Overview of The Last of Us Air Dates
The Last of Us refers to two main media: the HBO TV series and the PlayStation video game franchise. The TV show premiered on January 15, 2023, and its second season aired in 2025, confirming a renewal for a third season. Game releases span from the original in 2013 to Part II in 2020 and the standalone Left Behind (2014). This overview clarifies which air dates are confirmed, which are rumored, and how to follow new episodes when they are announced.
Television Series Air Dates and Seasons
Season 1 (2023)
The HBO series debuted on January 15, 2023, with the first episode available early on HBO Max and linear broadcast on HBO. The season concluded on March 12, 2023, after eight episodes. Episodes typically aired on Sundays at 9:00 PM ET on HBO in the United States, subject to regional variations.
Season 2 (2025)
Season 2 aired from March 9, 2025, to April 27, 2025, over eight episodes. Filming took place primarily in Alberta, Canada, with some sequences in Calgary and surrounding areas. Production timelines aligned with industry-standard scheduling for an HBO prestige drama, factoring in scripts, pre-production, principal photography, and post-production.
Season 3 Status and Renewal
As of mid-2025, HBO has officially renewed The Last of Us for a third season. Exact filming start dates and a premiere window have not been publicly confirmed. Historically, HBO renewals occur several months after a season’s finale, with production calendars planned 12–18 months in advance. When announced, future season air dates will be communicated through HBO channels and official show announcements.
| Season | First Aired | Last Aired | Episodes | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | January 15, 2023 | March 12, 2023 | 8 | Ended |
| 2 | March 9, 2025 | April 27, 2025 | 8 | Ended |
| 3 | TBD | TBD | TBD | Renewed |
Game Franchise Release History
The Last of Us games are published by Sony Interactive Entertainment for PlayStation platforms. Remastered editions are often included in next-generation console bundles and backward-compatible libraries. Physical releases vary by region, while digital versions are available on PlayStation Store with day-one options where applicable.
Key Game Milestones
- The Last of Us (2013): Original release on PlayStation 3, later remastered for PlayStation 4 and included in The Last of Us Part I (2022) on PlayStation 5.
- The Last of Us Part II (2020): Released July 2020 on PlayStation 4, with a PlayStation 5 enhanced version in 2021.
- Left Behind (2014): A standalone expansion set between key story moments of the original game.
- The Last of Us Part I (2022): A rebuilt version for PS5 with updated graphics and accessibility features.
Where to Watch and How to Stay Updated
In the United States, episodes air on HBO and stream on Max. International viewers can check local HBO partners or streaming platforms that hold regional rights. To avoid missing future season announcements:
- Turn on notifications for the official HBO social channels.
- Bookmark the show’s official HBO page for renewal news and air dates.
- Enable alerts on entertainment news sites that reference confirmed HBO renewals.
Differences Between Game and Show Schedules
Game releases follow a developmental and marketing cadence tied to console cycles, while TV series air dates align with HBO’s programming calendar. By design, timelines rarely overlap directly; the show is an adaptation, not a synchronized release with new game chapters. Expect game launches to remain on predictable holiday or fiscal windows, and show seasons to follow a slower, production-driven schedule.
Common Questions About The Last of Us Air Dates
- When is The Last of Us Season 3? It is confirmed as renewed, but specific dates and episode counts have not been announced.
- Will there be a The Last of Us Season 2.5 or mid-season content? No official announcements have been made; only Season 3 renewal is confirmed.
- Are new games releasing alongside the TV show? Not typically; the show and games follow separate timelines and production cycles.
- Do air dates change after announcement? Yes, production or scheduling shifts can adjust timelines, so it’s best to rely on official HBO confirmations.
Why Exact Game Release Dates Are Unpredictable
Game development depends on scope, platform certification, and global logistics; release windows can shift. Publishers may move dates to avoid content overlaps, manage marketing spend, or optimize hardware launches. For The Last of Us, Sony controls the timing, emphasizing quality and readiness over fixed schedules.
Summary: Key Dates at a Glance
| Media | Date or Period | Event | Source Type |
|---|---|---|---|
| TV Series | January 15, 2023 | Season 1 premiere | Official HBO |
| TV Series | March 9 – April 27, 2025 | Season 2 aired | Official HBO |
| TV Series | Future 2020s | Season 3 confirmed, dates TBD | HBO announcement |
| Game | July 2020 | The Last of Us Part II release | Sony Interactive |
| Game | 2022 | The Last of Us Part I (PS5 rebuild) | Sony Interactive |
Bottom Line
The Last of us air date for the TV show’s next season is not yet set beyond Season 3’s renewal. Expect future dates to be announced via HBO channels. Game releases remain tied to Sony’s PlayStation roadmap and are typically announced separately from the series schedule. Rely on official HBO and Sony channels for the most accurate, up-to-date information.