As the curtains close on one HBO primetime sensation, The White Lotus, another eagerly anticipated series, The Last of Us, prepares to captivate audiences once more. Two years following its debut on Max, this gripping adaptation of the renowned video game, featuring Pedro Pascal and Bella Ramsey, is set to return with its second season.

The conclusion of both the original The Last of Us game and its first season on television left viewers on a cliffhanger fraught with significant implications. For those, like myself, who have experienced The Last of Us Part 2, the prospect of seeing these events unfold on screen evokes a mix of dread and anticipation. Simon Cardy of IGN highlighted in his review of Season 2 the challenge of translating the expansive and intricate narrative of The Last of Us Part 2 into a TV format, suggesting that the story will extend into a third season.

For those planning to watch the premiere of The Last of Us Season 2 or those yet to catch up on Season 1, here's all the essential information:

### 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 second season of The Last of Us will consist of seven episodes, a reduction from the nine episodes of Season 1. New episodes will air 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, or rent/purchase individual episodes via Prime Video. Additionally, 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 announced the renewal of The Last of Us for a third season. While no specific release date has been set, production is slated to begin this summer. It's important to note that this does not indicate the development of a third Last of Us game; Naughty Dog is currently focusing on their new 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 covered the entirety of the original game, with some creative adjustments. Season 2 will delve into the narratives from The Last of Us Part 2, which will be spread across Seasons 2 and 3.

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 recently released on PC. A "Complete" edition of both games is also on the horizon, with a physical release planned for this summer. Additionally, Sony has launched a special edition DualSense controller celebrating the series.

The Last of Us Season 2 Cast and Crew

The Last of Us Season 2 is helmed 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 is directed by different talents, 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 stellar cast lined up for Season 2 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 the new season introduces several original characters. For a detailed look at who's new and who's returning, check out our comprehensive breakdown.