Pedro Pascal Finally Returns to the Apocalypse. Here's When to Watch 'The Last of Us' Season 2

• Pedro Pascal Finally Returns to the Apocalypse. Here's When to Watch 'The Last of Us' Season 2
• When you can watch The Last of Us Season 2

Pedro Pascal returns to The Last of Us as Joel Miller in Season 2 of the hit video game series.

Screenshot by Aaron Pruner/CNET

After roughly two years, it's time to return to the post-apocalyptic maw of The Last of Us. Season 2 is finally here -- and thankfully so. The video game adaptation won over fans in its first season, and the second seven-episode installment looks set to do the same.

Instead of kicking off where the first season ended, The Last of Us will jump ahead five years to see how -- and if -- Joel (Pedro Pascal) and Ellie's (Bella Ramsey) relationship has weathered the proverbial storm. A lot can change in half a decade, but curing the Cordyceps virus isn't one of them. In fact, the infection has only spread further, making America's landscape even deadlier.

Video game fans should take note: This new season of The Last of Us will not recreate the original subject matter beat-by-beat. Writer, director and executive producer Neil Druckmann discussed the reasons for this creative choice during a virtual press conference for the series, which CNET attended. 

Empathy is the first reason -- building an emotional connection with certain characters and their storylines required altering the narrative structure to create stakes for the audience. That connection comes more naturally when you're stepping into a character's shoes while playing the game.

Timing is the other reason. "If we were to stick to a very similar timeline, viewers would have to wait a very, very long time to get that context," Druckmann said. Context is key, and, by all accounts, this strategy is working. Season 1 broke viewership ratings, and, just days before the Season 2 premiere, HBO renewed The Last of Us for a third season.

Gabriel Luna, Kaitlyn Dever, Isabela Merced, Young Mazino, Catherine O'Hara and Rutina Wesley also star in the series. Read on to learn when to stream and the episode release schedule for The Last of Us Season 2.

Read more: Max Streaming Service Review: Loads of Content, but You Have to Make It Fit You

Screenshot by Aaron Pruner/CNET

When you can watch The Last of Us Season 2

The Last of Us Season 2's premiere episode, Future Days, will air on Sunday, April 13, at 9 p.m. ET on HBO and Max. The remaining six episodes of the season will air weekly on Sundays until the finale, which will air on May 25. 

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If you want to keep up with all the drama in The Last of Us and don't have HBO, a subscription to Max is necessary. There are two plan options to choose from: the ad-supported tier for $10 a month and the ad-free one for $17 per month. If you're looking to upgrade to 4K picture quality, the Ultimate plan is available for $21 per month.

Additionally, a megabundle that includes Hulu, Disney+, and Max is available. The ad-supported version costs $17 a month, while the ad-free version is $30 a month.