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, the critically acclaimed video game adaptation starring Pedro Pascal and Bella Ramsey is set to return for its much-anticipated second season.
Both the original The Last of Us game and the first season of the show left fans on a cliffhanger with significant implications. For those of us who have experienced The Last of Us Part 2, the upcoming season stirs a mix of excitement and apprehension about what will unfold on screen. In IGN's review of Season 2, Simon Cardy noted the challenge of adapting the expansive and intricate narrative of The Last of Us Part 2 into a television format, which explains 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 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 consist of seven episodes, a reduction from the nine episodes of Season 1. 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
The entire first season of The Last of Us is available for streaming on Max, and individual episodes can also be rented or purchased via Prime Video. For collectors, 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 slated 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 is currently focused on their new 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 entire first game, taking some creative liberties along the way. Season 2 will delve into the storylines of the sequel, 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 a new edition of The Last of Us Part 2 recently released on PC. Additionally, a "Complete" edition of both games has been announced, with a physical release scheduled for this summer. Sony has also celebrated the series with a special edition DualSense controller.
The Last of Us Season 2 Cast and Crew
The Last of Us Season 2 is guided by the original game’s creator, Neil Druckmann, and Craig Mazin (known for Chernobyl). Both serve as writers alongside Haley Gross, co-writer of The Last of Us Part 2 game. Each episode will be helmed by a different director, including Mark Mylod (Succession, The Menu, Game of Thrones), Peter Hoar (It's a Sin, Daredevil, Doctor Who), and Stephen Williams (Lost).
The main cast for the new season includes:
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 a detailed breakdown of new and returning characters, check out our comprehensive guide.
