The Last of Us (2023)
Kernel Score: 91% · 6,811 ratings
Genres: Drama
First aired: 2023-01-15
Seasons: 2 · 16 episodes
Is The Last of Us worth watching?
Must-watch. A post-apocalyptic drama where the fungal horror is the backdrop and the bond between a smuggler and a girl is the story. It's well acted, bleak and surprisingly tender.
Watch it if you
- like character-led survival drama
- enjoy post-apocalyptic stories
- want a show with strong acting
Skip it if you
- dislike violence or bleak storytelling
- want a fast-paced action show
Best for: Binge weekend
Fresh Kernels verdict, AI-assisted from our scores, audience reviews and the official rating.
Where to watch The Last of Us
- Stream: Spectrum On Demand, HBO Max
- Buy: Prime Video, Apple TV, Google Play, Fandango At Home
US availability, updated 2026-10-23.
Overview
Twenty years after modern civilization has been destroyed, Joel, a hardened survivor, is hired to smuggle Ellie, a 14-year-old girl, out of an oppressive quarantine zone. What starts as a small job soon becomes a brutal, heartbreaking journey, as they both must traverse the United States and depend on each other for survival.
The Last of Us parents' guide: ages 14+
Parents need to know that this post-apocalyptic drama is grim and often gory, but it centers on tenderness, sacrifice, and a found-family bond.
- Violence & scariness: Intense — Intense and graphic: infected creatures and humans are killed brutally, with blood, body horror, and frequent character deaths.
- Sex, romance & nudity: Some — A tender relationship with some implied intimacy; brief and not explicit.
- Language: Strong — Frequent strong profanity.
- Drinking, drugs & smoking: Some — Drinking, smoking, and some pill/drug use in a survivalist context.
- Products & purchases: None
Fresh Kernels AI-assessed from the official TV-MA rating, publicly documented content. A guide for families, not an official rating.
Shows like The Last of Us
If you liked The Last of Us, these are the shows we'd watch next.
- The Walking Dead (2010) — 91%: Zombie survival drama about the people left behind.
- Sweet Tooth (2021) — 88%: Post-apocalyptic story about a child and a protector.
- Fallout (2024) — 88%: Post-apocalyptic series with a darkly funny edge.
- Silo (2023) — 95%: Post-collapse drama about survivors in a closed world.
- Kingdom (2019) — 91%: Historical zombie thriller with political intrigue.
Cast
- Bella Ramsey as Ellie Williams
- Gabriel Luna as Tommy Miller
- Isabela Merced as Dina
- Young Mazino as Jesse
The Last of Us FAQ
Is The Last of Us worth watching?
Must-watch. A post-apocalyptic drama where the fungal horror is the backdrop and the bond between a smuggler and a girl is the story. It's well acted, bleak and surprisingly tender.
Where can I watch The Last of Us?
In the US you can stream The Last of Us on Spectrum On Demand and HBO Max and buy it from Prime Video, Apple TV, Google Play and Fandango At Home.
Is The Last of Us OK for kids?
The Last of Us is rated TV-MA. Fresh Kernels suggests ages 14+. Parents need to know that this post-apocalyptic drama is grim and often gory, but it centers on tenderness, sacrifice, and a found-family bond.
What shows are like The Last of Us?
If you liked The Last of Us, try The Walking Dead, Sweet Tooth, Fallout and Silo.