‘The Last of Us’ Season 2 premieres with a bang, streaming now on Max and already renewed for season 3
It’s official — the cordyceps are back, the stakes are higher and emotions are already running wild. HBO’s critically acclaimed original series, “The Last of Us,” has returned with its highly anticipated season 2, and Episode 1 is now streaming exclusively on Max.
The new season — which premiered just a few hours ago (or on Sunday, April 13 at 9:00 p.m. ET/PT to be precise) — kicks off a seven-episode journey that promises even more heartache, horror and humanity than its Emmy-winning first chapter. And judging by early reactions and buzz on social media (including several enthusiastic posts from the show’s official X account), the show is already off to a blazing start.
You can’t stop this.
Season 2 of #TheLastOfUs premieres tonight on @StreamOnMax. pic.twitter.com/dYAE9DqmhH
— The Last of Us (@TheLastofUsHBO) April 13, 2025
i didn’t think i could love dina and ellie any more than i already do but bella and isabela knocked this episode out of the park. gonna be a sap for a second but it really means a lot to see gay girls so unapologetically front and center in a genre show, especially right now :’) https://t.co/Z23q2fTggc
— zoë rose bryant (@zoerosebryant) April 14, 2025
A New Chapter, a Deeper Conflict
Set five years after the events of Season 1, the story dives deeper into the emotional complexities of Joel and Ellie’s relationship. As the two navigate a world that’s somehow even more dangerous than before, personal tensions rise — and so does the body count. This season’s logline teases a world where not only survival, but trust, is at stake.
Star Power, New Faces and a Packed Cast
Returning fan-favorites Pedro Pascal (Joel) and Bella Ramsey (Ellie) are in top form, delivering powerhouse performances in the premiere. But the excitement doesn’t stop there. New cast additions Kaitlyn Dever (Abby), Isabela Merced (Dina), and Young Mazino (Jesse) are already making waves for their impactful introductions.
Also joining the ensemble this season are Ariela Barer, Tati Gabrielle, Spencer Lord, Danny Ramirez and Jeffrey Wright, with the ever-iconic Catherine O’Hara guest-starring.
Critical Praise Rolls In
Even with only one episode out, Season 2 is already raking in glowing praise. Critics are calling it “gorgeous & harrowing” (Variety), “brilliant & beautiful” (IndieWire), and “television at its peak” (Empire). Collider has even gone so far as to call it “one of 2025’s best seasons of TV.”
The acting has been dubbed “impeccable” by USA Today, while The Hollywood Reporter is celebrating the season’s “jaw-dropping action.”
High Hopes and Heartfelt Words from the Team
With the premiere out in the world, the creators and executives behind the series shared their excitement and gratitude.
Francesca Orsi, Executive Vice President, HBO Programming, said, “It can’t be overemphasized how proud HBO is for the outstanding achievement we believe the second season of THE LAST OF US is. Craig, Neil, Carolyn and the entire executive producer team, cast and crew have delivered a masterful follow-up and we’re thrilled to carry the power of Craig and Neil’s storytelling into what we know will be an equally moving and extraordinary third season.”
Craig Mazin, co-creator and showrunner, echoed the sentiment, “We approached season two with the goal of creating something we could be proud of. The end results have exceeded even our most ambitious goals, thanks to our continued collaboration with HBO and the impeccable work of our unparalleled cast and crew. We look forward to continuing the story of THE LAST OF US with season three!”
And Neil Druckmann, who also co-created the original game, added, “To see The Last of Us brought to life so beautifully and faithfully has been a career highlight for me, and I am grateful for the fans’ enthusiastic and overwhelming support. Much of that success is thanks to my partner in crime, Craig Mazin, our partnership with HBO, and our team at PlayStation Productions. On behalf of everyone at Naughty Dog, our cast, and crew, thank you so much for allowing us this opportunity. We’re thrilled to bring you more of THE LAST OF US!”
Season 3 Already Locked In
Here’s the kicker: Even before Season 2 aired, HBO had already renewed “The Last of Us” for a third season, signaling massive confidence in the show’s future. Considering how Season 1 took home Emmys, topped best-of-the-year lists and sparked internet obsession, it’s not hard to see why.
Behind the Scenes
The series is based on the beloved PlayStation game franchise developed by Naughty Dog, and is written and executive produced by Craig Mazin and Neil Druckmann. It’s a co-production with Sony Pictures Television, alongside PlayStation Productions, Word Games, Mighty Mint and Naughty Dog.
Additional executive producers include Carolyn Strauss, Jacqueline Lesko, Cecil O’Connor, Asad Qizilbash, Carter Swan and Evan Wells, with Halley Gross as co-executive producer and writer.
Episode 1 is streaming now, and more chaos, heartbreak, and jaw-dropping moments are surely on the way. Stay tuned, and maybe keep a flashlight handy.
Featured Image Attribution: Photograph by Liane Hentscher/HBO via Warner Bros. Discovery Press Room
