The Last of Us: 8 Bold Changes HBO Made from the Game — And Why They Work

When HBO adapted The Last of Us, fans were relieved to see how closely the show stayed to its PlayStation roots. But staying faithful doesn’t mean staying identical — and some of the best moments in the series exist because the creators weren’t afraid to make bold choices.

Whether for emotional payoff, pacing, or deeper character development, these eight changes from game to screen prove that different doesn’t mean worse.

Bill and Frank’s Story Gets a Poignant Rewrite

Bill and Frank The Last of Us game vs show changes.

In the game, Bill and Frank’s tragic end is revealed through a suicide note and quiet hints. The show turns that subtle suggestion into a deeply moving 20-year romance, showing how two men found purpose, love, and dignity in a crumbling world. “Long, Long Time” wasn’t just a fan favorite — it became a cultural moment.

A 1968 Prologue That Chills to the Core

A 1968 Prologue The Last of Us game vs show changes.

Instead of launching straight into the outbreak, the HBO series begins with a fictional 1968 interview that feels eerily grounded. A scientist warns of fungal infections overtaking human hosts — a prophecy that sets the tone with terrifying realism.

Henry and Sam: Reimagined With More Impact

Henry and Sam The Last of Us game vs show changes.

Game fans knew Sam as 13, hearing, and playful. But on TV, Sam is now 8 and deaf, heightening his vulnerability and his bond with Henry. Add Kansas City (instead of Pittsburgh), and a brand-new villain in Kathleen (Melanie Lynskey), and this arc becomes even more layered — and tragic.

No More Spores — Say Hello to the Hive Mind

One of the most talked-about changes: the show eliminates airborne spores. Instead, Cordyceps spreads through a terrifying fungal network. That change leads to new, unforgettable moments — like Tess’s fatal kiss from an infected.

Tess’s Death Is Explosive — Literally

In the game, Tess dies in a gunfight. In the show? She buys time with a lighter and a trail of gasoline. Her sacrifice feels more cinematic — and gives the character a larger moment of heroism.

Kathleen: A Villain Created from Scratch

Kathleen and her brother Michael don’t exist in the game. But in the series, Kathleen’s personal vendetta drives Episodes 4 and 5, offering a new moral dimension to resistance fighters — and a haunting reminder of what vengeance costs.

Ellie and Riley’s Mall Story — Condensed but Powerful

The Left Behind DLC is reimagined as a single, haunting flashback. While streamlined, the emotional core remains: Ellie’s bond with Riley, her first kiss, and the moment her life changes forever.

Ellie’s Mother Finally Gets Her Story

Anna, Ellie’s mom, never appears in the game — but the show gives her a gut-wrenching origin. Played by game Ellie’s voice actor, Ashley Johnson, Anna fights off an infected during childbirth, only to be bitten. Ellie’s immunity may have started here — a poetic, painful reveal.

Why These Changes Matter

Each difference in the HBO series isn’t just change for shock’s sake — it’s intentional. The tweaks deepen relationships, add tension, and expand the world in ways the game couldn’t. These adaptations give even longtime fans something new to hold on to.

A Universe Still Expanding

With The Last of Us Season 2 now streaming, fans are already dissecting what’s new — and what’s been reimagined. From fresh characters like Gail and shocking narrative shifts to deeper explorations of Joel and Ellie’s relationship, the HBO series proves it’s more than a straightforward adaptation. These bold changes don’t just modernize the story; they enrich it. Whether you’re a longtime gamer or a newcomer, Season 2 ensures there’s still plenty left to uncover in this haunting world.

The Last of Us airs Sundays at 9/8c on HBO

Streaming next day on Max

For exclusive features and a Season 2 preview, grab TV Guide’s collector’s edition: The Last of Us — The Ultimate Survival Story, on stands now.