After a two-year wait, HBO’s acclaimed post-apocalyptic drama The Last of Us finally returns for Season 2 this Sunday, April 13 at 9 p.m. ET. Fans will once again follow the journey of Joel and Ellie — portrayed by Pedro Pascal and Bella Ramsey — as the story jumps forward five years into a darker, more emotionally complex chapter.
If you’re ready to return to the world of Cordyceps-infected chaos, here’s how to watch Season 2, what to remember from Season 1, and a sneak peek at what’s coming next.
📺 Where to Watch ‘The Last of Us’ Season 2
You can watch The Last of Us Season 2 on:
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HBO (for cable subscribers)
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Max (formerly HBO Max) – streaming begins at 9 p.m. ET on Sunday, April 13
Max Subscription Plans
Ad-supported: Starts at $10/month
Ad-free and premium tiers available
No direct free trial on Max, but a free trial is available via Amazon Prime Video Channels
❓How to Watch ‘The Last of Us’ Without Cable
If you’ve cut the cord, don’t worry — you still have options:
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Stream on Max via the Max app or website
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Sign up through Amazon Prime Video Channels for a free trial
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Use platforms like Hulu with HBO add-on or YouTube TV if you prefer live TV streaming bundles
🧠 What to Remember from Season 1
Need a refresher before diving into Season 2? Here are the key takeaways:
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Joel and Ellie’s bond grew stronger as they crossed a brutal, infected-filled America.
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The season ended with a dramatic and morally complex finale: Joel rescues Ellie from the Fireflies, preventing her from being used to develop a cure — a choice he hides from her.
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Themes of survival, sacrifice, and trust set the stage for a darker, more emotionally intense Season 2.
🌟 What’s New in Season 2 of The Last of Us?
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Time Jump: Season 2 takes place five years after the events of Season 1.
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New Faces:
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Kaitlyn Dever joins as Abby, a key character from the video game sequel.
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Isabela Merced plays Dina, Ellie’s potential love interest.
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Catherine O’Hara appears as Joel’s therapist — and judging from the trailer, he’ll need one.
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Expect heavier themes, moral ambiguity, and some shocking plot developments that closely mirror the game’s sequel, The Last of Us Part II.
🕹️ Will There Be a Season 3 of The Last of Us?
While HBO hasn’t confirmed a premiere date, Season 3 is already in development, according to showrunners. The creators hinted that the story from the second video game will be expanded across multiple seasons.
🎮 Get Ready for an Emotional Ride
The Last of Us Season 2 promises to be an intense continuation of one of TV’s most powerful stories. Whether you’re watching for the gripping performances, emotional depth, or loyal adaptation of the beloved video game — make sure you’re tuned in when it premieres.
