The Last of Us Season 2: Release Date and Where to Watch

As one HBO primetime show concludes (goodbye, The White Lotus), another must rise to fill its slot. Two years following its debut on Max, the video game adaptation featuring Pedro Pascal and Bella Ramsey is back for a second season.

Both the original game and the show's first season conclude on a cliffhanger that has significant repercussions. For those who have already played The Last of Us Part II, the anticipation for the on-screen adaptation is likely mixed with a degree of apprehension. In IGN's review of Season 2, Simon Cardy notes that adapting the game's complex, twisting narrative for television was "always going to be a challenge," which explains why the story will extend into a third season.

If you're planning to watch the Season 2 premiere or need to revisit Season 1, find all the essential details below.

How to Watch The Last of Us Season 2

The Last of Us

Stream it on Max

The Last of Us Season 2 premieres on Max on Sunday, April 13, 2025. Basic Max subscriptions begin at $9.99 per month and can be bundled with Hulu and Disney+.

Season 2 Episode Release Schedule

Season 2 will consist of seven episodes, two fewer than the first season. New episodes will be released on Max every Sunday at 9 PM EST/6 PM PST. The complete release schedule is as follows:

- 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 Season 1

The entire first season is available for streaming on Max. Individual episodes can also be rented or purchased via Prime Video. HBO has also released a limited edition 4K steelbook of Season 1:

The Last of Us: The Complete First Season (4K UHD)

Limited-edition collectible steelbook.$50.55 save 19%$40.79 at Amazon

The Last of Us Season 3 Is Officially Confirmed

Sony and HBO have officially renewed The Last of Us for a third season. While a premiere date has not been announced, production is scheduled to begin this summer. The studio has clarified that this renewal does not imply a third video game is in development. Currently, Naughty Dog is reportedly focused on its next project, Intergalactic: The Heretic Prophet.

Adapting The Last of Us Part II

The Last of Us Part II Remastered

Available at PlayStation DirectAvailable on Steam

The show's first season adapted the entire first game, taking some creative liberties. Season 2 begins the adaptation of the sequel's storyline, which will be split across the next two seasons.

Both Naughty Dog games have been remastered, with the latest version of Part II just released on PC. True to form, Naughty Dog has announced a new "Complete" edition bundling both games, with a physical release slated for this summer. Sony has also released a special edition DualSense controller themed around the series.

The Last of Us Season 2 Cast and Crew

The second season is spearheaded by the original game's creator, Neil Druckmann, and Craig Mazin (Chernobyl), who serve as writers alongside Haley Gross, a co-writer of The Last of Us Part II game. Different directors helm each episode, including Mark Mylod (Succession, The Menu), Peter Hoar (It's a Sin, Daredevil), and Stephen Williams (Lost).

Here is the main cast for the new season of The Last of Us:

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 Kat

It's normal if some names are unfamiliar, as several new characters are being introduced this season. For a detailed breakdown of returning and new characters, consult our full guide.