As one HBO primetime sensation concludes (farewell, The White Lotus), another rises to claim the spotlight. Two years after its gripping debut on Max, The Last of Us—the critically acclaimed adaptation of the beloved video game—returns for its highly anticipated second season, once again starring Pedro Pascal and Bella Ramsey.
Both the original game and Season 1 of the series end on a haunting cliffhanger—one with profound consequences. For fans who’ve played The Last of Us Part 2, the arrival of Season 2 brings a mix of exhilaration and dread. As Simon Cardy notes in IGN’s Season 2 review, adapting the emotionally charged, complex narrative of The Last of Us Part 2 into a television format was always going to be a monumental task—so it’s no surprise that the story will extend into a third season.
If you're planning to watch the Season 2 premiere or need to catch up on the first season, here’s everything you need to know.
**How to Watch The Last of Us Season 2** -----------------------------------------
The Last of Us
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See it at Max
The Last of Us Season 2 premieres on Max on Sunday, April 13, 2025. Standalone Max subscriptions start at $9.99 and are available bundled with Hulu and Disney+.
Season 2 Episode Release Dates
The Last of Us Season 2 will consist of seven episodes—two fewer than the first season. New episodes will be released weekly on Max every Sunday at 9pm EST / 6pm CST. Here’s the full release schedule:
- Episode 1: "Future Days" – April 13
- Episode 2: TBA – April 20
- Episode 3: TBA – April 27
- Episode 4: TBA – May 4
- Episode 5: TBA – May 11
- Episode 6: TBA – May 18
- Episode 7: TBA – May 25
Catch Up on the First Season
The complete first season of The Last of Us is available to stream on Max. Individual episodes can also be rented or purchased via Prime Video. Additionally, HBO has released a limited-edition 4K steelbook collection of Season 1:
The Last of Us: The Complete First Season (4K UHD)
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Limited-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. While no release date has been announced, production is set to begin this summer. It’s worth noting that this renewal does not indicate the development of a third game in the series. Naughty Dog has confirmed they are fully focused on their next project, Intergalactic: The Heretic Prophet.
Adapting The Last of Us: Part 2
The Last of Us Part 2 Remastered
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See it at PlayStation Direct
See it at Steam
Season 1 adapted the full narrative of the first game, with thoughtful creative expansions. Season 2 dives into the storyline of The Last of Us Part 2, a narrative so rich and layered that it will be split across Seasons 2 and 3.
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 The Last of Us and The Last of Us Part 2 have been remastered, with the latest version of Part 2 recently launching on PC. A new “Complete” edition of both games has also been announced, with a physical release scheduled for this summer. To celebrate the franchise, Sony unveiled a special edition DualSense controller, further cementing the series’ cultural impact.
The Last of Us Season 2 Cast and Crew
The Last of Us Season 2 is once again led by Neil Druckmann, the original game’s creator, and Craig Mazin (known for Chernobyl). They are joined by Haley Gross, co-writer of The Last of Us Part 2. Each episode features a distinct directorial voice, with an impressive lineup 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 main cast for Season 2:
- Pedro Pascal as Joel Miller
- Bella Ramsey as Ellie
- Gabriel Luna as Tommy
- Rutina Wesley as Maria
- Kaitlyn Dever as Abby
- Young Mazino as Jesse
- Isabela Merced as Dina
- Danny Ramirez as Manny
- Ariela Barer as Mel
- Tati Gabrielle as Nora
- Spencer Lord as Owen
- Catherine O'Hara as Gail
- Jeffrey Wright as Isaac Dixon
- Joe Pantoliano as Eugene
- Alanna Ubach as Hanrahan
- Ben Ahlers as Burton
- Hettienne Park as Elise Park
- Robert John Burke as Seth
- Noah Lamanna as Kat
Don’t be surprised if some of these names are unfamiliar—Season 2 introduces several new characters. For a deeper dive into who’s returning and who’s new, check out our full character breakdown.
