As one HBO primetime show concludes its run, with a fond farewell to The White Lotus, another eagerly awaited series steps into the spotlight. Two years after its debut on Max, the video game adaptation The Last of Us, starring Pedro Pascal and Bella Ramsey, is set to return for its much-anticipated second season.
The narrative of both the original The Last of Us game and the first season of the show culminates in a cliffhanger with significant repercussions. For those of us who have played The Last of Us Part 2, the mix of terror and excitement is palpable as we anticipate the unfolding drama on screen. Simon Cardy from IGN noted in his review of Season 2 that adapting the expansive and complex storyline of The Last of Us Part 2 into a television format was always going to be a formidable task. Consequently, the story will continue over a third season.
Whether you're gearing up for the premiere of The Last of Us Season 2 or need to catch up on Season 1, here are all the details you'll need.
**How to Watch The Last of Us Season 2** -----------------------------------------### The Last of Us
2See it at MaxThe Last of Us Season 2 premieres on Max on Sunday, April 13, 2025. Standalone Max subscriptions start at $9.99 and can be bundled with Hulu and Disney+.
Season 2 Episode Release Dates
The Last of Us Season 2 will consist of seven episodes, two less than the first season. New episodes will be released on Max every Sunday at 9pm EST/6pm CST. Here’s the full release schedule:
Episode 1: "Future Days" - April 13Episode 2: TBA - April 20Episode 3: TBA - April 27Episode 4: TBA - May 4Episode 5: TBA - May 11Episode 6: TBA - May 18Episode 7: TBA - May 25### Catch Up on the First Season
The entire first season of The Last of Us is available for streaming on Max, with individual episodes also available to rent or purchase on Prime Video. Additionally, HBO has released a limited edition 4K steelbook of Season 1:
### The Last of Us: The Complete First Season (4K UHD)
1Limited-edition collectible steelbook.$50.55 save 19%$40.79 at Amazon### The Last of Us Season 3 Has Already Been Confirmed
Sony and HBO have officially greenlit The Last of Us for a third season. While an exact release date hasn't been announced, production is slated to begin this summer. It's important to note that this does not signal the development of a third Last of Us game; Naughty Dog's focus remains on their upcoming project, Intergalactic: The Heretic Prophet.
Adapting The Last of Us: Part 2
### The Last of Us Part 2 Remastered
1See it at PlayStation DirectSee it at SteamThe first season of The Last of Us adapted the entirety of the first game, with some creative liberties taken. Season 2 will delve into the narratives from The Last of Us Part 2, which will be spread across the next two seasons.
From IGN’s 10/10 Review of The Last of Us Part 2:
"The Last of Us Part 2 is a masterpiece worthy of its predecessor. Taking strides forward in nearly every way, Ellie steps into the spotlight and carries the sequel in a manner that feels like the culmination of everything that’s made Naughty Dog’s blockbuster storytelling so memorable since the original Uncharted on the PlayStation 3."
Both Naughty Dog games have been remastered, with the latest edition of The Last of Us Part 2 arriving on PC just last week. Naughty Dog has also announced a new "Complete" edition of both games, with a physical release scheduled for this summer. Additionally, Sony released a special edition DualSense controller to celebrate the series.
The Last of Us Season 2 Cast and Crew
The Last of Us Season 2 is spearheaded by the original game's creator, Neil Druckmann, and Craig Mazin (known for Chernobyl), both of whom serve as writers alongside Haley Gross, co-writer of The Last of Us Part 2. Each episode has a unique director, including Mark Mylod (Succession, The Menu, Game of Thrones), Peter Hoar (It's a Sin, Daredevil, Doctor Who), and Stephen Williams (Lost).
Here’s the stellar cast returning and joining for the new season of The Last of Us:
Pedro Pascal as Joel MillerBella Ramsey as EllieGabriel Luna as TommyRutina Wesley as MariaKaitlyn Dever as AbbyYoung Mazino as JesseIsabela Merced as DinaDanny Ramirez as MannyAriela Barer as MelTati Gabrielle as NoraSpencer Lord as OwenCatherine O'Hara as GailJeffrey Wright as Isaac DixonJoe Pantoliano as EugeneAlanna Ubach as HanrahanBen Ahlers as BurtonHettienne Park as Elise ParkRobert John Burke as SethNoah Lamanna as KatSome of these names might be unfamiliar, as the new season introduces several original characters. For more detailed information on the cast, check out our comprehensive breakdown of new and returning characters.