Streaming giants are ramping up their content slate, and March and April 2025 are shaping up to be major months for Max and HBO. Max is set to premiere The Parenting, a horror-comedy starring Brian Cox (Succession), Edie Falco (The Sopranos), and Lisa Kudrow (Friends), on March 13. Meanwhile, HBO is bringing back its critically acclaimed adaptation of The Last of Us for a seven-episode second season starting April 13, running through May 25.
A Fresh Take on Horror-Comedy: What to Expect from The Parenting
Directed by Craig Johnson (Alex Strangelove), The Parenting follows a young couple, Rohan (Nik Dodani) and Josh (Brandon Flynn), who invite their parents for a weekend getaway at a countryside rental—only to discover that the house is haunted by a centuries-old poltergeist. The film blends classic haunted house horror with comedic family dysfunction, making it a potential hit for fans of films like Beetlejuice and Ready or Not.
https://www.max.com/movies/parenting/2ee628aa-f850-48ba-83ca-5783f2470813
Horror-comedies have seen a resurgence in recent years, with movies like M3GAN and The Blackening proving that audiences love the blend of scares and satire. With a powerhouse cast and a fresh spin on the genre, The Parenting could be one of Max’s standout releases of the year.
The Last of Us Season 2: What We Know So Far
HBO’s The Last of Us became a cultural phenomenon in 2023, drawing record-breaking viewership and widespread critical acclaim for its faithful yet expansive adaptation of the popular PlayStation game. Now, Season 2 is set to push the story forward by diving into the events of The Last of Us Part II, the controversial and deeply emotional sequel to the original game.
Season 2 picks up five years after the events of Season 1, following Ellie (Bella Ramsey) and Joel (Pedro Pascal) as they navigate an increasingly dangerous world. Fans are particularly eager to see the introduction of Abby (played by Kaitlyn Dever), a key figure in the game’s storyline, and how the show handles the bold narrative choices that made the game both beloved and divisive.
A Stacked Streaming Lineup for Spring 2025
Beyond Max and HBO, streaming platforms are delivering a packed lineup of high-profile releases in the coming months.
- Disney+ is continuing Star Wars: Young Jedi Adventures on March 19, bringing more kid-friendly Jedi action.
- Netflix is expected to reveal more details about Squid Game Season 3, with speculation that a teaser or release window announcement could drop this spring.
- Amazon Prime Video is launching Mickey 17, a sci-fi thriller directed by Bong Joon-ho (Parasite), starring Robert Pattinson. The film is one of the most anticipated sci-fi movies of the year.
With The Parenting bringing laughs and scares, The Last of Us returning with intense drama, and a variety of major releases across other platforms, 2025 is already proving to be a thrilling year for streaming entertainment.
Key Takeaways
- Max and HBO are launching major titles with The Parenting on March 13 and The Last of Us Season 2 on April 13, respectively.
- Your favorite franchises are expanding with new seasons and spin-offs across multiple streaming platforms this spring.
- Streaming services are blending genres like horror-comedy and post-apocalyptic drama to create unique viewing experiences.
Upcoming Entertainment Releases
Several highly anticipated shows and movies are arriving on streaming platforms this spring. Fans can look forward to the return of beloved series and exciting new films across HBO, Disney+, Netflix, and Amazon.
HBO’s The Last of Us Season 2 Premiere
The wait is almost over for fans of “The Last of Us” as Season 2 will premiere on April 13. HBO made the announcement last Wednesday, confirming what many fans have been eagerly anticipating since January when they initially revealed an April release window.
The upcoming season will be shorter than the first, featuring only seven episodes that will drop weekly. You can catch each episode on Sunday nights at 9pm on HBO and Max.
New promotional materials for the season have already begun to appear, building excitement for the continuation of Joel and Ellie’s story. The critically acclaimed adaptation of the popular video game series is expected to continue its faithful yet fresh approach to the source material.
Disney+ Series Update – Star Wars: Young Jedi Adventures
Disney+ is expanding the Star Wars universe with new content for younger viewers. “Star Wars: Young Jedi Adventures” will continue with the second half of season two, expected to release on March 19, 2025.
This animated series has been praised for introducing the Star Wars mythology to a new generation of fans. The show follows young Jedi as they learn about the Force and embark on adventures throughout the galaxy.
You’ll see familiar Star Wars elements reimagined for younger audiences, with stories emphasizing teamwork, friendship, and the core values of the Jedi. The series maintains the magic of Star Wars while creating age-appropriate content that families can enjoy together.
Disney+ continues to leverage their popular franchises to create diverse content appealing to viewers of all ages.
Netflix’s Reveal of Squid Game Season 3
Netflix has generated buzz by releasing new photos from the upcoming third season of their global phenomenon “Squid Game.” These images offer your first glimpse at what’s to come in the next installment of the Korean survival drama.
A trailer is reportedly coming soon, which will provide more details about the direction of the new season. The show became Netflix’s most-watched series when it debuted, combining intense social commentary with gripping survival game scenarios.
Season 3 is expected to continue exploring themes of economic inequality and moral compromise under extreme circumstances. The newly released photos hint at new games and returning characters, though Netflix remains tight-lipped about specific plot details.
You can expect the same high production values and psychological tension that made the first season a worldwide hit.
Amazon’s Release of Mickey 17
Science fiction fans have an exciting release to look forward to this month with Amazon’s “Mickey 17.” This sci-fi thriller promises to blend action and thought-provoking concepts in an adaptation of the novel by Edward Ashton.
The film explores the journey of an “expendable” employee sent on dangerous missions, with each death resulting in a new clone with most memories intact. This unique premise examines questions of identity and what makes us human.
You’ll want to keep an eye out for this release if you enjoy cerebral science fiction that balances entertainment with philosophical questions. The film features stunning visual effects and a compelling narrative that should appeal to both genre fans and general audiences.
Amazon continues to expand its original content library with ambitious projects like “Mickey 17” that aim to compete with other major streaming platforms.
Max’s Original Film
Max continues to expand its streaming lineup with exciting original content. Their latest horror-comedy is generating buzz with its star-studded cast and unique premise.
The Parenting: A Blend of Horror and Comedy
“The Parenting” is set to debut as a Max Original on Thursday, March 13, 2025. This film combines scary elements with humor under the direction of Craig Johnson, known for “The Skeleton Twins.”
The plot follows a young couple, Rohan and Josh, who plan what they hope will be a perfect weekend getaway in the countryside. Their retreat quickly takes an unexpected turn, transforming into a hilariously terrifying comedy.
The film boasts an impressive cast featuring Brian Cox, Lisa Kudrow, Edie Falco, Dean Norris, Parker Posey, and Nik Dodani. This ensemble brings considerable talent to this horror-comedy blend.
When you watch “The Parenting,” you’ll experience Max’s commitment to creating original content that crosses genres while featuring recognizable talent. The March release gives you a new streaming option for your mid-month entertainment needs.
Current Trends in Streaming Content
Streaming platforms are rapidly evolving their content strategies to capture audience attention in an increasingly competitive landscape. Major services are investing in unique genre combinations and franchise expansions to differentiate themselves.
Horror-Comedy Hybridization
The blend of horror and comedy has become a dominant trend across streaming platforms. Max is embracing this popular hybrid genre with horror comedy film “The Parenting” scheduled to debut on March 13, 2025. This Craig Johnson-directed feature follows similar successful horror-comedy titles that have performed well across streaming services.
Why are streamers investing in this genre? Horror comedies typically require lower production budgets while delivering strong engagement metrics. When done well, they create highly shareable moments that drive social media conversation.
You can expect to see more horror-comedy offerings throughout 2025 as platforms capitalize on viewers’ appetite for content that delivers both scares and laughs in the same package.
Rise of Science Fiction Thrillers
Science fiction thrillers are experiencing significant growth across all major streaming platforms. Amazon’s upcoming “Mickey 17” represents the latest high-profile sci-fi thriller preparing to capture audience attention this month.
These productions often feature:
- High-concept premises that explore near-future scenarios
- A-list talent both in front of and behind the camera
- Visual effects that rival theatrical releases
The success of shows like HBO’s The Last of Us has demonstrated viewers’ willingness to engage with complex sci-fi narratives that blend character development with speculative elements. Season 2 of this adaptation is set to premiere in April 2025.
Netflix’s continued investment in “Squid Game” with its upcoming third season similarly reflects the strong performance metrics for high-concept science fiction with thriller elements.
Continuation of Star Wars Franchise Narratives
The Star Wars franchise continues to be a cornerstone of Disney+’s content strategy. Their announcement of Young Jedi Adventures returning with the second half of season two on March 19, 2025, demonstrates the ongoing expansion of this universe.
Disney+ has found particular success with:
- Targeting different age demographics within the same franchise
- Creating interconnected storylines across multiple series
- Developing character-focused narratives that expand the universe
You’ll notice a strategic pattern in how Disney schedules Star Wars content, ensuring subscribers always have upcoming franchise content to anticipate. This approach helps minimize subscription churn while building anticipation.
The continued expansion of the Star Wars universe across multiple series allows the platform to maintain its competitive edge in the family-friendly content space.
Industry Impact
These upcoming releases across major streaming platforms are poised to reshape viewer habits and expand content universes in significant ways.
Expectations for Viewer Engagement
Max’s horror-comedy film “The Parenting” will likely attract both horror fans and comedy enthusiasts when it debuts on March 13. This genre-blending approach helps platforms capture multiple audience segments with a single release.
HBO’s “The Last of Us Season 2” premiere on April 13 is expected to generate massive viewership based on the first season’s success. The seven-episode format may encourage more focused viewing compared to longer seasons.
You’ll notice platforms strategically scheduling these releases to avoid competing directly with each other, maximizing potential audience reach. Disney+’s March 19 release of “Young Jedi Adventures” targets a different demographic than Netflix’s mature “Squid Game” content.
Streaming data will likely show spikes in new subscriptions around these premiere dates as viewers join platforms specifically to access high-profile content.
Potential for Franchise Expansion
“The Last of Us” represents HBO’s continued investment in gaming adaptations, potentially paving the way for similar projects across the industry. Its Emmy-winning status validates this approach for other studios.
Disney’s extension of “Young Jedi Adventures” demonstrates their commitment to expanding the Star Wars universe across age groups. You can expect more spin-offs targeting specific demographics.
Netflix’s “Squid Game” franchise development follows their pattern of:
- Creating international content with global appeal
- Building merchandising opportunities
- Developing interactive experiences based on successful shows
Amazon’s “Mickey 17” could establish a new sci-fi franchise if viewer reception is positive. The streaming giant continues seeking tentpole properties to compete with established franchise leaders.
These expansions reflect the industry’s shift toward building content ecosystems rather than standalone productions. Your viewing options will continue growing as platforms compete through franchise development.
Promotional Strategies
Streaming platforms are ramping up their promotional efforts to build anticipation for their upcoming releases. These campaigns combine traditional and digital marketing approaches to reach diverse audiences across multiple touchpoints.
Teaser and Trailer Releases
Max has launched a brief teaser for “The Parenting” ahead of its March 13 premiere. The horror-comedy’s promotional clips highlight its unique blend of scares and laughs while showcasing the star-studded cast.
HBO released an atmospheric teaser for “The Last of Us Season 2” that has already garnered millions of views. The full trailer is expected to drop approximately two weeks before the April 13 debut.
Disney+ is taking a family-friendly approach with “Star Wars: Young Jedi Adventures” teasers featuring behind-the-scenes footage and character spotlights aimed at younger viewers.
Netflix and Amazon have adopted a more mysterious strategy, with Netflix releasing only still images from “Squid Game Season 3” and Amazon limiting “Mickey 17” footage to build intrigue.
Marketing Milestones
You can expect to see coordinated marketing pushes across multiple channels as these premieres approach. Key marketing events include:
| Platform | Title | Marketing Highlights |
|---|---|---|
| Max | The Parenting | Social media countdown, cast interviews, horror convention appearances |
| HBO | The Last of Us S2 | YouTube teaser campaign, interactive website, gaming community partnerships |
| Disney+ | Young Jedi Adventures | Toy releases, theme park tie-ins, educational content for schools |
| Netflix | Squid Game S3 | Global installations, mobile game updates, surprise pop-up events |
| Amazon | Mickey 17 | Limited theatrical screenings, sci-fi magazine features, influencer previews |
Digital billboards in major cities are already featuring “The Last of Us” imagery, with new promotional material being released weekly leading up to the April premiere.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are answers to common questions about upcoming streaming releases across major platforms. These releases span various genres from horror comedy to sci-fi thrillers with premiere dates set for March and April 2025.
What can viewers expect from the genre-mixing in ‘Max’s Original Film The Parenting’?
‘The Parenting’ blends horror and comedy elements under the direction of Craig Johnson, known for ‘The Skeleton Twins’. The horror-comedy film features a star-studded cast and will debut as a Max Original on Thursday, March 13, 2025.
You can expect the film to balance frightening scenes with humorous moments, creating a unique viewing experience that appeals to fans of both genres.
When is the premiere date for ‘The Last of Us Season 2’ on HBO?
‘The Last of Us Season 2’ will premiere on HBO and Max on April 13, 2025. The Emmy-winning sci-fi drama will return to HBO’s prestigious Sunday evening timeslot, with episodes airing at 9 p.m. ET.
This season will be shorter than the previous one, featuring seven episodes instead of nine. You’ll see the return of Joel and Ellie along with several new characters joining the cast.
What release schedule has Disney+ announced for ‘Star Wars: Young Jedi Adventures’ second half of season two?
Disney+ has confirmed that the second half of ‘Star Wars: Young Jedi Adventures’ season two is expected to be released on March 19, 2025. The animated series continues to follow young Jedi as they learn the ways of the Force.
You can watch the new episodes all at once, as Disney+ typically releases all episodes of the second half of a season simultaneously rather than weekly.
Have any details about ‘Squid Game Season 3’ been revealed by Netflix?
Netflix has released new photos from the production of ‘Squid Game Season 3,’ offering glimpses of returning characters and new game settings. The highly anticipated third season continues the story of the deadly competition that captivated global audiences.
You’ll notice the same dark aesthetic and tense atmosphere that defined previous seasons, though specific plot details remain closely guarded.
When will the trailer for ‘Squid Game Season 3’ be available?
The trailer for ‘Squid Game Season 3’ is coming soon according to Netflix’s recent announcement. While an exact release date for the trailer hasn’t been specified, it typically arrives 1-2 months before the season premiere.
You can expect the trailer to drop on Netflix’s social media channels and YouTube, providing the first moving footage of the new season.
What is the release date for Amazon’s new ‘Mickey 17’ Sci-Fi Thriller?
Amazon’s ‘Mickey 17’ sci-fi thriller is premiering this month, March 2025. The exact date hasn’t been confirmed in the provided information, but the release is imminent.
You can watch this new sci-fi thriller exclusively on Amazon Prime Video. The film explores futuristic themes and is expected to feature cutting-edge visual effects and an immersive narrative.
