7 shows to watch while waiting for The Last of Us season 2

7 shows to watch while waiting for The Last of Us season 2 (Image via HBO)
7 shows to watch while waiting for The Last of Us season 2 (Image via HBO)

Fans of Naughty Dog’s beloved game and the newcomers to the TV adaptation have been impatiently waiting for The Last of Us season 2, which is yet to reveal the exact release date. Having been revered as one of the best video games of all time with an engaging and heartbreaking plot line, the series garnered a lot of praise from fans globally.

Playing the iconic roles of Joel and Ellie, Pedro Pascal and Bella Ramsey shined with powerful performances, winning both fans and critics.

Those unfamiliar with the game are excited to see what comes next, while dedicated gamers are simply thrilled to witness the adaptation of the storyline’s second half into The Last of Us season 2 and the debuts of much-anticipated characters.

While there’s still time before The Last of Us season 2 premieres, continuing Joel and Ellie’s journey, fans can pass the time by checking out the recommended shows in this article.


Here are some of the best picks to watch while you wait for The Last of Us season 2

1) The Walking Dead

All major characters featured on the official cover image of The Walking Dead (Image via AMC)
All major characters featured on the official cover image of The Walking Dead (Image via AMC)

For those who are big post-apocalyptic zombie horror fanatics, The Walking Dead is not only a must-watch but also a genre-defining series. Much like the elements found within this category, the intense storytelling, brutal survival themes, and well-developed characters are the essence of The Walking Dead.

Created by Robert Kirkman as a comic book series, the franchise was adapted into a live-action TV show that premiered on October 31, 2010. Over the course of time, the series gained an enormous fandom worldwide, making it one of the most successful TV show franchises of all time.

With the main series having 177 episodes, spanning 11 seasons, and 6 spin-offs, fans who have been waiting for The Last of Us season 2 might just find themselves completely immersed in the TWD universe before the sequel even arrives.


2) Station Eleven

A still from Station Eleven (Image via HBO)
A still from Station Eleven (Image via HBO)

Adding to the expansive list of post-apocalyptic TV series, Station Eleven is another gripping show that explores survival, memory, and the power of art in a world devastated by a global pandemic. The story follows a group of theater actors surviving amidst a pandemic that wiped out most of humanity.

Fans of The Last of Us will find similarities in the exploration of survival in a broken world and the emotional bonds between the characters. Both series brilliantly delve into human connection and resilience, a part of storytelling that makes one reflect on what truly matters in life.

Given it’s a character-driven narrative sharing similar elements, Station Eleven is a must-watch while waiting for The Last of Us season 2. Additionally, to highlight its critical acclaim, it’s a seven-time Emmy-nominated series.


3) Sweet Tooth

A still from Sweet Tooth (Image via Netflix)
A still from Sweet Tooth (Image via Netflix)

While it may not cater to zombie enthusiasts, Sweet Tooth is a unique blend of adventure and fantasy, wrapped in rich storytelling that makes it a refreshing escape. The series follows Gus, a young hybrid boy who embarks on a journey to seek answers for his origins while encountering dangers threatening his existence.

In both Sweet Tooth and The Last of Us, one can find strong parallels, like Gus shares similarities with Ellie, both being resourceful kids navigating through harsh realities. Similarly, Tommy Jpperd and Joel also share key similarities as protective father figures, both exhibiting a fierce loyalty to those they care about.

Sweet Tooth’s engaging narrative of fantasy, adventure, and survival makes it an engaging choice for viewers waiting restlessly for The Last of Us season 2.


4) The Passage

A still from The Passage (Image via Fox)
A still from The Passage (Image via Fox)

Despite leaning more into the realm of science and vampire lore, The Passage shares thematic elements with The Last of Us, making it an essential addition to one’s watchlist.

The plot revolves around a government experiment that goes sideways, unleashing a viral outbreak that transforms people into monstrous beings, much like the mutant Cordyceps virus from TLOU universe. As The Passage explores similar core elements like sacrifices, resilience, and emotional bonds, fans of The Last of Us will find a common ground.

The former also offers a captivating blend of adventure and emotional depth that will keep the viewers engaged from the start. Amidst the list of shows to watch before The Last of Us season 2 arrives, The Passage is a strong contender.


5) The Strain

A still from The Strain (Image via FX)
A still from The Strain (Image via FX)

Besides The Passage, The Strain is yet another series acclaimed for offering a unique take on the Vampire genre, blending horror and science fiction with elements of survival.

With rich storytelling and character development, the story takes place in a terrifying epidemic, exploring themes of fear, fight for humanity, and transformation. Similar to the lengths Joel would go to protect Ellie, The Strain also features characters known for their resilience and strong personas.

These characters navigate through the harsh world and make morally complex decisions to ensure the safety of their loved ones. The Strain is a gripping and thrilling watch for those who are waiting for The Last of Us season 2.


6) See

A still from See (Image via Apple TV+)
A still from See (Image via Apple TV+)

Set in a distant future on Earth, See centers on the remaining populace who have lost their sense of sight a long time ago. The ability to see has become something of a myth, with the surviving humanity living in segregated tribes relying on their remaining heightened senses.

The story follows Baba Voss, played by Jason Momoa, a warrior who eventually learns about his children gaining the ability to sight. This miraculous event sparks conflict among various factions, causing them to fight for control over these unique children, which leaves Voss to navigate the threats, all while striving to keep his family safe.

As The Last of Us also sees humanity forming factions, See also showcases diverse communities, each with its ideals that emphasize the complexities of one's survival. See offers a gripping exploration of survival, unique world-building, and much more, enough to keep the viewers engaged until The Last of Us season 2 drops.


7) The Last Ship

A still from The Last Ship (Image via TNT)
A still from The Last Ship (Image via TNT)

The final contender on this list is The Last Ship, a gripping drama series exploring similar elements to the shows above. The story follows the crew of a U.S. Navy destroyer in a post-pandemic world ravaged by a virus that wipes out most of humanity.

Much like The Last of Us, The Last Ship sheds light on the complexities of human relationships and moral choices made in desperate times. Both shows highlight the struggle for survival in a post-apocalyptic setting where they confront heartbreaking revelations and make sacrifices that ultimately define humanity.

The thrilling blend of action with thought-provoking themes and rich character development is what makes The Last Ship an essential watch for those waiting for the release of The Last of Us season 2.


Stay tuned for more news and updates on The Last of Us season 2, and all your favorite TV shows and movies as 2024 progresses.

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Edited by Praveen Kumar
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