The Last of Us is officially coming back for a third season. HBO made the announcement ahead of the season two premiere, which airs Sunday, April 13 at 9 p.m. ET/PT. The series is also available to stream on Max.
It can’t be for nothing. Season 3 is coming. #TheLastOfUs pic.twitter.com/q5HxyvK9O6
— Max (@StreamOnMax) April 9, 2025
What to Expect in Season 2
The second season picks up five years after the events of season one. Joel and Ellie now face new personal conflicts and a world that’s become even more dangerous and unpredictable.
Pedro Pascal and Bella Ramsey return as Joel and Ellie. Gabriel Luna (Tommy) and Rutina Wesley (Maria) are also back. New cast members include Kaitlyn Dever as Abby, Isabela Merced as Dina, Young Mazino as Jesse, Ariela Barer as Mel, Tati Gabrielle as Nora, Spencer Lord as Owen, Danny Ramirez as Manny, Jeffrey Wright as Isaac, and Catherine O’Hara in a guest role.
The Team Behind the Series
The show remains in the hands of creators Craig Mazin and Neil Druckmann. Both return as writers, executive producers, and directors.
Francesca Orsi, Executive Vice President, HBO Programming, Head of HBO Drama Series and Films, 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, creator, executive producer, writer, and director, said: “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!”
Neil Druckmann, creator, executive producer, writer, and director, said: “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 2 Is Already Getting Buzz
Even before its premiere, the new season is receiving strong early praise on Rotten Tomatoes with a current 96% score.
Variety called it “gorgeous & harrowing,” IndieWire called it “brilliant & beautiful,” and Empire labeled it “television at its peak.”
The first reviews are in for #TheLastOfUs Season 2 – currently it's Fresh at 92% on the Tomatometer, with 25 reviews:https://t.co/KwBPnoGJI6 pic.twitter.com/JFx2RCrZYw
— Rotten Tomatoes (@RottenTomatoes) April 7, 2025
Production Details
The Last of Us is based on the PlayStation game developed by Naughty Dog. It’s written and executive produced by Craig Mazin and Neil Druckmann and co-produced with Sony Pictures Television. Other producers include Carolyn Strauss, Jacqueline Lesko, Cecil O’Connor, Asad Qizilbash, Carter Swan, and Evan Wells.
Production companies involved include PlayStation Productions, Word Games, Mighty Mint, and Naughty Dog.
Season two premieres April 13. Season three is now officially on the way.
