The Last of Us Season 2 Kicks Off With 'Future Days'—Release Date, Time, and Where to Watch

'Future Days': The Return to Jackson, Wyoming

Fans of The Last of Us finally got their long-awaited answer when Season 2 dropped its first episode, 'Future Days', on April 13, 2025. Aired simultaneously on HBO and Max at 9 PM ET/PT, the premiere wasted no time dropping viewers back into the lives of Joel (Pedro Pascal) and Ellie (Bella Ramsey), now five years removed from the harrowing events of Season 1. The show uses the rustic, snow-covered town of Jackson, Wyoming—not just as a backdrop, but as a living, breathing part of its new story arc. Tommy (Gabriel Luna), one of Season 1's familiar faces, brings a sense of continuity to this otherwise tense period in Joel and Ellie's lives.

This season doesn’t just revisit old wounds. It expands, with Ellie’s inner circle growing to include Dina (Isabela Merced) and Jesse (Young Mazino). Both instantly make their presence felt, with storylines that tease at complicated friendships and budding tensions. The town itself was built from the ground up for the show in Britannia Beach, British Columbia—a detail that adds a layer of authenticity rarely seen in modern TV adaptations.

Behind the Camera and On the Screen: New Faces and Bold Choices

Series co-creator Craig Mazin didn’t just write and direct the season opener—he set the tone for what could be TV’s most ambitious game adaptation yet. While 'Future Days' leans on established fan favorites, it boldly introduces Abby (Kaitlyn Dever) and Gail (Catherine O’Hara). Their arrival tweaks the familiar arc from the beloved video game, focusing less on strict recreation and more on letting characters breathe in their own space.

Catherine O’Hara’s appearance especially stands out. Viewers and critics alike called her role a surprise highlight, with her presence adding another dimension to what's already a charged ensemble. Pascal and Ramsey prove again why they carry the series so effortlessly, layering their performances with both warmth and chilling distance as their characters struggle with trust and the weight of old decisions.

The new episode also brought in some impressive numbers. Over 5.3 million tuned in across platforms on premiere night, a clear sign that the show’s mix of drama and tension still packs a punch. The story is set to unravel week by week, with new episodes dropping Sundays. Meanwhile, viewers in the UK and Australia didn’t have to wait long—their first look landed on April 14, just a day after the U.S. release.

No matter where you’re tuning in from, Season 2 of The Last of Us is shaping up to be just as visually stunning and emotionally intense. And with more fresh faces shaking up the original formula, longtime fans and newcomers alike have plenty to talk about between episodes.