1 of the Best Video Game Adaptations of the 2020s Is a Major Streaming Hit Ahead of Season 3

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The HBO series is currently experiencing a boost in viewers on streaming platforms, and a third season is already planned.

According to FlixPatrol, as of February 1st, 2026, The Last of Us is the third most popular show on HBO Max globally. It’s doing particularly well in the United States, where it’s currently ranked fourth, and averages a position of 3.9 across more than 35 countries. The show’s recent increase in popularity is likely connected to a guest star who appeared in multiple episodes of the second season.

In the second season of the show, which aired in 2025, O’Hara played Gail, the therapist for Joel (Pedro Pascal) and the wife of Eugene (Joe Pantoliano).

The series The Last of Us is set in a post-apocalyptic world devastated by a widespread fungal infection that turns people into frightening creatures. The first season, released in 2023, centers on Joel and Ellie as they journey across the United States.

So, the next season of The Last of Us is going to dive into the story of The Last of Us Part II. I’m really excited about that! We’ll be seeing more of Joel’s brother, Tommy, played by Bariel Luna, and getting to know Dina, who Isabela Merced will portray, along with Young Mazino as Jesse. From what I’ve heard, the third season will really center around Abby, with Kaitlyn Dever taking on the role, and it looks like we won’t see it until sometime in 2027. It’s a bit of a wait, but if they stick to the source material, it’s going to be epic!

Both seasons of the show have been highly praised by critics and are considered ‘Fresh’ on Rotten Tomatoes, with approval ratings of 96% for Season 1 and 92% for Season 2. Reviewers especially appreciate how the show is both accessible to new viewers and expands on the rich backstory and details of its world, making it enjoyable for everyone.

While critics generally liked the show, audiences are much more split. The second season currently has a low 37% audience score on Rotten Tomatoes, based on over 5,000 ratings. Critics complimented the acting, but many felt the season strayed too far from the original story, especially in how it developed the main characters.

Catherine O’Hara Found the Humor in Her Last of Us Characterization

Last year, actress O’Hara discussed her experience on the popular HBO series, explaining how she infused her character with humor despite the show’s generally dramatic tone. She told Entertainment Weekly that her character has a certain ‘edge’ that isn’t fully explained, but it creates a unique and enjoyable dark comedy. O’Hara emphasized that she always wanted to maintain that comedic element in the role.

Catherine O’Hara passed away on January 30, 2026, at the age of 71, following a short illness. Details about her illness haven’t been released. Over a career lasting more than 50 years, she appeared in many beloved films, including Home Alone and The Nightmare Before Christmas. She most recently starred as Patty Leigh in Apple TV+’s The Studio.

The Last of Us is now streaming on HBO Max.

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2026-02-01 19:06