HBO's The Last of Us Podcast

Host Troy Baker and The Last of Us showrunners Craig Mazin and Neil Druckmann take a deep breath and get into the shocking events of Episode 2. This spoiler-filled conversation involves how they approached bringing one of the most controversial moments of the game to television, if they ever considered changing Joel’s fate, behind-the-scenes stories from the Jackson battle, and whether we’ve seen the last of Joel. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

The conversation dives into the evolving relationship between Joel and Ellie as they navigate new challenges. Abby's quest for revenge takes center stage, revealing her complex motivations and the difficulty of adapting her story from a video game. The vibrant community of Jackson offers a safe haven, yet prompts discussions about complacency. Dina's energetic personality brings a refreshing contrast to the heavier themes of trauma and connection. Finally, the implications of human growth on nature hint at deeper, hidden dangers lurking beneath the surface.

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

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 omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

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 your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

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

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 produced by HBO and Pineapple Street Studios.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

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 omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

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

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 ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices