HBO's The Last of Us Podcast

HBO•www.hbo.com

The official companion podcast for the HBO Original series The Last of Us, based on the critically acclaimed video game of the same name. Each week, join Host Troy Baker (who played Joel in the video game) as he breaks down episodes of the TV series with Showrunners Craig Mazin and Neil Druckmann. Together they’ll dive into key moments and reveal the creative process behind this adaptation.

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Episodes

Episode 1 - “Future Days”

Troy Baker, Craig Mazin, and Neil Druckmann discuss the season 2 premiere of The Last of Us, diving into Joel and Ellie's evolving relationship, the introduction of new characters like Abby and Dina, and the challenges of adapting the game's complex narrative for television. They explore key scenes, character motivations, and the thematic importance of choices and consequences. The episode also touches on the pressure of following up a successful first season and the dedication to honoring the source material while making necessary adaptations.

Apr 14, 2025•51 min•Season 2Ep. 1

Coming Soon: The Last of Us Season 2 Podcast

Go deeper into HBO’s The Last of Us Season 2 with the official companion podcast! Each week, host Troy Baker sits down with showrunners Craig Mazin and Neil Druckmann to take you behind the scenes and unpack every new episode right after it airs. You can stream The Last of Us Season 2 starting April 13th on Max. A new episode of the podcast launches that night. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Apr 07, 2025•1 min

Season 1, Episode 9 - "Look For The Light"

Host Troy Baker and showrunners Craig Mazin and Neil Druckmann are joined by special guest Ashley Johnson, who played Ellie in the game and plays a pivotal character in the finale episode of the season. The group unpacks the origin of Ellie’s immunity and the story of Joel’s scar. They also debate the morality of Joel’s decisions at the end of the show and what his actions do to his relationship with Ellie. HBO’s The Last of Us podcast is produced by HBO and Pineapple Street Studios. See omnystu...

Mar 13, 2023•1 hr 16 min•Season 1Ep. 9

Season 1, Episode 8 - "When We Are In Need"

Host Troy Baker and Showrunners Craig Mazin and Neil Druckmann unpack the episode in which Troy has an on-screen role. They break down the character of David and how this narcissistic predator tries to manipulate Ellie. They discuss one of the darkest moments of the show so far, and Neil says why it was so important to a subvert typical narrative. HBO’s The Last of Us podcast is produced by HBO and Pineapple Street Studios. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information. Learn more about yo...

Mar 06, 2023•49 min•Season 1Ep. 8

Season 1, Episode 7 - "Left Behind"

Host Troy Baker and Showrunners Craig Mazin and Neil Druckmann break down the Ellie and Riley relationship and tease the backstory of Ellie’s scar. They geek out over arcades, malls and Mortal Kombat II and share how they brought all those sights and sounds to life on screen. HBO’s The Last of Us podcast is produced by HBO and Pineapple Street Studios. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Feb 27, 2023•1 hr 8 min•Season 1Ep. 7

Season 1, Episode 6 - "Kin"

Host Troy Baker and Showrunners Craig Mazin and Neil Druckmann unpack the emotional crossroads inside Episode 6. Neil reveals what key aspects of Joel and Ellie came from the actors who played them in the game and shares an Easter egg from Craig’s life that they put in this episode. Finally, they talk about how director Jasmila Žbanić brought the community of Jackson to life, and how carefully they adapted a beloved argument between Joel and Ellie from the game. HBO’s The Last of Us podcast is p...

Feb 20, 2023•57 min•Season 1Ep. 6

Season 1, Episode 5 - "Endure And Survive"

Host Troy Baker and Showrunners Craig Mazin and Neil Druckmann unpack Episode 5. They talk about why they made Sam deaf in the show, a departure from the game, and how they cast the role. In discussing the stories of Sam (Keivonn Woodard) and Henry (Lamar Johnson), Neil and Craig continue to dig into the theme of parental love. Also, Neil gives a 101 on the various Infected you see on screen–Bloaters and all. HBO’s The Last of Us podcast is produced by HBO and Pineapple Street Studios. See omnys...

Feb 11, 2023•1 hr 7 min•Season 1Ep. 5

Season 1, Episode 4 - “Please Hold To My Hand”

Host Troy Baker and Showrunners Craig Mazin and Neil Druckmann walk through Episode 4, exploring key developments in Ellie and Joel’s relationship. They discuss a major antagonist of the show and tease Joel’s dark past. HBO’s The Last of Us podcast is produced by HBO and Pineapple Street Studios. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Feb 06, 2023•39 min•Season 1Ep. 4

Season 1, Episode 3 - “Long, Long Time”

Host Troy Baker and Showrunners Craig Mazin and Neil Druckmann talk about the departure the series took into the story of Bill and Frank. Craig and Neil also reveal the thinking behind casting Nick Offerman and Murray Bartlett to portray this middle-aged love and reveal an easter egg reference to the game that shows up at the end of the episode. HBO’s The Last of Us podcast is produced by HBO and Pineapple Street Studios. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information. Learn more about your...

Jan 30, 2023•53 min•Season 1Ep. 3

Season 1, Episode 2 - “Infected”

Host Troy Baker talks with Showrunners Craig Mazin and Neil Druckmann who reveal that Episode 2 of the series is about the infected. They discuss why it was important for the actors (namely Pedro Pascal and Bella Ramsey) to not play the video game and they share a key scene from Tess’s backstory that was written but never shot. HBO’s The Last of Us podcast is produced by HBO and Pineapple Street Studios. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit...

Jan 23, 2023•40 min•Season 1Ep. 2

Season 1, Episode 1 - “When You're Lost in the Darkness”

Host Troy Baker talks with The Last of Us Showrunners – writer/director Craig Mazin (Chernobyl) and the creator of The Last of Us video game Neil Druckmann– about how they brought this new HBO Original series to life. Troy, Craig and Neil talk through Episode 1 of the series, unpacking key scenes and the overarching themes. HBO’s The Last of Us podcast is produced by HBO and Pineapple Street Studios See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podc...

Jan 16, 2023•48 min•Season 1Ep. 1

HBO’s The Last of Us Podcast Trailer

Dying to know more about The Last of Us? Join Host Troy Baker and the Showrunners of this new HBO original series, Craig Mazin and Neil Druckmann, for an insightful conversation about the thrilling story of survival. HBO’s The Last of Us Podcast will come out on January 15, after the series premiere at 9 pm EST on HBO and HBO Max. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Jan 09, 2023•2 min