The Last of Us Season 2: Cast, Episodes, and More Revealed
Dive into The Last of Us Season 2 with details on cast, episodes, and premiere. Pedro Pascal and Bella Ramsey return in HBO's hit show, airing April 13.
Fans of The Last of Us, it’s finally here. Season 2 of HBO’s gripping adaptation of the hit video game kicks off tonight, April 13, 2025, and the buzz is electric. From familiar faces to new characters and a tighter episode count, there’s a lot to unpack. Let’s dive into what’s got everyone talking.
The Premiere and Where to Watch
Mark your calendars: The Last of Us Season 2 episode 1 airs tonight at 9 PM ET on HBO and streams on Max. If you’re wondering where to catch it, HBO’s cable channel or a Max subscription has you covered. For those in the UK, check Sky Atlantic or Now TV. It’s been two years since Season 1, so expect social media to light up as soon as the credits roll.
Returning Stars and New Faces
Pedro Pascal is back as Joel, the gruff survivor we’ve all come to love, and Bella Ramsey returns as Ellie, the tough-as-nails teen with a sharp wit. Their chemistry carried Season 1, and early reviews say they’re just as compelling this time around. But the cast is growing. Kaitlyn Dever joins as Abby, a character from The Last of Us Part II who’s already sparking debate among fans. Isabela Merced plays Dina, Ellie’s love interest, bringing a fresh dynamic to the story. Young Mazino as Jesse, Danny Ramirez as Manny, and Jeffrey Wright as Isaac round out the new additions, with Catherine O’Hara in a mysterious role that’s got everyone guessing.
Gabriel Luna and Rutina Wesley also return as Tommy and Maria, grounding the Jackson community scenes. With such a stacked lineup, the show’s poised to explore new tensions while staying true to its roots.
What’s the Story This Time?
Season 2 picks up five years after the events of Season 1. If you need a refresher, Joel’s big lie to Ellie about the Fireflies set the stage for some heavy fallout. The show draws from The Last of Us Part II, but showrunner Craig Mazin has hinted at tweaks to keep things fresh, even for game fans. Expect more infected, including creepy new types like stalkers, and deeper dives into Ellie’s growth and struggles. Abby’s arc will shake things up, but I won’t spoil how. Let’s just say it’s intense.
Unlike Season 1’s nine episodes, Season 2 has seven, a choice Mazin says sets up a bigger third season. Each episode promises to pack a punch, with early buzz calling episode 1 a heart-pounding start. Critics are already raving about one episode in particular, some saying it’s among the best TV of the year. Fewer episodes mean tighter storytelling, so don’t expect filler.
The hype started building months ago when the trailer dropped, racking up 158 million views in three days, a record for HBO. Fans on X can’t stop talking about Ellie’s journey, Abby’s divisive role, and whether Ramsey’s performance will sell Ellie’s older vibe. Pedro Pascal’s charm isn’t hurting either. With Season 3 already greenlit, the show’s clearly got legs, but all eyes are on tonight’s premiere to see if it lives up to the first season’s Emmy-winning legacy.
If you’re as pumped as I am, grab your snacks and settle in. The Last of Us Season 2 is about to take us back to its haunting, human world. What are you most excited for? Sound off below.
