As one HBO primetime show bids farewell (goodbye, The White Lotus), another eagerly steps into the spotlight. Two years following its debut on Max, the critically acclaimed video game adaptation, The Last of Us, starring Pedro Pascal and Bella Ramsey, is set to return with its highly anticipated second season.
Both the original The Last of Us game and its first season on television concluded with a cliffhanger that promises significant repercussions. For those familiar with The Last of Us Part 2, like myself, the upcoming season evokes a mix of excitement and apprehension about seeing the game's intense narrative unfold on screen. Simon Cardy from IGN pointed out in his review that adapting the expansive and intricate story of The Last of Us Part 2 into a TV format was always going to be a formidable task. This challenge has led to 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 details you'll 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 its predecessor. New episodes will be released on Max every Sunday at 9pm EST/6pm CST. Below 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 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 officially renewed The Last of Us for a third season. While no release date has 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 is currently focusing 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 successfully adapted the narrative of the first game with some creative adjustments. Season 2 will delve into the storylines from The Last of Us Part 2, which will be spread across the next two seasons.
IGN's 10/10 review of The Last of Us Part 2 praised it as "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. Additionally, Naughty Dog announced a "Complete" edition of both games, set for a physical release 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 spearheaded by the original game's creator, Neil Druckmann, and Craig Mazin (known for Chernobyl), who serve as writers alongside Haley Gross, co-writer of The Last of Us Part 2. Each episode is directed by a different filmmaker, with notable names including Mark Mylod (Succession, The Menu, Game of Thrones), Peter Hoar (It's a Sin, Daredevil, Doctor Who), and Stephen Williams (Lost).
Here is the main cast for The Last of Us Season 2:
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 new to you; the season introduces several original characters. For a detailed breakdown of new and returning characters, check out our full analysis.
