section_path: Production/Development
section_name: Development
paragraph_text: Development
  
  HBO renewed The Last of Us for a second season on January 27, 2023, less than two weeks after the premiere of the first season. While the first season covers the events of Naughty Dog 's video game The Last of Us (2013) and its downloadable expansion The Last of Us: Left Behind (2014), the second season covers part of the sequel, The Last of Us Part II (2020). Co-showrunners Craig Mazin and Neil Druckmann wanted to avoid filler between the games. Part II is expected to span multiple seasons, and Mazin does not want the series to overtake the games. While writing the first season, Mazin and Druckmann ensured characters remained true to their developments in Part II in case the show received more seasons.
  
  The series is a production of Sony Pictures Television, PlayStation Productions, Naughty Dog, the Mighty Mint, and Word Games, with Mazin, Druckmann, Carolyn Strauss, Evan Wells, Asad Qizilbash, and Carter Swan serving as returning executive producers. Jacqueline Lesko—who co-executive produced the first season and had worked with Mazin for over a decade, including as his assistant—was named an executive producer in March 2023, followed by Cecil O'Connor, a line producer on the first season, in February 2024. In January, Druckmann, Mazin, and Peter Hoar were announced as returning directors alongside newcomers Kate Herron, Nina Lopez-Corrado, Mark Mylod, and Stephen Williams. Inspired by Noah Hawley 's work on Fargo, Mazin felt directing the premiere allowed him to prepare the season, and he worked closely with each director on set. In June, Mazin and Druckmann revealed the season would consist of seven episodes. The series was renewed for a third season on April 9, 2025, before the second premiered.
  
  HBO renewed The Last of Us for a second season on January 27, 2023, less than two weeks after the premiere of the first season. While the first season covers the events of Naughty Dog 's video game The Last of Us (2013) and its downloadable expansion The Last of Us: Left Behind (2014), the second season covers part of the sequel, The Last of Us Part II (2020). Co-showrunners Craig Mazin and Neil Druckmann wanted to avoid filler between the games. Part II is expected to span multiple seasons, and Mazin does not want the series to overtake the games. While writing the first season, Mazin and Druckmann ensured characters remained true to their developments in Part II in case the show received more seasons.
  
  The series is a production of Sony Pictures Television, PlayStation Productions, Naughty Dog, the Mighty Mint, and Word Games, with Mazin, Druckmann, Carolyn Strauss, Evan Wells, Asad Qizilbash, and Carter Swan serving as returning executive producers. Jacqueline Lesko—who co-executive produced the first season and had worked with Mazin for over a decade, including as his assistant—was named an executive producer in March 2023, followed by Cecil O'Connor, a line producer on the first season, in February 2024. In January, Druckmann, Mazin, and Peter Hoar were announced as returning directors alongside newcomers Kate Herron, Nina Lopez-Corrado, Mark Mylod, and Stephen Williams. Inspired by Noah Hawley 's work on Fargo, Mazin felt directing the premiere allowed him to prepare the season, and he worked closely with each director on set. In June, Mazin and Druckmann revealed the season would consist of seven episodes. The series was renewed for a third season on April 9, 2025, before the second premiered.