As one HBO primetime show concludes its run (farewell, The White Lotus), another eagerly anticipated series steps into the spotlight. Two years after The Last of Us first captivated audiences on Max, this acclaimed video game adaptation, starring Pedro Pascal and Bella Ramsey, is set to return for a second season.
Both the original The Last of Us game and the first season of the show left viewers on a gripping cliffhanger, setting the stage for significant developments. Fans who have played The Last of Us Part 2, including myself, are simultaneously thrilled and apprehensive about seeing these pivotal moments unfold on screen. In IGN’s review of Season 2, Simon Cardy noted that adapting the sprawling, intricate narrative of The Last of Us Part 2 into a television format was always going to be challenging. This complexity has led to the decision to extend the story over a third season.
If you're planning to watch the premiere of The Last of Us Season 2 or still need to catch up on Season 1, here are all the essential details.
**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 feature seven episodes, two fewer than its predecessor. New episodes will be released on Max every Sunday at 9pm EST/6pm CST. Here's the complete 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
You can stream the entire first season of The Last of Us on Max, with individual episodes also available to rent or purchase via 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 announced that The Last of Us will return for a third season. While no release date has been set, production is scheduled to begin this summer. It's important to note that this renewal does not signal the development of a third game in the series. 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 successfully adapted the first game, taking some creative liberties. Season 2 will delve into the storylines of the sequel, 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 games have been remastered, with The Last of Us Part 2 receiving a new PC edition just last week. Naughty Dog has also announced a "Complete" edition of both games, set for a physical release this summer. In addition to the games, Sony has launched 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 helmed by the original game’s creator, Neil Druckmann, and Craig Mazin (known for Chernobyl), both serving as writers alongside Haley Gross, who co-wrote The Last of Us Part 2. Each episode will have its own director, including Mark Mylod (known for Succession, The Menu, and Game of Thrones), Peter Hoar (It's a Sin, Daredevil, Doctor Who), and Stephen Williams (Lost).
Here is the main cast 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 characters introduced in Season 2 are new to the series, so don't be surprised if you don't recognize all the names. For a detailed breakdown of new and returning characters, check out our full analysis.
