The Last of Us A Story Worth Watching, No Matter the Genre
Anticipation for Season 2 of The Last of Us is sky-high, with the premiere set for April 13, 2025, on HBO and Max. This new chapter picks up five years after the events of Season 1, continuing the journey of Joel (Pedro Pascal) and Ellie (Bella Ramsey) while introducing new characters such as Abby (Kaitlyn Dever), Dina (Isabela Merced), and Jesse (Young Mazino). With promises of more intense action and emotionally rich character arcs, the series remains closely tied to its acclaimed video game roots. But for me, the real strength lies elsewhere.
Looking back on Season 1, Episode 3, “Long, Long Time” stands out for all the right reasons. It was a tender, powerful story of love between Bill (Nick Offerman) and Frank (Murray Bartlett). It earned widespread critical acclaim and was even ranked among the best episodes of TV in recent years. The performances were stunning. The writing was brave and heartfelt. The episode was a clear high point in what was already an excellent season.
At the time of writing, Season 2 arrives tomorrow, and I genuinely can’t wait. The Last of Us is one of the most brilliant game-to-drama adaptations out there. It got me thinking about why. For me, it’s simple. Great drama works because of strong writing, strong characters and stories that feel real. It doesn’t matter if it’s set on a spaceship, in a village, or in the middle of a zombie apocalypse. At its heart, drama is about people. About love, fear, hope and heartbreak.
I’ve never liked zombie movies. They always seemed to be full of over-the-top violence and ideas I couldn’t buy into. But The Walking Dead changed that for me. It showed that if the writing is good enough, and the characters are believable, the setting doesn’t matter. The Last of Us does the same. Episode 3 was a brilliant exploration of love in dark times. Honest and moving.
These shows are stories of our time. They hold up a mirror to the world around us in 2025. So if this isn’t normally your thing, give it a go anyway. Watch with an open mind. You might just find something real in the most unexpected place.
Synopsis
Set five years after the events of Season 1, The Last of Us Season 2 continues to follow Joel and Ellie as they navigate the complexities of a post-apocalyptic world ravaged by a fungal infection. Their relationship becomes increasingly strained due to past actions and secrets, leading them into new conflicts and alliances. The season delves into themes of trauma, revenge, and the enduring human spirit.
Original Channel & Premiere Date
- U.S. Premiere: April 13, 2025, on HBO and Max.
- U.K. Premiere: April 14, 2025, on Sky Atlantic and NOW.
Key Creatives
- Creators: Craig Mazin and Neil Druckmann.
- Directors: Craig Mazin, Neil Druckmann, Peter Hoar, Kate Herron, Nina Lopez-Corrado, Mark Mylod, Stephen Williams.
- Production Companies: Mighty Mint, Word Games, Naughty Dog, Sony Pictures Television Studios.
Cast
- Pedro Pascal as Joel Notable works: Game of Thrones, The Mandalorian.
- Bella Ramsey as Ellie Notable works: Game of Thrones, Hilda.
- Kaitlyn Dever as Abby Notable works: Booksmart, Unbelievable.
- Gabriel Luna as Tommy Notable works: Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D., Terminator: Dark Fate.
- Isabela Merced as Dina Notable works: Dora and the Lost City of Gold, Instant Family.
Next Episode Info
- Season 2 Premiere: April 13, 2025, at 9 PM ET/PT on HBO and Max.
- U.K. Release: April 14, 2025, at 2 AM BST on Sky Atlantic and NOW.
- Release Schedule: Episodes will air weekly on Sundays in the U.S. and Mondays in the U.K.
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