sharp-tongued, brave, and deeply human.
Seasons & Episodes: S1: Episodes 1–9; S2: Episodes 1–7
What to Expect: Wry humor, bursts of teenage rebellion, and the emotional toll of vengeance.
Favorite Things: Sketching post-apocalyptic comic strips, late-night gaming sessions, and climate activism.
Notable Works: Game of Thrones, The Worst Witch, Hilda.
Gabriel Luna as Tommy Miller
DOB: December 5, 1982
Bio: Born in Austin, Texas, Gabriel studied drama at the University of Texas at Arlington.
He rose to prominence as Ghost Rider on Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D. and brings both warmth and steel to his characters.
Role: Joel’s idealistic younger brother, now a community leader in Jackson trying to rebuild civilization.
Seasons & Episodes: S1: Episodes 1–3 & 9; S2: Episode 1
What to Expect: Brotherhood camaraderie, moral reckonings, and leadership under fire.
Favorite Things: Texas-style barbecue cook-offs, charity flag football, and filmmaking on the weekends.
Notable Works: Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D., Terminator: Dark Fate, FUBAR.
Anna Torv as Tess
DOB: June 7, 1979
Bio: A Melbourne native and WAAPA graduate, Anna made her mark on Australian theatre before starring in Fringe and Mindhunter.
She’s known for blending vulnerability with steely resolve.
Role: Joel’s longtime partner in smuggling—pragmatic, fierce, and willing to pay any price to see the job through.
Seasons & Episodes: S1: Episodes 1–3
What to Expect: Sharp-edged moral choices and an early sacrifice that propels the story.
Favorite Things: Contemporary dance workshops, Indigenous Australian art, and immersive theatre experiences.
Notable Works: Fringe, Mindhunter.
Merle Dandridge as Marlene
DOB: May 31, 1975
Bio: Born in Hawaii and raised in Anchorage, Alaska, Merle trained at the University of Washington before becoming a Broadway standout.
She’s the only actor to reprise her video-game role here.
Role: Charismatic Fireflies leader whose unwavering conviction forces impossible decisions.
Seasons & Episodes: S1: Episodes 1 & 9
What to Expect: Poised authority, moral ambiguity, and the heavy burden of command.
Favorite Things: Coaching musical theatre, directing community productions, and hiking in the Pacific Northwest.
Notable Works: Greenleaf, The Last of Us (game & series).
Nico Parker as Sarah Miller
DOB: December 9, 2004
Bio: Daughter of Thandiwe Newton and Oliver Parker, Nico grew up between London and Los Angeles, studying dance and drama from a young age.
Role: Joel’s beloved daughter—her tragic fate in Episode 1 casts a long shadow over everything that follows.
Seasons & Episodes: S1: Episode 1
What to Expect: A tender, heartbreaking performance that anchors Joel’s grief.
Favorite Things: Ice-skating, writing free-verse poetry, and collecting antique books.
Notable Works: Dumbo, Reminiscence.
Nick Offerman as Bill
DOB: June 26, 1970
Bio: Born in Minooka, Illinois, Nick is a Juilliard-trained actor, award-winning woodworker, and best-selling author.
He’s beloved for his deadpan wit and craft-smanship.
Role: Reclusive survivalist whose booby-trapped haven offers both danger and sanctuary to Joel and Ellie.
Seasons & Episodes: S1: Episode 4
What to Expect: Dry humor, ingenious survival tricks, and an unexpected romance.
Favorite Things: Custom woodworking projects, canoeing remote rivers, and jazz piano.
Notable Works: Parks and Recreation, The Founder.
Murray Bartlett as Frank
DOB: March 20, 1971
Bio: Sydney-born and trained in classical theatre, Murray moved to the U.S. for Looking and earned Emmy praise in The White Lotus.
Role: Bill’s longtime partner—his warmth and humor shine in one of the season’s most acclaimed episodes.
Seasons & Episodes: S1: Episode 4
What to Expect: Genuine joy, heartbreak, and a portrait of enduring love in dark times.
Favorite Things: Collecting vintage jazz records and mountain-trail hiking.
Notable Works: Looking, The White Lotus.
Storm Reid as Riley Abel
DOB: July 1, 2003
Bio: Raised in Atlanta and UCLA-trained, Storm broke out in A Wrinkle in Time and earned acclaim on Euphoria.
She’s a passionate advocate for youth arts programs.
Role: Ellie’s best friend—her “Left Behind” flashback reveals the innocence and pain of the pre-outbreak world.
Seasons & Episodes: S1: Episode 2
What to Expect: Playful energy, emotional depth, and the spark of Ellie’s first heartbreak.
Favorite Things: Skateboarding, songwriting workshops, and mentoring young performers.
Notable Works: Euphoria, A Wrinkle in Time.
Lamar Johnson as Henry
DOB: July 18, 1994
Bio: Toronto-born dancer-actor who trained at Canada’s Young People’s Theatre and landed roles in The Hate U Give and All the Bright Places.
Role: Protective older brother whose choices in Kansas City reveal the high stakes of survival.
Seasons & Episodes: S1: Episode 8
What to Expect: Fierce loyalty, gut-wrenching decisions, and the limits of hope.
Favorite Things: Hip-hop choreography and cooking family-style meals.
Notable Works: The Hate U Give, The Next Step.
Keivonn Montreal Woodard as Sam
DOB: February 9, 2013
Bio: Baltimore-born child actor who trained at local arts academies and made a stirring debut in Fractal.
Role: Henry’s younger brother—his innocence heightens the tragedy of Episode 8.
Seasons & Episodes: S1: Episode 8
What to Expect: Heart-rending vulnerability and sibling devotion.
Favorite Things: Drawing superheroes and action-figure storytelling.
Notable Works: Fractal, Seeds of Hope.
Melanie Lynskey as Kathleen
DOB: May 16, 1977
Bio: Born in New Plymouth, New Zealand, Melanie moved to Los Angeles at 16.
A versatile performer on stage and screen, she’s earned acclaim from Two and a Half Men to Yellowjackets.
Role: Ruthless Kansas City leader whose fanaticism tests Joel and Ellie’s morals.
Seasons & Episodes: S1: Episode 8
What to Expect: Chilling conviction, moral complexity, and one of the season’s most unsettling presences.
Favorite Things: Quilting heirloom pieces, cooking French-inspired fare, and true-crime deep dives.
Notable Works: Yellowjackets, Heavenly Creatures.
More Actors
Jeffrey Pierce as Perry
Season 2 Additions:
• Kaitlyn Dever as Abby Anderson
• Isabela Merced as Dina
• Young Mazino as Jesse
• Tati Gabrielle as Nora
• Ariela Barer as Mel
• Spencer Lord as Owen
• Jeffrey Wright as Isaac Dixon
• Danny Ramirez as Manny
• Robert John Burke as Seth
• Catherine O’Hara as Gail
• Joe Pantoliano as Eugene
FAQ – The Last of Us
How many seasons of The Last of Us are there?
As of April 2025, The Last of Us has two seasons, with Season 2 currently airing.
Is the The Last of Us series faithful to the video game?
Yes, the series closely follows the plot and key moments from the video game, while adding additional depth to the characters and expanding certain storylines.
Who are the main actors in The Last of Us?
Pedro Pascal stars as Joel, Bella Ramsey as Ellie, and several other notable actors including Gabriel Luna, Merle Dandridge, and Anna Torv play pivotal roles.
Will there be more seasons?
Yes, Season 2 is currently airing, and there are plans for more seasons to adapt the remaining story arcs from the game series.
How does Season 2 differ from Season 1?
Season 2 explores new storylines, with a focus on themes of vengeance and redemption, while continuing to build on the emotional and survival-driven journey of Joel and Ellie.
Where can I watch The Last of Us?
The Last of Us is available to stream on HBO and HBO Max.
Conclusion
The Last of Us stands as a remarkable achievement in television, seamlessly blending the visceral tension of a post-apocalyptic survival story with heartfelt character development.
With its faithful adaptation of the beloved video game, it delivers both thrilling action and deep emotional resonance.
Pedro Pascal and Bella Ramsey shine in their roles, bringing to life Joel and Ellie’s complex relationship as they navigate a world filled with unimaginable threats.
The series continues to be a visual and narrative triumph, with Season 2 expanding its emotional scope while maintaining the raw intensity that made Season 1 so captivating.
For fans of the game and newcomers alike, The Last of Us is a must-watch that consistently delivers both on the action front and in exploring the depths of human survival and connection.