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. For those who have played The Last of Us Part 2, like myself, the anticipation is mixed with dread as we consider what's to come on screen. In IGN's review of Season 2, Simon Cardy notes that adapting The Last of Us Part 2's complex narrative into a television format was always going to be a challenge. It's understandable that the story will extend into a third season.

If you're planning to watch The Last of Us Season 2 or need to catch up on Season 1, here are the details you need.

### 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. Below is 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

You can stream the entire first season of The Last of Us on Max, or rent/buy individual episodes through Prime Video. HBO also offers 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 an official release date hasn't been set, production is slated to begin this summer. It's important to note that this does not signal 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 adapted the entirety of the first game, taking some creative liberties. Season 2 delves into the narrative 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 launching on PC just last week. A "Complete" edition of both games is also planned, with a physical release this summer. Additionally, Sony has released a special edition DualSense controller to celebrate the series.

The Last of Us Season 2 Cast and Crew

Neil Druckmann, the original game’s creator, and Craig Mazin (Chernobyl) lead The Last of Us Season 2 as writers, joined by Haley Gross, co-writer of The Last of Us Part 2. Each episode is directed by 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 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 more details on new and returning characters, check out our full breakdown.