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The Best Episodes of The Last of Us Season 1

Every episode of The Last of Us Season 1 ranked from best to worst. Discover the Best Episodes of The Last of Us Season 1!

Twenty years after modern civilization has been destroyed, Joel, a hardened survivor, is hired to smuggle Ellie, a 14-year-old girl, out of an oppressive quarantine...
Genre:Drama
Network:HBO

Season 1 Ratings Summary

"When You're Lost in the Darkness" is the best rated episode of "The Last of Us" season 1. It scored 9.1/10 based on 111989 votes. Directed by Craig Mazin and written by Craig Mazin, Neil Druckmann, it aired on 1/15/2023. This episode is rated 0.0 points higher than the second-best, "Infected".

  • When You're Lost in the Darkness
    9.1/10111,989 votes

    #1 - When You're Lost in the Darkness

    Season 1 Episode 1 - Aired 1/15/2023

    2003. As a parasitic fungal outbreak begins to ravage the country and the world, Joel Miller attempts to escape the escalating chaos with his daughter and brother. Twenty years later, a now hardened Joel and his partner Tess fight to survive under a totalitarian regime, while the insurgent Fireflies harbor a teenage girl with a unique gift.

    Director: Craig Mazin

    Writer: Craig Mazin, Neil Druckmann

  • Infected
    9.1/10102,889 votes

    #2 - Infected

    Season 1 Episode 2 - Aired 1/22/2023

    In 2003, an Indonesian scientist makes a devastating discovery. In 2023, now outside of the quarantine zone, Joel and Tess clash over Ellie's fate as they navigate a long-abandoned Boston overrun with Infected.

    Director: Neil Druckmann

    Writer: Craig Mazin

  • Long, Long Time
    8.1/10228,029 votes

    #3 - Long, Long Time

    Season 1 Episode 3 - Aired 1/29/2023

    Doomsday prepper Bill prepares to ride out the apocalypse alone...until a mysterious stranger upends his plans. Years later, Joel and Ellie seek Bill's guidance – and find themselves at a crossroads.

    Director: Peter Hoar

    Writer: Craig Mazin

  • Please Hold to My Hand
    8.4/1069,569 votes

    #4 - Please Hold to My Hand

    Season 1 Episode 4 - Aired 2/5/2023

    After a harrowing trek across a desolate United States, Joel and Ellie find themselves navigating a dangerous Kansas City on foot. Later, rebel leader Kathleen instigates a manhunt – one that pits her violent civilian militia against the world's best hope.

    Director: Jeremy Webb

    Writer: Craig Mazin

  • Endure and Survive
    9.4/1079,696 votes

    #5 - Endure and Survive

    Season 1 Episode 5 - Aired 2/12/2023

    On the streets of a newly free Kansas City, Henry fights to protect his brother Sam from rebel soldiers who will stop at nothing to appease their ruthless leader. As her manhunt continues, Kathleen doubles down on her quest for revenge, while Ellie forms a meaningful friendship.

    Director: Jeremy Webb

    Writer: Craig Mazin

  • Kin
    8.8/1058,137 votes

    #6 - Kin

    Season 1 Episode 6 - Aired 2/19/2023

    After months of traveling, Joel and Ellie receive a grave warning about what lies ahead. Later, Ellie learns more about Joel's past – while Joel tries his best to forget.

    Director: Jasmila Žbanić

    Writer: Craig Mazin

  • Left Behind
    7.4/1068,762 votes

    #7 - Left Behind

    Season 1 Episode 7 - Aired 2/26/2023

    As Joel fights to survive, Ellie’s struggle to save him stirs memories of her life in a FEDRA orphanage. Weeks before meeting Joel, Ellie recalls joining her best friend Riley for a night to remember… one that will change the course of both of their lives – and the fate of the world – forever.

    Director: Liza Johnson

    Writer: Neil Druckmann

  • When We Are in Need
    9.3/1058,898 votes

    #8 - When We Are in Need

    Season 1 Episode 8 - Aired 3/5/2023

    After crossing paths with a vengeful group of survivors, Ellie's fighting spirit draws unwanted attention from its leader. Still battling for his life, a weakened Joel faces off with a hunting party out for blood.

    Director: Ali Abbasi

    Writer: Craig Mazin

  • Look for the Light
    9.0/1045,369 votes

    #9 - Look for the Light

    Season 1 Episode 9 - Aired 3/12/2023

    After being pursued by Infected, a pregnant Anna places her trust in a lifelong friend. Years later, Ellie is forced to grapple with the emotional toll of her journey, while Joel faces a devastating decision of his own.

    Director: Ali Abbasi

    Writer: Craig Mazin, Neil Druckmann