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 conclude with cliffhangers that carry significant consequences. For those who have played The Last of Us Part 2, like myself, the anticipation for the next season is mixed with excitement and apprehension about seeing the story unfold on screen. In IGN's review of Season 2, Simon Cardy notes that adapting The Last of Us Part 2's complex and expansive narrative into a television format was always going to be challenging, 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 all 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 the first season. 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 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 entire first season of The Last of Us is available for streaming on Max, with individual episodes also available to rent or purchase on 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 has been renewed for a third season. While no official release date has been announced, production is set to begin this summer. It's important to note that this renewal does not indicate a new 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 Direct
See it at Steam
The first season of The Last of Us adapted the entire first game, taking some creative liberties. Season 2 will delve into the storylines from 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 released on PC just last week. A "Complete" edition of both games has also been announced, with a physical release planned for this summer. In addition to the games, Sony has released 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 led by the original game's creator, Neil Druckmann, and Craig Mazin (known for Chernobyl), who are joined by Haley Gross, co-writer of The Last of Us Part 2. Each episode features 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).
Here’s the main cast for the new season of The Last of Us:
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 you don't recognize some of these names; several original characters are being introduced in the new season. For more details, check out our full breakdown of which characters are new or returning.