The Last of Us is considered one of the greatest video games of all time, thanks to an impeccable synchronization between its storytelling, performance, gameplay, visuals, and soundtrack.
As such, it's no surprise that when HBO announced a TV adaptation of The Last of Us, fans were excited, if not a little skeptical. Fast forward to January 2023, and the release of the long-awaited season 1 of HBO's The Last of Us TV series is on the horizon. The reviews have just dropped, and similar to the video game, the TV series has received an incredibly positive reception.
But what exactly are the critics saying? We have gathered a handful of Season 1 reviews to highlight the highs and lows of HBO's adaptation of The Last of Us.
Is The Last of Us Series Worth Watching?
Critics are calling The Last Of Us one of the best video game adaptations of all time. Almost everyone seems to agree that the HBO adaptation enhances the storytelling of the original by adding nuances that weren't possible in the video game. Actors Bella Ramsay and Pedro Pascal seem to be receiving much applause as well for their performances as Ellie Williams and Joel Miller, respectively.
"The Last of Us is a sci-fi drama action series based on the video game franchise about survivors making their way through abandoned cities after a devastating plague has wiped out the population."
Read the full review here.
"It stands proudly as one of the best video game adaptations ever, and a clear signal that PlayStation is right to pursue a future where its already reputable video games are reborn on TV. The show is brought to life by a cast and crew that seems hellbent on living up to its name and their own already-glowing reputations. That's a formula that can be repeated in some other instances, and I'm eager to see how those turn out down the line. For now, though, I'm most excited to see The Last of Us find new life in ways that are similarly haunting and gorgeous, while still being importantly unique in ways I'll never forget."
Read the full review here.
"Druckmann and Mazin have taken this unforgettable story and made it richer and more impactful, letting us live with these characters and this world in a way that we couldn’t in the game. The Last of Us is a monumental success, and in this universe of incredible darkness, Mazin and Druckmann show us the light that makes this story so powerful."
Read the full review here.
"Comfortably the best adaptation of a video-game ever made: one that deepens the game’s dystopian lore, while staying true to its emotional core. Like the game, it’s a masterpiece, too."
Read the full review here.
"The Last of Us is the best video game adaptation of all time, and it's also a fantastic TV drama in its own right. If you're on the fence about watching it, do yourself a favour and get involved as soon as possible. Trust us, you'll be infected in no time... infected, that is, with a hunger to watch the next episode."
Read the full review here.