10 Ways ‘The Last of Us’ Season 1 Aged Poorly

HBO’s ‘The Last of Us’ (2023) hit hard when it debuted, pulling fans of the 2013 game and newcomers alike into its gritty post-apocalyptic world. With Pedro Pascal as Joel and Bella Ramsey as Ellie, the show earned praise for its emotional depth and faithful adaptation, blending survival horror with human connection.

But two years later, revisiting Season 1 reveals cracks. Some elements that shone in 2023 now feel off, whether due to storytelling choices, cultural shifts, or the shadow of Season 2’s mixed reception. Here are ten ways the first season hasn’t aged as well as we’d hoped.

10. Overreliance on Game Fidelity

The show leaned heavily on recreating the 2013 game’s story, which thrilled fans but boxed in its creativity. Moments like Joel and Ellie’s journey felt too rigid, missing chances to expand the world for TV audiences. 

This strict adherence made some scenes feel like a play-by-play of the game, which doesn’t always translate smoothly to a new medium. In 2025, with bolder adaptations like ‘Fallout’ (2024), this approach feels cautious and less ambitious.

9. Pacing Drags in Early Episodes

The first few episodes, especially Episode 1, spend a lot of time setting up the world and Joel’s backstory. While the opening is gripping, the slower pace can feel tedious on rewatch. 

Newer shows like ‘Silo’ (2023-2025) balance world-building with quicker hooks, making Season 1’s early slog stand out. It takes too long to hit its stride, which dampens the urgency of the apocalypse.

8. Ellie’s Character Feels Underdeveloped

Bella Ramsey’s Ellie is fierce and memorable, but the show doesn’t dig deep enough into her inner world. Her humor and vulnerability shine, yet we get little of her fears or growth beyond what the game already showed. 

By 2025, viewers expect richer character arcs, like those in ‘Yellowjackets’ (2021-2025). Ellie’s potential feels held back, making her less dynamic than she could’ve been.

7. Limited World Exploration

The show’s focus on Joel and Ellie’s journey means we see little of the wider world. Cities like Boston and Pittsburgh are vivid but brief, leaving the broader apocalypse underexplored. 

Compared to ‘Station Eleven’ (2021), which paints a fuller post-apocalyptic picture, ‘The Last of Us’ feels narrow. More glimpses of other survivors or factions could’ve added depth.

6. Dated CGI in Infected Scenes

The infected, especially clickers, were terrifying in 2023, but some CGI hasn’t held up. Close-up shots of fungal creatures look less convincing now, especially with advancements in visual effects seen in ‘Alien: Romulus’ (2024). 

While practical effects like prosthetics still impress, the digital work feels slightly off, pulling viewers out of the horror. It’s a small but noticeable flaw.

5. Predictable Emotional Beats

The show’s heart lies in Joel and Ellie’s bond, but some emotional moments, like their heart-to-hearts, feel formulaic on rewatch. The game’s fans knew what was coming, and the show didn’t surprise enough. 

Newer dramas like ‘Your Honor’ (2020-2023) weave less predictable emotional arcs. Season 1’s reliance on expected tugs at the heartstrings feels flat in hindsight.

4. Secondary Characters Lack Depth

Characters like Tess (Anna Torv) and Bill (Nick Offerman) are compelling but get limited screen time. Their stories, while moving, feel rushed or sidelined to focus on the leads. 

Shows like ‘The White Lotus’ (2021-2025) give supporting characters more room to breathe. Season 1 could’ve fleshed out its side cast to make the world feel richer.

3. Overuse of Flashbacks

Flashbacks, like Joel’s pre-apocalypse life or Bill and Frank’s romance, add emotional weight but disrupt the main story’s flow. They sometimes feel like padding, especially on a second viewing. 

Modern series like ‘Severance’ (2022-2025) use flashbacks more sparingly. Season 1’s heavy reliance on them now feels like a crutch that slows momentum.

2. Lack of Cultural Relevance

In 2023, the show’s pandemic backdrop hit close to home, echoing real-world fears. By 2025, that resonance has faded, making the fungal apocalypse feel less urgent or relatable. 

Stories like ‘Expats’ (2024) tackle current social themes more directly. Without that timely hook, Season 1’s stakes feel more fictional than grounded.

1. Set-Up for a Weak Season 2

Season 1 builds toward a second season that disappointed many, as seen in posts on X and IMDb reviews. Its cliffhanger, hinting at Abby’s arc, feels hollow knowing Season 2’s narrative stumbles. 

This retroactively dims Season 1’s shine, as its careful setup doesn’t pay off. The show’s legacy feels tied to a follow-up that failed to match its heights.

What’s your take on ‘The Last of Us’ Season 1 now—does it still hold up, or have other flaws caught your eye? Drop your thoughts in the comments!