First look: New Seasons of HBO’s ‘The Last of Us’ and ‘The White Lotus’

The Last Of Us, PopViewers.com, Pedro Pascal
"The Last Of Us", Credit: HBO

In an electrifying teaser before the season finale of “House of the Dragon,” HBO gave fans a thrilling sneak peek into its 2024 and 2025 must-watch series set to air on Max. The preview not only promised more of our favorite shows but also introduced a bunch of exciting new stories set to captivate audiences everywhere.

Credit: Max

“The Last of Us”

The resounding success of “The Last of Us”, the critically acclaimed post-apocalyptic drama adapted from the iconic video game franchise, has left fans clamoring for more. Max’s teaser offered a tantalizing glimpse into the series’ eagerly awaited second season, slated for a 2025 release.

Reprising their roles as the indomitable duo, Pedro Pascal (Joel) and Bella Ramsey (Ellie) were joined by Gabriel Luna (Tommy), offering a poignant reunion that promises to delve deeper into the harrowing consequences of Joel’s actions in the first season’s gripping finale.

Moreover, the footage unveiled several intriguing newcomers, including: Isabela Merced as Dina,
Jeffrey Wright as Isaac, and Catherine O’Hara in a mysterious, yet-to-be-revealed role.
A brief exchange between O’Hara’s character and Joel hinted at the profound emotional turmoil that lies ahead, with her probing inquiry, “Did you hurt her?” eliciting a tearful response from Joel: “I saved her.”

The Last of Us, PopViewers.com, Pedro Pascal
“The Last of Us”, Credit: HBO

“The White Lotus”

Fans of the Emmy winning satire “The White Lotus” can rejoice, as HBO Max’s teaser offered a tantalizing glimpse into the anthology’s third season, set against the sumptuous backdrop of Thailand. Mike White’s masterful exploration of wealth, privilege, and the dark underbelly of human nature promises to captivate audiences once again.

The footage introduced a stellar ensemble cast, including: Parker Posey, Jason Isaacs, Patrick Schwarzenegger, Sarah Catherine Hook, and Sam Nivola.

Additionally, Natasha Rothwell, a standout performer from the first season, will reprise her role, ensuring a seamless blend of familiar faces and fresh perspectives.

The White Lotus, Carrie Coon, PopViewers.com
“The White Lotus”, Credit: HBO

“And Just Like That….”

The teaser also unveiled a sneak peek into the third season of And Just Like That…, the highly anticipated continuation of the iconic “Sex and the City franchise”. As the beloved characters navigate the ever-evolving complexities of life, love, and friendship, audiences can expect a poignant exploration of the challenges and triumphs that accompany each new chapter. This new season comes at a special time as younger generations have discovered the original series on Netflix.

And Just Like That, PopViewers.com, Sarah Jessica Parker
“And Just Like That…”, Credit: Max

“The Gilded Age”

Set in the opulent world of late 19th-century New York City, “The Gilded Age” captivated audiences with its lavish portrayal of societal divisions and the pursuit of power. The teaser promised an equally enthralling third season, delving deeper into the intricate tapestry of ambition, wealth, and societal upheaval that defined the era.

The Gilded Age, PopViewers.com, Carrie Coon
“The Gilded Age”, Credit: HBO

“A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms”: A New Spinoff

For fans of the epic fantasy series “Game of Thrones”, the teaser unveiled a tantalizing glimpse into “A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms”, a highly anticipated spinoff series. Set in the rich and immersive world of Westeros, this new chapter promises to weave an intricate tapestry of intrigue, power struggles, and the enduring legacy of the revered knights who upheld the realm’s honor.

Seven Kingdoms, PopViewers.com, Game of Thrones
“A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms”, Credit: HBO

“Welcome to Derry”: A Prequel to the “It” Saga

Horror enthusiasts can brace themselves for a spine-tingling journey into the depths of fear with Welcome to Derry, a prequel series to the critically acclaimed It movies. This chilling narrative promises to delve into the haunting origins of the malevolent entity that terrorized the residents of Derry, Maine, setting the stage for a truly terrifying exploration of the darkest corners of the human psyche.

It, PopViewers.com, Finn Wolfhard
“It”, Credit: New Line Cinema Credit: “It”, Credit: New Line Cinema


“The Penguin”: A Gritty Exploration of Gotham’s Underworld

Fans of the DC Universe and Matt Reeves’ critically acclaimed “The Batman” will be thrilled to know that Max has a treat in store with “The Penguin“, a spinoff series that promises to delve into the gritty depths of Gotham City’s criminal underworld. With a talented cast and a gripping narrative, this series is poised to offer a unique perspective on the iconic characters that have captivated audiences for generations. Academy Award nominee, Colin Ferrell leads the series in the titular role.

Credit: Max

“Dune Prophecy” – A Prequel to the Epic Saga

Denis Villeneuve’s visionary adaptation of the “Dune” saga has left audiences craving for more exploration of this rich and immersive universe. Max’s teaser unveiled “Dune: Prophecy”, a prequel series that promises to delve into the enigmatic world of the Bene Gesserit, offering a tantalizing glimpse into the intricate machinations and prophecies that shape the fate of this vast and complex universe.

Dune, PopViewers.com, Timothee
“Dune”, Credit: Warner Bros. Pictures

“Industry”: A High-Stakes Exploration of Power

The third season of “Industry”, the gripping drama that offers an unflinching look into the cutthroat world of international finance, promises to raise the stakes even higher. With a talented ensemble cast and a narrative that delves into the intricate web of ambition, power, and the relentless pursuit of success, this series is poised to captivate audiences with its gritty realism and compelling characters.

Credit: HBO

“The Sex Lives of College Girls”: Mindy Kaling’s Comedy Returns

The third season of “The Sex Lives of College Girls” created by Mindy Kaling, promises to continue its honest and relatable exploration of the challenges and triumphs that accompany the transition into adulthood. With a fresh and authentic perspective, this series offers a poignant and often humorous look at the complexities of navigating relationships, self-discovery, and the pursuit of one’s dreams.

The Sex Lives Of College Girls, Mindy Kaling, HBO, Renee Rapp, PopViewers
Credit: The Sex Lives of College Girls on HBO Max

As the curtain falls on “House of the Dragon’s” second season, Max’s tantalizing teaser has ignited a fervent anticipation for the network’s 2025 lineup. With an impressive array of returning favorites, captivating new narratives, and a diverse range of docuseries and special offerings, Max has solidified its position as a premier destination for exceptional storytelling and unparalleled entertainment experiences.

Whether you’re a fan of post-apocalyptic dramas, satirical explorations of wealth and privilege, gritty superhero sagas, or insightful documentaries, Max’s 2025 lineup promises to deliver a diverse and captivating array of content that will leave audiences eagerly awaiting each new release.
So, mark your calendars, clear your schedules, and prepare to be transported into realms of intrigue, suspense, and unparalleled storytelling as Max unveils its captivating 2025 lineup, setting the stage for an unforgettable year of entertainment.

Patrick Curran is a distinguished entertainment editor at popviewers.com, bringing a wealth of experience and expertise to the digital... More about Patrick Curran

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