The Last of Us season 2 release date, episode schedule, cast and plot

The first season of The Last of Us made its debut in 2023, delivering a compelling adaptation of the Naughty Dog video game bearing the same title.

Set two decades into a pandemic triggered by a widespread fungal infection that turns humans into zombies, the critically acclaimed series portrays a where civilisation has crumbled and the search for a cure to the Cordyceps infection is ongoing, reports .

At the heart of the story is smuggler Joel Miller (portrayed by Pedro Pascal), tasked with escorting teenager Ellie (Bella Ramsey) out of the quarantine zone and across America.

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The Last of Us was met with immense success and swiftly renewed for a second season - here's everything you need to know about the upcoming instalment.

When will The Last of Us season 2 be released?

The second season of The Last of Us is set to premiere on Sunday, April 13, 2025, on HBO in America and on April 14 on Sky and streaming platform NOW.

The latest season will consist of seven episodes, drawing material from The Last of Us Part II.

Interestingly, the second season is shorter than the first by two episodes, which had nine episodes.

The show will be simulcast on both Sky Atlantic and HBO in the UK and USA simultaneously.

Here is the full episode release schedule:

• Episode 1 - Sunday, April 13
• Episode 2 - Sunday, April 20
• Episode 3 - Sunday, April 27
• Episode 4 - Sunday, May 4
• Episode 5 - Sunday, May 11
• Episode 6 -Sunday, May 18
• Episode 7 - Sunday, May 25

Who is in the cast of The Last of Us season 2?

Game of Thrones and The Mandalorian star Pascal returns to his role as the gruff Joel.

Non-binary actor and fellow Game of Thrones alum Ramsey reprises their role as Ellie.

Gabriel Luna, known for his roles in FUBAR, Agents of S.H.I.E.L. D. and Terminator: Dark Fate, will reprise his role as Joel's brother Tommy.

This year sees some fresh faces joining the cast, including Schitt's Creek and Beetlejuice star Catherine O'Hara, who will portray therapist Gail.

Kaitlyn Dever, recognised from Apple Cider Vinegar, Booksmart and Unbelievable, will take on the role of Abby.

Young Mazino, star of Netflix's Beef, has been cast as Jesse.

Isabela Merced, known for her performances in 100 Things to Do Before High School, Madame Webb, Instant Family, and Transformers: The Last Knight, will play Dina.

The ensemble cast also includes On My Block's Danny Ramirez as Manny, Ariela Barer from Marvel's Runaways as Mel, Chilling Adventures of Sabrina's Tati Gabrielle as Nora, Heartland's Spencer Lord reprising his role as Owen, and The Hunger Games' Jeffrey Wright as Isaac Dixon, and Hollywood veteran Joe Pantoliano, known for The Sopranos, as Eugene, who is married to counsellor Gail.

Additional casting includes Alanna Ubach as Hanrahan, Ben Ahlers as Burton, Robert John Burke as Seth, Noah Lamanna as Kat, Ellie's ex-partner, and Hettienne Park as Elise Park, a character original to the show.

Season two may also feature guest stars, much like the first season, which saw Nick Offerman and Murray Bartlett delivering memorable performances.

What will unfold in The Last of Us season 2?

Season two of the hit show draws inspiration from the sequel game The Last of Us Part II, and it's a whopper – the storyline’s a hefty double of what fans chewed through in the first game.

Fast forward five years after the nail-biting climax of season one, and we're heading back into the fray with Joel and Ellie. But the sands have shifted – their once rock-solid bond has changed, bracing them for turbulent times ahead.

And if you thought things couldn't get more intense, hold onto your hats because the world around them is ramping up the peril, still without any remedy in sight for that nasty infection.

So, are we going to get another dose of The Last of Us?

Absolutely! HBO gave fans an early treat by confirming another series ahead of the second season debut.

The big question now: Is this the final chapter, or can we hold out hope for more?

Showrunners Neil Druckmann and Craig Mazin once hinted at a four-season storyline, so fingers crossed.

Fans worried that the seven-episode count in season two might shortchange the plot can breathe a little easier now that renewal is official.

As Kirkman bids adieu, Orsi pays homage to the show's formidable success: "It can't be overemphasised how proud HBO is for the outstanding achievement we believe the second season of The Last of Us is.

"Craig, Neil, [executive producer] Carolyn [Strauss] 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."

The Last of Us season 2 premieres on HBO in the USA on Sunday, April 13 and on Sky and NOW in the UK on Monday, April 14