As one HBO primetime hit wraps up (we’ll miss you, *The White Lotus*), another steps in to take center stage. Two years after its critically acclaimed debut on Max, *The Last of Us* is back for Season 2. The series, based on the beloved video game and starring Pedro Pascal and Bella Ramsey, returns with high stakes and even higher expectations.

Both the original game and the first season of the show ended on a powerful cliffhanger—one that carries serious emotional and narrative weight. For fans who have played *The Last of Us Part 2*, the anticipation comes with a mix of excitement and apprehension. Adapting such a complex and emotionally charged story for television was always going to be a challenge, as IGN’s Simon Cardy noted in his review of Season 2. That’s why it makes sense that the story will continue into a third season, giving the creative team more room to bring every detail to life.

Whether you're catching up or preparing for the premiere, here's everything you need to know about *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 Season 1. New episodes will drop weekly on Sundays at 9pm EST / 6pm PST. Here's the full 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

Missed Season 1? No worries—you can stream the entire season now on Max. Individual episodes are also available for rent or purchase via Prime Video. If you’re looking for a physical copy, HBO has released a limited edition 4K steelbook collection 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

Good news for fans—The Last of Us has been officially renewed for Season 3 by Sony and HBO. While no release date has been set yet, production is expected to begin this summer. It’s worth noting, however, that this does not mean a third game in the franchise is in development. Naughty Dog remains focused on its upcoming title, 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 Steam

The first season of the show closely followed the events of the original game, with some creative adjustments. Season 2 dives into the world of The Last of Us Part 2, a narrative that will unfold across two seasons of the series.

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 games have received remastered editions, with The Last of Us Part 2 recently launching on PC. A new “Complete Edition” featuring both titles is also in the works, with a physical version scheduled for release this summer. In celebration of the series, Sony has also launched a special edition DualSense controller inspired by The Last of Us.

The Last of Us Season 2 Cast and Crew

Season 2 continues to be guided by the visionary minds behind the original game and series: Neil Druckmann and Craig Mazin (Chernobyl). They are joined by writer Haley Gross, who co-wrote The Last of Us Part 2. Each episode features a unique director, including Mark Mylod (Succession, The Menu), Peter Hoar (It's a Sin, Doctor Who), and Stephen Williams (Lost).

Here’s the main cast returning and joining in Season 2:

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

Some of these names might not ring a bell just yet—that’s because several characters are brand-new to the series. You may want to brush up on which characters are returning and which ones are being introduced in Season 2.