Full disclosure I only engaged w the podcast for season 2 so only rating my experience with that. Primarily disappointed with how much this season seems to be relying on extras (post episode content, this pod) as essential supplementary material to tell the story. Hot take, I guess, but feels like the tv episodes should tell the story on their own without needing input from bonus content. Don’t get me wrong- I’m all for companion content that speaks to how the show was made and what the adaptation process looked like. S2 was a disappointment for me I think first because the revenge/cycle of violence themes just aren’t as interesting as the trauma processing/human connection seeking ones of S1, but also because the story was incompletely delivered on screen with too much reliance on supplemental content used to tell the audience how to feel. S1 stood out because we learned about and connected with characters over cohesively developed arcs or poignantly delivered vignettes without needing writers/directors to tell us what they were trying to evoke with various creative choices.

Love listening to the backstage and background talk. Awesome to hear how they’ve changed from the game and why. Very well done podcast.

Obviously they are the creators of both the game and the show but I find myself disagreeing with them in how “the audience” feels about actions the characters take. So much so that that I truly believe they aren’t getting what the fan loves about this universe.

I love listening to the show-runners and creators explain why and how certain creative decisions were made…but I hate how sycophantic the host is and how self-aggrandizing the whole tone is. Some of the creative decisions in season 2 did not work for many fans and I wish they’d address those choices with more humility. Anyway….love the content and extra context. Hate the self-congratulatory tone.

Neil Druckman is a Zionist

The Last of Us is my all time favorite video game. I love that the story at its core was seen worthy of adaptation. Some of the changes made in the show versus what’s in the game are addressed and explained in the podcast which I love. Expanding storylines into beautifully executed episodes in the show has really made me appreciate the world of Joel and Ellie even more. My only wish is that Ashley Johnson was along side Troy baker throughout this podcast! Thank you Neil for everything!

Loved the videos games and love the show! U guys did it justice and nailed it. Still made me cry again. And I love the extra storytelling. I’m so glad this podcast is here cuz huge fan and would love to hear more from Craig and neil

I’m a 58 year old woman whose gaming experience stopped at Ms PacMan a few decades ago, so you know that I had never played, or even heard of, the TLOU game. I saw that Pedro Pascal was in it, I think he’s a great actor and started watching it, and I was blown away by the story and, even more, by the characters! Everything works, it is just like in real life, only with tragedy amplified to the nth power. And while I was disappointed when Joel dies, I now see how that also makes sense, and I’m less sad. When I get so invested in the characters of a show, I know it’s a great one. Anyway, thank you for this podcast, it helps coloring in all the parts that I might miss watching the show, and thank you for making this story available to non-gamers too.

The show AND this podcast are amazing. The podcast and the inside the episode videos, add so much more depth and context to the show. This makes it even more engrossing. Every show that wants to be taken seriously should follow this formula. So much time, effort and money go into making movies and tv shows. Enhance our experience by giving us a podcast and inside look. Well done HBO, Craig Mazin, Neil Druckmann and everyone else involved in this production. Thank you!

I love listening to this podcast after the show! It’s so interesting to hear thoughts, insights, and opinions from Greg and Craig and Troy! Without fail, they always point out something that I completely missed or didn’t catch the meaning of! Great podcast!

By killing off the best character on the show at the hands of a prepubescent girl with a golf club. So stupid

exceptional HBO podcast. Well worth the time.

just kidding. that word should never be used in that way.

This review is out of anger for the morons downvoting this podcast because they have ZERO taste in good television. Go cry somewhere else. Pedro Pascal doesn’t care that you miss Joel. Grow up.

I don’t like this season at all. I’m trying!

I’m out. The podcast is fine. The show…..I’m out.

I started listening to season 2 episode 1 and I can’t remember a single thing. I can’t get past all the noises from the guests having dry mouth. Was there no water available?? Is your sound engineer possibly sabotaging the show?

I absolutely loved, the way the writers explained the bond between Ellie and Joel . So true they have the daddy and daughter bond

Deeply insightful conservations that provide even more context and depth to each episode! If you love the show, the companion podcast is an absolute must-listen in my opinion.

Spoiler*****Alert********* With Pedro Pascal/Joel being gone the rest of the cast lacks the star power to garner viewership. I’ll stop at season 2 episode 2. Best of luck to the rest of you.

This podcast does everything well, but what stands out the most is its ability to celebrate the original game cast and crew while making room for a new interpretation, just well done all the way.

In a time where people think empathy is weak and should be dismissed, we have this behind the scenes conversation about the importance of emotional healing in a post-apocalyptic world, more relevant now than ever. I have sympathy for those that see a video game as a child’s activity because the makers of the game and show are bringing more life through this video game adaptation than some will experience in their entire lifetime. The adaptation is amazing and it’s good to see the love that everyone put into this show and the video game.

I witnessed the downfall, perhaps accelerated, of America sometime around the 90s and early 2000s when I saw grown men walking into video game stores to purchase games for themselves. now we have a show based on a certain video game and a podcast based on the show. How about a podcast based on that podcast? Bread & Circuses. we are easily amused while our civilization is being manipulated with evil agendas through media. Do you know what good is?

such a beautiful way to help gain the perspective on their creative choices.

I am on episode 4 and I feel the need to thank you for this podcast. The show has so many themes I relate to and I’m weird in that I want to go deeper and gain more understanding. I guess that’s not weird, it’s just the thing I love. So, thank you, this podcast enhances and illuminates the story for me. That’s where I need to go. (The Wood Song - Indigo Girls). Free music reference - I know how important those are.

My dad introduced me to the franchise, I fell in love with it, I watched the show before playing the game yet it made it exciting To play the game and I am working on finishing part 2.hope you all have a good day

I love the games and the show so I love the podcast and I’d just like to listen on end☺️

I love this show especially the game I love watching clips from the game it keeps me hipped and energized

I was recommended by my brother to watch an episode and then the podcast. I watched two episodes and then 1-2 podcasts. I cannot explain how different of an experience it is compared to watching just the show. The conversations about the turmoils they had to go through, explanations of specific scenarios, explanations related to changes (vs the video game), casting, etc., were all amazing. I love both last of us games as you are pulled into an ever-so-reaveing-canvas glossed with stunning storytelling (along with devs keen eyes of detail) and amazing gameplay. Although, I was afraid to watch this series as I believed they would stray away from the story, watching the podcast and series, made SUCH A DIFFERENCE in understanding the structure of these season. HATS OFF TO THE STAFF OF THIS STUDIO. I love this podcast and will be eagerly looking forward to the next season.

The Last of Us HBO show is a compelling adaptation that stays true to the game. With strong performances and high production value, it's a must-watch for fans and newcomers alike. The behind the scenes of this podcast was so interesting and intense to listen to!

its very good as a companion piece to the show. it’s also just a very good show. Neal, Craig and Troy is an elite combination.

I watched the movie and listened to the podcast. If you saw the movie than that this is just amazing. It’s great for probably Halloween or if you want a horror movie or a horror podcast. This is the best podcast and movie ever.🧠🧠🧠

I’m a big fan of the game and enjoy show and this podcast!

It’s a great pod. Behind the scenes for the show with the creative team involved was amazing. Hearing all the “inside baseball” was certainly well worth a listen. *Unfortunately* I am also basing this ranking on the actual show too. The show from a video game fan perspective was ok. 6.5-10. Great at times, terrible at other points and the show too some creative liberties that made 0 sense. Next season it would be nice to add even more content for this pod. Do an episode(s) with the video game team. Side by side comparison of the game and the show while it progresses. Please don’t say “those are out there” because I’m talking specifically about the video game creative team. Look forward to it!

I absolutely loved this show and getting to listen to this podcast about the behind the scenes of every episode was great. The more of the cast and crew they brought in the better it got and I can’t wait to see what they have in store for season 2.

No better source to understand and appreciate the creative choices and process of the showrunners. Highly recommended.

This podcast is the first I’ve ever reviewed and it is absolutely amazing. It is a wonderful experience to hear how much love and passion Troy Baker, Craig Mazin, Neil Druckmann, as well as all the other cast from the show and games that make appearances throughout truly feel for this show along with the games. The insight into their thought processes on scenes from both the show and the games and their reasonings for changing certain things while leaving others the same really help add to the appreciation of the show. Not to mention just hearing them all chat stuff out was a really great time. I highly recommend watching the show and following each episode with these podcasts as it is surely worth it. The way Troy ended the podcast season with that quote was also perfect, enjoy :’).

This podcast was amazing 🤩 and i honestly loved the show I thought it was so cool that the host was Joel from the video game!

The pod is amazing Neil, Craig & Troy are wonderful hosts, but you HAVE to have Ashley on more or as a permanent fixture. She’s amazing, and hearing her voice brought happy tears to my eyes. Thank-you!

It’s been so long since the second game came out and I been waiting for the show since I heard they were going to make a show.I thought the actors were well picked and they are such good actors.

The last of us podcast is an interesting look into how the show was made and thoughts from the writers about each of the episodes. There are 3 host: the 2 show writers and the actor who played the main character in the original and is also a big fan of the series. In each episode they go through the events of the corresponding episode from the TV show and cover thoughts and reaction that they had as well as writing decisions and behind the scenes information. I would highly recommend this podcast to anyone wanting to watch the show or those who have already seen it. I would recommend watching the episode first and then the corresponding podcast episode in a sort of back and forth order, but if you have already finished the show it is still very interesting to go back and listen to the whole podcast. I think that the last of us podcast is very well produced and definitely worth a listen.

This podcast is a fan’s delight. I absolutely love that Troy Baker hosts. Please bring this back for season 2

Coming into this show, I’d never played the game. These podcasts have given so much context, information, and over depth of the show and why they went the direction they did with certain scenes, events and characters. It’s on par with how good the show series is!

Joel loves his dauter and sees her in Ella and Elly loves Joel like a father they wouldn’t be able to survive with out one or the other

Such a great deeper dive into the thinking and building of each episode!! Troy’s moderation is superb as is his knowledge of Joel, and I was immersed in listening to Neil and Craig’s genius behind their craft. Always a treat to hear Craig Mazin talk more in depth about the shows he works on! Wish the show didn’t end so we could have an episode a week!

I really love last of us ,I love movi and game but the podcast is soo good I can’t wait for PART ll!

This podcast was such a blessing to listen to after each episode. After I finished the most recent episode of The Last of Us on HBO Max, I rushed here to listen to the corresponding podcast. The podcast helped me answer some questions I had during the show and even gave me even more information behind the choices and reasonings of the characters. As someone who has seen the gameplay from both TLOU and TLOU Part II; this was a great way to relieve childhood memories besides watching the show. I would give this podcast 10 stars if I could!!! Endure and Survive!

This is truly an excellent companion to The Last of Us TV Series. It provides such insightful and thoughtful commentary on the characters and the story and comparison between the game and the show. I’ve felt compelled to listen to each episode of the podcast immediately after watching an episode of the show to hear what they have to say about it and see if they answer any questions I might have had or give additional perspective to what I just watched. Having the host be the actor who portrayed Joel in the game is brilliant, and Troy is really natural in guiding the conversation and asking his own questions. The creators’ commentary is equally brilliant, particularly Craig, who is so eloquent when talking about the characters’ journey. I highly recommend this podcast if you’re a fan of the show!

I look forward to the podcast as much as I look forward to the episodes.

First I want to say how much I appreciate you ordering your episodes from top to bottom instead of bottom to top like most! Makes it so much easier to listen to them in order. Second I absolutely loved listening to this, love everyone’s insight into the characters and story. Cannot wait for season 2