As one HBO primetime show concludes, with a fond farewell to The White Lotus, another must rise to claim its coveted spot. Two years following the debut of The Last of Us on Max, the critically acclaimed video game adaptation, starring Pedro Pascal and Bella Ramsey, is set to return for a highly anticipated second season.

Both the game and the first season of the show culminate in a cliffhanger that sets the stage for significant developments. Fans familiar with The Last of Us Part 2, like myself, are experiencing a mix of excitement and apprehension about what's to come on screen. Simon Cardy, in IGN's review of Season 2, notes the inherent challenges in adapting The Last of Us Part 2's expansive and intricate narrative into a television format. Consequently, the story will unfold over a third season as well.

Whether you're gearing up for the premiere of The Last of Us Season 2 or need to catch up on Season 1, here are all the essential details you need to know.

### 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 feature seven episodes, a reduction of two episodes from Season 1. 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

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. For collectors, 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 Season 3. While there's no official release date yet, production is slated to begin this summer. It's important to note that this does not signify the development of a third Last of Us game. Naughty Dog is currently focused 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 entire first game, with some creative liberties taken. Season 2 delves into the narratives of The Last of Us Part 2, which will be spread across 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 recently released on PC. Additionally, Naughty Dog has announced a "Complete" edition of both games, set for a physical release this summer. To celebrate the series, Sony has also launched a special edition DualSense controller.

The Last of Us Season 2 Cast and Crew

Leading The Last of Us Season 2 are the original game's creator, Neil Druckmann, and Craig Mazin (Chernobyl), who both serve as writers along with Haley Gross, co-writer of The Last of Us Part 2 game. Each episode will have its own director, featuring talents 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 principal cast returning 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 characters in the new season are entirely new to the series, so don't be surprised if you encounter unfamiliar faces. For a comprehensive look at the new and returning characters, check out our detailed breakdown.