As one HBO primetime show concludes its run (goodbye, The White Lotus), another steps into the spotlight. Two years after the debut of The Last of Us on Max, the critically acclaimed video game adaptation featuring Pedro Pascal and Bella Ramsey is set to return for its much-anticipated second season.
The narrative of both The Last of Us game and its first season ended on a gripping cliffhanger with far-reaching implications. Fans who have experienced The Last of Us Part 2, including myself, are filled with a mix of dread and anticipation about what's next. Simon Cardy from IGN noted in his review of Season 2 that adapting the expansive and intricate story of The Last of Us Part 2 into a TV format was always going to be a challenge. Consequently, the story will be spread across a third season as well.
Whether you're gearing up for 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 is set to premiere on Max on Sunday, April 13, 2025. Standalone Max subscriptions begin at $9.99 and can be bundled with Hulu and Disney+ for a comprehensive viewing experience.
Season 2 Episode Release Dates
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 is 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 for 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 renewed The Last of Us for a third season, although a specific release date hasn't been announced yet. Production is slated to begin this summer. It's important to note that this renewal does not indicate the development of a third Last of Us game; Naughty Dog's current focus is 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 show successfully adapted the original game, taking some creative liberties. Season 2 will delve into the storylines of The Last of Us Part 2, which will be covered over 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 for PC. A "Complete" edition of both games is also on the horizon, with a physical release planned for 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
Season 2 of The Last of Us is helmed by the original game's creator, Neil Druckmann, and Craig Mazin (known for Chernobyl), with both serving as writers alongside Haley Gross, co-writer of The Last of Us Part 2. Each episode will have its own director, including notable names like 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.
