The Last of Us Season 2: How Many Episodes Today?
The highly anticipated second season of The Last of Us is creating waves across streaming platforms and fan communities. As one of HBO’s most successful series adaptations, fans have been eagerly awaiting updates on Season 2—including the number of episodes it will feature and when they will be released. With the success of Season 1 and the complexity of the source material (The Last of Us Part II video game), the question on everyone's mind is: how many episodes will Season 2 have, and how many are airing today?
The Last of Us: A Quick Recap
Before diving into Season 2, it's worth recapping why The Last of Us has gained such a massive following. Based on the award-winning video game franchise developed by Naughty Dog, the show follows Joel and Ellie as they navigate a post-apocalyptic world ravaged by a fungal infection. Season 1 captured the emotional and gritty essence of the game’s first installment, ending with a cliffhanger that left viewers wanting more.
How Many Episodes in The Last of Us Season 2?
Season 2 Episode Count Confirmed by HBO
As of today, HBO has officially confirmed that The Last of Us Season 2 will consist of 7 episodes. This is fewer than the 9 episodes in Season 1, but there's a reason behind the shorter season. According to showrunners Craig Mazin and Neil Druckmann, the second season will be split across two parts due to the length and complexity of The Last of Us Part II video game.
Here's a quick breakdown:
| Season | Number of Episodes | Release Year | Part of the Game Covered |
|---|---|---|---|
| Season 1 | 9 | 2023 | The Last of Us Part I |
| Season 2 | 7 (Confirmed) | 2025 | Beginning of Part II |
| Season 3 | TBD | TBD | Continuation of Part II |
How Many Episodes Are Available Today?
As of May 26, 2025, only the first episode of The Last of Us Season 2 has been released. HBO is following a weekly release schedule, just like in the first season. Each episode airs on Sunday nights at 9 PM EST on HBO and HBO Max.
Upcoming Release Schedule
Here's what the release schedule looks like (subject to change):
| Episode | Title (TBA) | Release Date |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | TBA | May 26, 2025 |
| 2 | TBA | June 2, 2025 |
| 3 | TBA | June 9, 2025 |
| 4 | TBA | June 16, 2025 |
| 5 | TBA | June 23, 2025 |
| 6 | TBA | June 30, 2025 |
| 7 | Finale (TBA) | July 7, 2025 |
Why Only 7 Episodes?
Fans may be surprised by the shorter episode count, but there are valid reasons behind this decision:
Reasons for Fewer Episodes:
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Narrative Density: The Last of Us Part II features two intertwining storylines, making it too complex to condense into one season.
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Production Scale: Each episode has a cinematic scope and requires extensive resources, locations, and visual effects.
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Strategic Planning: The creators want to ensure that each narrative arc gets the attention and depth it deserves, which might mean a more spread-out release across multiple seasons.
What to Expect from Season 2
Season 2 will introduce new characters, darker themes, and even more emotionally charged storytelling. Here's what fans can look forward to:
Major Developments in Season 2
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Introduction of Abby, a key character from the second game.
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Exploration of Ellie’s identity, relationships, and growth.
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Brutal action sequences and major plot twists.
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Flashbacks and multiple timelines to deepen the story.
In Summary
If you're wondering how many episodes The Last of Us Season 2 has today, the answer is just one—but it’s only the beginning of what promises to be another gripping season.
Quick Recap in List Format
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Total Episodes in Season 2: 7
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Episode 1 Release: May 26, 2025
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Weekly episodes every Sunday
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Based on The Last of Us Part II
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Season 2 will continue in Season 3
