The wait is over for fans of The Last of Us, as the highly anticipated second season is set to premiere on April 13, 2025, at 9:00 PM ET/PT on HBO. Cord-cutters can also catch the new episodes on Max, HBO’s streaming service, as they will be available simultaneously.
The Journey Continues Picking up roughly five years after the events of season one, the new season takes viewers deeper into the storyline of The Last of Us Part II, the critically acclaimed video game. Joel (Pedro Pascal) and Ellie (Bella Ramsey) have found a semblance of peace in Jackson, Wyoming, a community that seems safe from the infected. But their past actions, combined with the constant threat of the hostile world around them, will soon disrupt this fragile tranquility. Their journey in season two will test them in ways even more intense and morally complex than before.
A Shorter, But Powerful Season This season will consist of seven episodes, shorter than its predecessor, and will release weekly on Sundays, starting with the premiere on April 13. The season will conclude on May 25, 2025.
Here’s the release schedule for season two:
- Season 2, Episode 1, “Future Days”: April 13, 2025
- Season 2, Episode 2: April 20, 2025
- Season 2, Episode 3: April 27, 2025
- Season 2, Episode 4: May 4, 2025
- Season 2, Episode 5: May 11, 2025
- Season 2, Episode 6: May 18, 2025
- Season 2, Episode 7: May 25, 2025
New Faces and Familiar Struggles The second season introduces key characters from The Last of Us Part II game, including Abby, played by Kaitlyn Dever, as well as Dina (Isabela Merced), Ellie’s close friend and romantic interest, and Jesse, portrayed by Young Mazino, a loyal community member. These new characters are expected to add depth and complexity to the story, providing fresh dynamics and perspectives in the post-apocalyptic world.
A Darker, More Intense Path While staying true to the heart of the game, showrunners have hinted that some deviations and new story elements will be added to better fit the television format. Early reviews suggest that this season will be even darker and more emotionally intense than before. Creator Craig Mazin has even compared it to The Empire Strikes Back, hinting that season two will take viewers down a more challenging, emotionally charged road. Fans can expect a gripping continuation of Joel and Ellie’s journey, one that promises to push them—and the audience—into even more difficult and morally ambiguous territory.
