The Last of Us: Season 1
2023 · 9 episodes · ★ 7.8
What Season 1 of The Last of Us
Twenty years after a fungal infection devastated the planet, the United States is a ravaged land where the infected have turned into zombie-like creatures. Joel, a middle-aged smuggler, agrees to smuggle Ellie, a 14-year-old teenager immune to the infection and a possible key to a vaccine, out of a quarantine zone. The journey forces Joel to confront the trauma of his past, while Ellie, defiant and furious, hides a need to belong that complicates every decision. Along the way, the two test their mutual distrust and the alliances they forge with other survivors.
Season 1 Episodes
1x01 When You're Lost in the Darkness
2003. As a parasitic fungal outbreak begins to ravage the country and the world, Joel Miller attempts to escape the escalating chaos with his daughter and brother. Twenty years later, a now hardened Joel and his partner Tess fight to survive under a totalitarian regime, while the insurgent Fireflies harbor a teenage girl with a unique gift.
Directing: Craig Mazin · Writing: Craig Mazin, Neil Druckmann · Starring: Gabriel Luna, John Hannah, Josh Brener, Christopher Heyerdahl
1x02 Infected
In 2003, an Indonesian scientist makes a devastating discovery. In 2023, now outside of the quarantine zone, Joel and Tess clash over Ellie's fate as they navigate a long-abandoned Boston overrun with Infected.
Directing: Neil Druckmann · Writing: Craig Mazin · Starring: Anna Torv, Christine Hakim, Yayu Unru, Sharon Crandall
1x03 Long, Long Time
Doomsday prepper Bill prepares to ride out the apocalypse alone...until a mysterious stranger upends his plans. Years later, Joel and Ellie seek Bill's guidance – and find themselves at a crossroads.
Directing: Peter Hoar · Writing: Craig Mazin · Starring: Anna Torv, Nick Offerman, Murray Bartlett, Kevin Sateri
1x04 Please Hold to My Hand
After a harrowing trek across a desolate United States, Joel and Ellie find themselves navigating a dangerous Kansas City on foot. Later, rebel leader Kathleen instigates a manhunt – one that pits her violent civilian militia against the world's best hope.
Directing: Jeremy Webb · Writing: Craig Mazin · Starring: Jeffrey Pierce, Keivonn Woodard, John Getz, Juan Magana
1x05 Endure and Survive
On the streets of a newly free Kansas City, Henry fights to protect his brother Sam from rebel soldiers who will stop at nothing to appease their ruthless leader. As her manhunt continues, Kathleen doubles down on her quest for revenge, while Ellie forms a meaningful friendship.
Directing: Jeremy Webb · Writing: Craig Mazin · Starring: Jeffrey Pierce, Keivonn Woodard, John Getz, Craig Haas
1x06 Kin
After months of traveling, Joel and Ellie receive a grave warning about what lies ahead. Later, Ellie learns more about Joel's past – while Joel tries his best to forget.
Directing: Jasmila Žbanić · Writing: Craig Mazin · Starring: Gabriel Luna, Graham Greene, Elaine Miles, Paolina van Kleef
1x07 Left Behind
As Joel fights to survive, Ellie’s struggle to save him stirs memories of her life in a FEDRA orphanage. Weeks before meeting Joel, Ellie recalls joining her best friend Riley for a night to remember… one that will change the course of both of their lives – and the fate of the world – forever.
Directing: Liza Johnson · Writing: Neil Druckmann · Starring: Storm Reid, Terry Chen, Ian Rozylo, Ruby Lybbert
1x08 When We Are in Need
After crossing paths with a vengeful group of survivors, Ellie's fighting spirit draws unwanted attention from its leader. Still battling for his life, a weakened Joel faces off with a hunting party out for blood.
Directing: Ali Abbasi · Writing: Craig Mazin · Starring: Ari Rombough, Sonia Maria Chirila, Nelson Leis, Jason Vaisvila
1x09 Look for the Light Season Finale
After being pursued by Infected, a pregnant Anna places her trust in a lifelong friend. Years later, Ellie is forced to grapple with the emotional toll of her journey, while Joel faces a devastating decision of his own.
Directing: Ali Abbasi · Writing: Craig Mazin, Neil Druckmann · Starring: Merle Dandridge, Ashley Johnson, Laura Bailey, Pardeep Sooch
Season 1 Cast
Bella RamseyEllie Williams9 episodes
Lamar JohnsonHenry Burrell3 episodes
Keivonn WoodardSam Burrell2 episodes
Olivier Ross-ParentClicker2 episodes
Merle DandridgeMarlene2 episodes
Melanie LynskeyKathleen Coghlan2 episodes
Jason RitterClicker (uncredited)2 episodes
Samuel HoeksemaMuseum Clicker2 episodes
John HannahDr. Newman - Scientist #2Episode 1
Josh BrenerMurrayEpisode 1
Brad LelandMr. AdlerEpisode 1
Marcia BennettMrs. AdlerEpisode 1
Brendan FletcherRobertEpisode 1
Wendy GorlingNanaEpisode 1
Jessica BelbinMrs. LautersteinEpisode 1Where to Watch Season 1 of The Last of Us
Frequently Asked Questions
How many episodes does season 1 of The Last of Us have?
Season 1 of The Last of Us has 9 episodes.
When did season 1 of The Last of Us premiere?
Released January 15, 2023.
Where to watch season 1 of The Last of Us?
In Spain, on Movistar Plus+ Ficción Total, HBO Max, and HBO Max Amazon Channel.
What is the best episode of Season 1?
According to the TMDB audience score, episode 1x01, «When You're Lost in the Darkness», has a 8.3.