As one HBO primetime show ends (farewell, The White Lotus), another must rise to take its spot. Two years after The Last of Us first aired on Max, the video game adaptation starring Pedro Pascal and Bella Ramsey is returning for a second season.
The Last of Us game and the first season of the show both end with a cliffhanger that has significant consequences. Fans who have played The Last of Us Part 2, including myself, are likely feeling a mix of terror and excitement at the prospect of seeing what unfolds next on screen. In IGN’s review of Season 2, Simon Cardy notes that it was “always going to be a challenge to adapt The Last of Us Part 2’s sprawling, twisting story into a television show," which explains why the story will continue into 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 the details you 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 fewer than Season 1. 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 through Prime Video. HBO has also 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 confirmed that The Last of Us will return for Season 3. While there’s no official release date yet, production is set to begin this summer. The studio has clarified that this does not indicate a third Last of Us game is in development. Naughty Dog is currently focused on their next 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 entire first game with some creative liberties. Season 2 will delve into the storylines of The Last of Us 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 Naughty Dog games have been remastered, with a new edition of The Last of Us Part 2 released on PC just last week. Additionally, a new "Complete" edition of both games has been announced, with a physical release planned for this summer. Sony has also released a special edition DualSense controller to celebrate the series.
The Last of Us Season 2 Cast and Crew
Led by the original game’s creator, Neil Druckmann, and Craig Mazin (Chernobyl), The Last of Us Season 2 features writing contributions from Haley Gross, who co-wrote The Last of Us Part 2 game. Each episode will have its own 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 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 of these names might be unfamiliar as several new characters are being introduced in the new season. For more details, check out our full breakdown of which characters are new or returning.
