In a groundbreaking achievement for the gaming industry, “The Last of Us” has garnered an astounding 24 Emmy Award nominations, making it the first live-action video game adaptation to receive such recognition at a major awards ceremony. HBO’s hit series, based on the critically acclaimed video game of the same name, has captivated audiences and critics alike, solidifying its place among the most celebrated television productions of the year.

With 24 nominations, “The Last of Us” stands as one of the top contenders for this year’s Emmy Awards. It falls just three nominations short of the frontrunner, fellow HBO series “Succession,” which earned 27 nominations. Close behind are “The White Lotus” with 23 nominations and the Apple TV+ comedy “Ted Lasso” with 21 nominations, both of which have garnered significant acclaim.

Among its notable nominations, “The Last of Us” secured a spot in the prestigious Outstanding Drama Series category, pitting it against other highly acclaimed shows such as “Andor,” “Better Call Saul,” “House of the Dragon,” “Succession,” “The White Lotus,” and “Yellowjackets.” This recognition reflects the show’s gripping storytelling, immersive world-building, and the exceptional performances of its cast.

Pedro Pascal, who has had a remarkable year, earning three total nominations, is nominated for his lead role as Joel in “The Last of Us.” Bella Ramsey, known for her role as Lyanna Mormont in “Game of Thrones,” also received a nomination for her outstanding portrayal of Ellie. The show’s guest stars, including Melanie Lynskey, Storm Reid, Anna Torv, Murray Bartlett, Lamar Johnson, Nick Offerman, and Keivonn Montreal Woodard, were also recognized for their exceptional performances.

Additionally, the creative team behind “The Last of Us” was acknowledged for their remarkable contributions. Craig Mazin, the show’s co-creator and writer, received a nomination for Outstanding Writing, while Peter Hoar was nominated for Outstanding Directing for their work on the show’s stellar third episode, “Long, Long Time.”

“The Last of Us” has not only made waves with its compelling storytelling but has also shattered the perception that video game adaptations cannot succeed in the realm of television. Its critical and commercial success has propelled it to become one of HBO’s most streamed shows of all time, showcasing the enormous potential for cross-medium adaptations.

HBO leads the pack with a total of 127 nominations this year, with “The Last of Us” contributing significantly to the network’s success. Streaming giant Netflix follows closely with 103 nominations, demonstrating its continued dominance in the industry. Apple TV+ (52), Amazon (46), Hulu (42 or 64 when including FX shows), and Disney+ (40) also secured multiple nominations, highlighting the growing influence of streaming platforms in the television landscape.

The highly anticipated 75th Emmy Awards ceremony is scheduled to take place on September 18, 2023. However, due to the ongoing WGA writers’ strike and potential action by the actors’ union, there are reports suggesting a possible delay until November or even January. Regardless of the ceremony’s timing, the Emmy nominations for “The Last of Us” have solidified its status as a groundbreaking series that has successfully transcended the boundaries between gaming and television, opening up new possibilities for future adaptations.

“The Last of Us” has undoubtedly made its mark in the entertainment industry, garnering critical acclaim and amassing a dedicated fan base. As the Emmy Awards draw near, fans and critics alike eagerly await the opportunity to celebrate the exceptional achievements of the show and its talented cast and crew.