‘Fallout’ and ‘The Last of Us’ Prove TV Adaptations of Games Are Getting It Right

The Last Of Us

As we start getting ready for the long-awaited second season of ‘The Last Of Us’ on HBO/Max (set to premiere on April 13, 2025) it’s hard not to take a step back and truly appreciate how great the show adaptation has been so far. The writing crew, the actors, and the production team over at HBO and Naughty Dog did an amazing job of translating the beauty and magic of the story from the game to a format fit for television.

Historically, we had never seen a video game adapted into a TV show like this before. However, we were also fortunate to have an equally impressive output from Amazon with the Fallout TV series just a year later. So how is Hollywood finally getting it right when it comes to these games?

For decades, video game adaptations were plagued by mediocrity, often missing the emotional depth, world-building, and storytelling that made their source material compelling.

From failed attempts like Super Mario Bros. (1993) and Assassin’s Creed (2016) to underwhelming efforts such as Resident Evil and Tomb Raider, Hollywood struggled to translate interactive experiences into compelling cinema or television.

However, the tide has shifted. HBO’s The Last of Us and Amazon Prime Video’s Fallout have shattered expectations, proving that video game adaptations can be not only faithful but also deeply engaging, critically acclaimed, and commercially successful. These series mark the dawn of a new era—one where television is emerging as the perfect medium to bring game narratives to life.

The Secret to Their Success: Understanding What Made the Games Great

A key reason The Last of Us and Fallout have succeeded where others failed is their deep understanding of what makes video games resonate with audiences. Instead of merely borrowing aesthetics or names, these adaptations capture the emotional core, immersive world-building, and thematic richness of their respective franchises.

Faithfulness Without Imitation

The Last of Us, developed by Naughty Dog, was already known for its cinematic storytelling, and its transition to television felt natural. With game co-creator Neil Druckmann serving as co-showrunner alongside Chernobyl’s Craig Mazin, the series stayed true to the raw, emotional core of Joel and Ellie’s journey while making calculated expansions—such as the heartbreaking Bill and Frank episode—that deepened the world.

On the other hand, Fallout took a different approach. Instead of adapting a specific game, it carved out an original story within the established Fallout universe. Showrunner Jonathan Nolan (Westworld, The Dark Knight) understood that Fallout wasn’t just about vault dwellers and nuclear wastelands—it was about satire, dark humor, and the retro-futuristic charm that set it apart from other post-apocalyptic franchises. By embracing that spirit, the show feels unmistakably Fallout, even with fresh characters and narratives.

**What The Last of Us and Fallout Did Right**

1. Respect for the Source Material

Both shows avoid the pitfall of past adaptations that superficially mimicked video games without capturing their essence. The Last of Us faithfully adapted the game’s most important moments while taking liberties where it made sense for TV. Fallout took an even bolder approach by setting its story within the game’s universe rather than adapting a specific game, giving it creative freedom while maintaining authenticity.

2. Character-Driven Storytelling Over Action

Unlike past adaptations that prioritized action sequences (Doom, Resident Evil), these shows focus on character relationships. The Last of Us emphasized the evolving bond between Joel and Ellie, while Fallout crafted a compelling mystery around Lucy (Ella Purnell), the Ghoul (Walton Goggins), and the Brotherhood of Steel.

3. High Production Value and Stellar Casting

Both shows benefitted from top-tier talent and production. The Last of Us was helmed by HBO, known for its high-quality dramas (Game of Thrones, Chernobyl), while Fallout had the backing of Amazon, which spared no expense in bringing the wasteland to life. Casting also played a crucial role—Pedro Pascal’s Joel and Bella Ramsey’s Ellie delivered powerhouse performances, while Fallout’s Walton Goggins embodied the franchise’s gritty humor and bleak tone.