The Last of Us is generally not a suitable choice for children. In the United States, HBO lists the series as TV-MA, a rating for adult-oriented programming that may be unsuitable for viewers under 17. The game is a separate product: The Last of Us Part I for PS5 is rated M for Mature 17+ by the ESRB. These are useful starting points, not universal age rules; check the local listing and consider your child’s sensitivities.
What does the TV-MA rating mean?
HBO Max’s US rating guidance says TV-MA programs are “specifically designed to be viewed by adults” and may be unsuitable for children under 17. That makes the series a poor default choice for most children, particularly those sensitive to intense violence, frightening material, strong language, or adult themes.
| # | Preview | Product | Price | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 |
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The Last of Us Part I – PlayStation 5 | $37.99 | Buy on Amazon |
| 2 |
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The Last of Us: Remastered (PS4) | $22.40 | Buy on Amazon |
| 3 |
![PS4 THE LAST OF US REMASTERED (US) [video game]](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/51O7ojkZu4L._SL160_.jpg)
|
PS4 THE LAST OF US REMASTERED (US) [video game] | $21.88 | Buy on Amazon |
The Last of Us follows Joel and Ellie in a post-apocalyptic world. HBO describes their journey as brutal and heartbreaking, but that broad description is not a complete content guide. The rating is the clearest official age signal; it does not establish that every episode contains the same material.
Does every episode have the same rating?
Not necessarily. HBO Max says a series details screen displays the highest maturity rating among its episodes. Ratings may also differ by country because HBO Max uses its own ratings or those of local rating organizations. Look up the specific episode’s rating and content advisory in the service and country where your child will watch. HBO Max explains where ratings appear and how its system works in its rating guidance.
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#1 Best Overall
- Enhanced visuals: Completely rebuilt from the ground up using Naughty Dog’s latest PS5 engine technology to improve every visual detail, The Last of Us experience has been faithfully enhanced with more realistic lighting and atmosphere, more intricate environments and creative reimaginings of familiar spaces.
- Fast loading: Initial loading times are near instant, and seamless after the first instance thanks to the PS5 console’s SSD – so you can pick up where you left off in the story and load specific encounters and chapters more quickly.
- Haptic feedback: DualSense wireless controller haptic feedback support for every weapon elevates combat encounters, and environments are brought to life through DualSense wireless controller haptic sensations of subtle falling rain, the crunch of stepping on snow and more.
- Adaptive triggers: All The Last of Us iconic weapons, including Joel’s revolver and Ellie’s bow, now deliver dynamic DualSense wireless controller trigger resistance and kickback on firing for deeper combat immersion.
- 3D Audio: Designed to make use of the PS5 console’s Tempest 3D AudioTech, Naughty Dog’s newly upgraded audio engine delivers richer soundscapes, bigger explosive moments and more visceral gameplay through compatible stereo headphones (analogue or USB) or TV speakers.
The official series information does not provide a complete episode-by-episode inventory of violence, sexual material, language, or other triggers. If you need to screen for a particular concern, consult the current episode advisory and a detailed parent guide, or preview the episode.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.What if you mean the video game?
The game has a separate rating system, so do not apply the television rating to it—or the game’s content notes to the show. In the US, the ESRB rates The Last of Us Part I for PS5 M for Mature 17+. Its descriptors are Blood and Gore, Intense Violence, Sexual Themes, Strong Language, and Use of Alcohol. ESRB’s general ratings guide says M-rated games are generally suitable for ages 17 and up and may contain intense violence, blood and gore, sexual content, and/or strong language.
Rank #2
- The Last of Us Remastered Standard Edition
The ESRB’s rating summary for the PS5 game describes combat with firearms and melee weapons, stealth kills, blood effects, and some dismemberment. It also notes strong language, sexual remarks, and a scene in which a young character may drink alcohol. Those details apply to the game, not automatically to the television adaptation.
Quick Recap
How to decide for your child
- Start with the rating for the exact version. Check the series episode’s local advisory, or the rating for the particular game and platform.
- Consider the child, not just the number. Think about their response to violence, frightening scenes, strong language, and adult themes.
- Use more than the series-level label when needed. Because the series listing may show the highest-rated episode, check an individual episode’s advisory where available.
- Preview if a specific trigger matters. Official series rating guidance does not give a full scene-by-scene content inventory.
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
