Max has officially announced that Season 2 of HBO's original drama series The Last Of Us will be available to stream in American Sign Language (ASL) on April 13, 2025. This exciting development will not only make the new season accessible for Deaf audiences but also marks a significant milestone in HBO's commitment to inclusivity in its programming.
In a groundbreaking move, Season 1 of The Last Of Us will also be made available in ASL starting March 31, 2025, ahead of the highly anticipated second season premiere. This updates the streaming options for audiences and delivers the experience in a fully accessible manner.
This initiative marks the first time that HBO's original programming will be offered in ASL on the Max platform, following a trend that has seen Warner Bros. films such as Barbie, Godzilla x Kong: The New Empire, and Beetlejuice released with ASL options. Naomi Waibel, the Senior Vice President of Global Product Management at Warner Bros. Discovery (WBD), shared her enthusiasm for the project. “We are thrilled to expand our ASL programme and debut our first HBO Original series in ASL with The Last Of Us,” she said. “This debut brings the show to life in an authentic and fully accessible way for Deaf audiences and is another meaningful step towards our goal of offering an inclusive streaming experience.”
The ASL performances of The Last Of Us will be delivered by talented interpreters Daniel Durant and Leila Hanaumi, who are dedicated to ensuring that the show is portrayed accurately and engagingly for Deaf viewers. Their involvement indicates a strong belief in representation - bringing both authentic storytelling and accessibility together.
Furthermore, the Max platform will enhance the viewing experience by providing features such as audio descriptions, closed captions, screen reader compatibility, magnification, and colour contrast adjustments. All these features are designed to create a more inclusive environment and allow everyone, regardless of ability, to enjoy the content seamlessly.
The introduction of ASL streaming for The Last Of Us comes as part of a larger movement within the entertainment industry to cater to diverse audiences. This effort aims to ensure that people with hearing impairments enjoy the same content as their hearing counterparts without facing barriers.
As release dates approach for these ASL options, anticipation builds among both Deaf and hearing audiences alike. The commitment to accessibility cannot be overlooked, as it reflects a more expansive understanding of media consumption in today’s diverse society.
HBO’s The Last Of Us, which is adapted from the popular video game of the same name, has received critical acclaim for its storytelling, character development, and portrayal of themes related to resilience and human connection. By integrating ASL into the series, the network is not only catering to a previously underserved audience but also enriching the narrative through a more expansive cultural lens.
With this debut, Max is setting a precedent in streaming services by prioritizing accessibility as a fundamental aspect of their content. As viewers tune in, it will be a chance not just to engage with the story, but also to celebrate the rich tapestry of communication through ASL.
The February announcement from Max has generated positive feedback from advocates for the Deaf community, highlighting a significant step towards a more inclusive industry. Many hope this initiative encourages other networks to follow suit, tapping into the growing demand for better representation and accessibility in media.
As the industry shifts towards inclusivity, The Last Of Us represents not just a show, but a movement towards embracing all forms of communication and narrative, thereby setting an example for others to follow.
Consumers will be able to experience both seasons with the ASL option as part of their Max subscription, underscoring the platform's dedication to offering significant and varied content. This development reaffirms the belief that everyone deserves to be represented and included in the media they consume.
