The first season ofThe Last of Uswas not only a fantastic video game adaption, it was also one of the best shows of 2023. The second season, which is currently airing weekly, is shaping up to be equally good—it’s gripping, shocking, and emotional.
If you’re finding the wait between episodes excruciating, I’ve rounded up the best shows for fans ofThe Last of Us. These will satisfy your itch for high-quality entertainment, whether you want more zombie action or Pedro Pascal.
2024 - present
1
8
Status
Ongoing
Falloutis another show born from a video game series, though no familiarity with the source material is needed. While I’vedabbled with theFalloutgames, I have never really got into them, but I found the TV show utterly compelling—it’s funny, well acted, and has high production values.
Set on an Earth reshaped by nuclear bombs, some survivors live seemingly good lives in underground bunkers, until something forces the naive Lucy (Ella Purnell) to come above ground and confront the chaos waiting for her.
Amazon Prime Video
If you want another post-apocalyptic story likeThe Last of Us, except this time with a twisted sense of humor,Falloutis the show for you.
2011 - 2019
73
Ended
Pedro Pascal and Bella Ramsey star inThe Last of Usas Joel and Ellie; they also appeared years prior inGame of Thrones, though they never shared any scenes.
Based on a series of fantasy books,Game of Thronesis an expansive, bloody, and complex show about many families competing for a single throne. While it arguably didn’t stick the landing, it’s still thoroughly enjoyable overall.
Max
Game of Thronesis not only as dramatic asThe Last of Us, it also features the show’s lead actors (Pedro Pascal and Bella Ramsey) within the ensemble cast.
2015 - 2017
3
30
Narcosis a crime drama that, for the first two seasons, is based on the true story of the notorious Pablo Escobar, leader of the Medellín Cartel in Colombia. It’s stylish and engrossing, with an intense central performance from Wagner Moura.
He’s joined by a great cast, not leastThe Last of Us' Pedro Pascal as DEA agent Javier Peña. ThoughGame of Throneswas Pascal’s breakout TV role, it’s really inNarcosthat he gets to shine.
Netflix
The Last of Usstar Pedro Pascal also leads inNarcos, giving another excellent performance in this equally gripping show.
2019
5
Ended (limited series)
One ofthe best shows to watch on MaxisChernobyl, created and written by Craig Mazin, one of the creative forces behindThe Last of Us. It’s about the nuclear plant disaster of 1986 and those who risked their lives in the aftermath.
It makes for tough and powerful viewing, and it’s something that will stay with you long past its five episodes.
When you watch the stunningChernobyl, it’s easy to see why HBO trusted Craig Mazin withThe Last of Us.
2010 - 2022
11
177
The Walking Deadis the definitive zombie TV show. If you feltThe Last of Usdidn’t scratch your zombie itch enough, you’re well catered for here, though really it’s the human dynamics and moral quandaries that are the most interesting.
With the fantastic Andrew Lincoln as sheriff Rick Grimes, supported by a talented cast, it shows the trials and tribulations of survivors in a ravished world. Though the quality dips in the later seasons, I think it’s worth sticking with, and there are plenty of spin-off shows (some with new seasons to come) to keep you busy.
If you enjoyed the combination of zombie horror and human drama inThe Last of Us, then you’ll loveThe Walking Dead.
It’s unlikely that you will be able tobinge all these TV showsbeforeThe Last of Usseason two finishes, so pick the one which appeals to you the most and save the rest… maybe to fill the gap between season two and three!
