As one HBO primetime show concludes, another steps into the spotlight. Following the gripping first season of The Last of Us, which aired on Max two years ago, the acclaimed video game adaptation starring Pedro Pascal and Bella Ramsey is set to return for its highly anticipated second season.
The narrative of both the original The Last of Us game and its first season on television ended on a cliffhanger with significant consequences. Fans familiar with The Last of Us Part 2 may feel a mix of excitement and apprehension about the upcoming developments. IGN's Simon Cardy noted in his review of Season 2 that adapting the complex and expansive story of The Last of Us Part 2 into a TV series was always going to be challenging. This complexity has led to the decision to continue the story across a third season.
If you're eager to watch The Last of Us Season 2 or 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 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
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. Here's 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
The entire first season of The Last of Us is available to stream on Max, with individual episodes also available for rent or purchase on Prime Video. 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 confirmed that The Last of Us will return for a third season. While no release date has been announced, production is slated to begin this summer. It's important to note that this does not signal the development of a third Last of Us game; Naughty Dog is 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 entirety of the first game, taking some creative liberties. Season 2 will delve into the narratives of The Last of Us Part 2, which will be spread 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 released for PC recently. 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 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 helmed by the 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 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).
Here’s the main cast returning and joining 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 characters are new to the series, adding fresh dynamics to the narrative. For more information on returning and new characters, check out our detailed breakdown.
