Common Sense Media Review
By Matt Cabral
,
based on child development research. How do we rate?
Stellar video game adaptation has strong violence, language.
Parents Need to Know
Why Age 16+?
Any Positive Content?
Where to Watch
Videos and Photos
The Last of Us
Parent and Kid Reviews
Based on 25 parent reviews
Based on 58 kid reviews
Kids say the show is an incredible adaptation of the video game with a gripping story and impressive character development, though it features significant violence, strong language, and some mature themes that might be unsettling for younger viewers. Many appreciate the direction and representation, yet caution that the content, particularly in later episodes, can be quite intense and distressing.
- amazing adaptation
- significant violence
- strong language
- mature themes
- character development
Summarized with AI
Summarized with AI
What's the Story?
Based on the Sony PlayStation video game of the same name, THE LAST OF US features Joel (Pedro Pascal) and Ellie (Bella Ramsey), a gruff, weathered smuggler and a smart, snarky teen girl attempting to cross a post-apocalyptic America. Created by writer-director Craig Mezin (Chernobyl) and Neil Druckmannn -- the game's creative director -- the show envisions a zombie-like outbreak brought on by a fungal virus. In addition to its monster-slaying, survival-focused action, The Last of Us heavily focuses on the evolving relationship between its pair of mismatched protagonists.
Is It Any Good?
You needn't know a pixel from a polygon to become totally engrossed in this gripping, post-apocalyptic tale. The Last of Us delivers the absolute best entry in the video game adaptation genre the category has ever seen. Thanks to Netflix's The Witcher and Paramount+'s Halo, these shows have come a long way toward redeeming themselves following decades of poorly received game-based films. But The Last of Us isn't just a stellar series based on a game; it's also a stunning artistic achievement that won't be forgotten come television's awards season.
The Last of Us immediately earns points for putting a fresh spin on the rotting corpse genre, offering a terrifying, scientifically plausible take on a zombie outbreak. Rather than unleashing the usual flesh-eating hordes, it sees a fungal virus infecting -- and severely altering -- the minds of its victims. But it doesn't just fuel our future nightmares with a more believable premise; it complements its gore-soaked action with a deeply emotional tale anchored by incredibly nuanced performances from Pedro Pascal and Bella Ramsey. Underpinned by smart, thoughtful writing; stunning cinematography; a haunting score; and fantastic supporting characters, Joel and Ellie's layered, evolving, moving relationship will consume you as aggressively as any mutated mushroom.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about Joel and Ellie's relationship. Do they share a father-daughter bond? Are they family even though they're not related by blood? How does their relationship evolve over the series?
How does the series compare to the game it's based on? Does the TV medium bring anything new to the story? Do you prefer one to the other?
How has society changed in the show's world? How do people treat each other? Is there a government in place and, if so, how does it differ from our government?
TV Details
- Premiere date : January 15, 2023
- Cast : Pedro Pascal , Bella Ramsey
- Network : Max
- Genre : Drama
- Topics : Adventures
- Character Strengths : Communication , Courage , Perseverance , Teamwork
- TV rating :
- Last updated : November 7, 2025
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