Fans of The Last of Us finally have a reason to celebrate: the highly anticipated second season of the acclaimed series premiered today, April 13, 2025, exclusively on HBO Max. Based on the iconic game by Naughty Dog, the show has captivated millions of viewers worldwide with its emotional storytelling, complex characters, and a post-apocalyptic setting that blends tension with deep emotional resonance.
The first episode of the new season, titled "Future Days," runs for an hour and is set to be a thrilling continuation of the journey of Joel and Ellie, played by Pedro Pascal and Bella Ramsey, respectively. The premiere episode is available for streaming immediately after its television broadcast at 10 PM (Brasilia time), with new episodes scheduled to release weekly on Sundays at the same time.
This season consists of seven episodes, which is two episodes shorter than the first season, and follows a weekly release strategy typical of HBO productions. The complete schedule for the second season is as follows:
- Episode 1 – April 13
- Episode 2 – April 20
- Episode 3 – April 27
- Episode 4 – May 4
- Episode 5 – May 11
- Episode 6 – May 18
- Episode 7 – May 25
As the series delves deeper into the narrative, it explores themes such as trauma, resilience, and the consequences of choices made by the characters. The creators, Neil Druckmann and Craig Mazin, have revealed that this season will adapt only a portion of the second game in the franchise, which will be developed over multiple seasons to respect the pacing of the story and to explore its characters in depth.
New characters will be introduced this season, including Abby, played by Kaitlyn Dever, who is described as a soldier seeking revenge for her loved ones. Other significant characters include Dina, portrayed by Isabela Merced, who becomes Ellie’s love interest, and Jesse, played by Young Mazino, who shares a past with Dina. This expansion of the cast promises to bring fresh dynamics and conflicts to the story.
In addition to the main cast, several new actors have joined the ensemble, including Catherine O'Hara, Danny Ramirez, Taty Gabrielle, Ariela Barer, and Spencer Lord, each portraying pivotal characters that will influence the narrative arc throughout the season. Jeffrey Wright will reprise his role as Isaac, a character he originally voiced in the game.
The first episode is set five years after the events of the last episode of the first season, with Joel and Ellie living in relative peace. However, the past soon catches up with them, forcing both characters to confront painful truths and new dangers. The narrative is expected to be marked by themes of revenge, trauma, redemption, and the moral limits of survival in a devastated world.
Fans can expect the same high production quality that defined the first season, which received 24 Emmy nominations and won eight awards. The chemistry between the actors, combined with the depth of the dialogues, ensures a unique cinematic experience. For those who followed the first season, this continuation is almost mandatory; for newcomers, it’s an excellent opportunity to immerse themselves in one of the biggest pop culture phenomena of recent years.
As the series continues to prove why it is one of the most talked-about shows today, viewers are reminded to access HBO Max at 10 PM (Brasilia time) to catch all the action from the premiere. For those who prefer to binge-watch, the entire season will be available once all episodes have aired.
In summary, The Last of Us Season 2 is set to deliver an intense and emotional narrative that resonates deeply with its audience. The introduction of new characters and the exploration of complex themes promise to keep viewers engaged and eager for each new episode. As the journey of Joel and Ellie unfolds, fans can look forward to a rich tapestry of storytelling that continues to push the boundaries of television drama.
