The wait is over—The Last of Us is back.
HBO’s Emmy-winning post-apocalyptic drama returned on April 13, 2025, with a second season that promises deeper emotional stakes, new characters, and the same gritty storytelling that made the first season a phenomenon. Whether you’re a die-hard fan of the original video game or just diving into the series, here’s everything you need to know about Season 2, including how to watch it.
Recap: What Happened in Season 1?
Season 1 introduced us to Joel (Pedro Pascal), a hardened survivor, and Ellie (Bella Ramsey), a teenage girl immune to the fungal infection that decimated humanity. Tasked with escorting Ellie across a ravaged America, Joel ultimately chose to save her life over sacrificing her for a potential cure, killing the Fireflies, and lying to Ellie about it.
That morally complex decision didn’t just close out the season—it cracked open the emotional fault lines that Season 2 is ready to explore.
Season 2: What’s New?
Set five years after the events of Season 1, Joel and Ellie are now living in Jackson, Wyoming. But things aren’t exactly peaceful.
Their relationship is strained. Ellie, now 19, is more independent and emotionally distant from Joel. As the season unfolds, the show explores the aftermath of Joel’s choices and introduces new characters that expand the world and raise the emotional stakes:
- Abby (Kaitlyn Dever): A fierce and complex new character with her own motivations
- Dina (Isabela Merced): Ellie’s potential love interest
- Jesse (Young Mazino): A loyal friend with ties to both Joel and Ellie
The season digs deeper into themes of grief, revenge, and forgiveness, sticking close to the source material while leaving room for surprises.
Why Fans Are Excited
There’s no sophomore slump here—Season 2 is shaping up to be just as powerful as the first. Here’s why fans are all-in:
- It stays true to the game: The show’s creative team (Craig Mazin and Neil Druckmann) are sticking close to the plot of The Last of Us Part II, which has one of the most emotionally rich stories in gaming history.
- Expanded emotional depth: The show doesn’t shy away from heavy topics like trauma and moral ambiguity, giving characters room to grow—and fall apart.
- Stunning production value: With HBO’s backing, the cinematography, set design, and visual effects continue to elevate the post-apocalyptic world to cinematic levels.
- New characters, new stories: Abby, Dina, and Jesse bring new dynamics that deepen the emotional core and offer fresh perspectives.
How to Watch Season 2
New episodes of The Last of Us Season 2 premiere every Sunday at 9 PM ET/PT on HBO. If you prefer streaming, you can catch it on Max, HBO’s official streaming platform. Subscriptions are available directly through Max or via bundles with services like Hulu, Prime Video, or YouTube TV.
No cable? No problem. Just sign up for Max, and you can stream every episode as it drops—or binge later at your own pace.
Final Thoughts
Season 2 of The Last of Us continues to prove that video game adaptations can be rich, layered, and downright addictive. It’s not just about clickers and survival—it’s about love, loss, and what we’re willing to do for the people we care about.
With powerhouse performances, beautiful writing, and an emotionally brutal story arc, it’s no wonder fans are already calling it one of the best shows of the year. Whether you’re in it for the drama, the lore, or just Pedro Pascal’s grizzled charm, now’s the time to jump back in.
