R.I.P. Skinny Jeans – These Are The Jeans Trends Everyone’s Wearing In 2024

denim Jeans Trends 2024denim Jeans Trends 2024

What are the hottest jeans trends for 2024? Well, we’ve come a looong way from jeggings, that’s for sure. I personally love denim in all its forms (I will forever stand by a Canadian tuxedo), but this year’s denim trends have me especially excited.

We’re really seeing denim progress pastjeans this year – denim shirts and denim dresses are on the rise – which is such a nice breath of fresh air for all of our ‘fits. Scroll on for the top 5 denim trends all the cool fashion peeps are wearing, with a range of ways to wear ‘em!

Barrel Jeans

We The Free Kingston Baggy Barrel Jeans

We The Free Kingston Baggy Barrel Jeans

Born from the laid-back baggy jeans trend, barrel jeans are a bit controversial. Defined by a rounded shape that hits peak wideness around the knees and gently tapers off at the ankles, barrel jeans can often have a more quirked-up feel, hence the controversy. They're certainly a departure from bootcut or mom jeans, but I think that's what makes 'em all the more trendy!

I don't have a single bone to pick with barrel jeans – they simply ooze cool girl vibes, and the fact that this jeans trend is approved by style queens from the likes of Gigi Hadid, Blake Lively, Sarah Michelle Gellar, and Camila Morrone instantly proves their "It" factor... even if you're hesitant to give the trend a go.

If you're searching for a nice gateway piece to really get into the barrel jeans trend, I recommend you opt for a no-frills pair like this one from Free People. These flaunt a mid-rise waistline, which lays the groundwork for a stylish (and not to mention, comfy) fit. You don't want barrel jeans to hug your figure too tight, or else their signature convex shape may get lost. Consider sizing up if you're a fiend for loose-fitting pants!

The Kingston Baggy Barrel Jeans come in sizes 24-32 for $148.

Everlane The Way-High Curve Jean

These curvy jeans from Everlane offer a more subtle take on the barrel jeans trend. The bow-legged shape is still evident, but it's not as severe as other styles on the market. The ankles on these jeans are far less noticeably tapered, but you still get that barrel effect from the wide legs. This pair boasts a high-waisted silhouette, which is fairly uncharacteristic of the classic jean shape – but can be great for those seeking some support along the waistline.

The Way-High Curve Jean is shoppable in four other color washes in sizes 23-33 for $128.

MOTHER The Half Pipe Flood Barrel Jeans

The sleek front seaming that runs down each leg of these barrel jeans lend them to a more formal feel – reminiscent of work slacks – making them an excellent contender for wearing to the office. The lighter wash and classic 5-pocket styling make way for effortless pairing with practically any piece in your closet. The hem hits right above the ankle so you can easily show off your latest pair of sandals or ballet flats.

The Half Pipe Flood Barrel Jeans come in sizes 25-34 for $268.

Denim Dresses + Jumpsuits

Abercrombie & Fitch Denim Column Midi Dress

We truly owe a lot to Beyoncé, but the resurgence of denim – denim dresses and jumpsuit especially – requires extra recognition. We're hot off her new album, Cowboy Carter, which really amped up the country vibes. But instead of stepping out heavily clad in cowboy-approved Wrangler jeans and denim jackets as the genre suggests, people seem to be taking the trend into their own hands with more femme dresses and one-pieces. I am here for it!

And though Queen B's influence on the denim trend is evident, your look doesn't exactly have to be country-esque to stun. Take a denim dress like this one from Abercrombie & Fitch – everything from kitten heels to platform clogs is compatible with this piece. What you wear with it all depends on your personal style!

The Denim Column Midi Dress is shoppable in two other color washes in sizes XXS-XL for $66 (was $110).

Reformation Evita Denim Midi Dress

The halter neckline on this dress is everything! The darker denim wash also gives this style an all-season feel, as opposed to a lighter color that may jive more with the summer months. What I love about the denim dresses they're makin' these days is that they're usually crafted from a stretchy, flexible denim, rather than more rigid materials that are a pain to wear. This Reformation midi is no exception – it boasts a super-stretch fabrication. All you need is a bold belt and some statement earrings to complete the look!

The Evita Denim Midi Dress comes in sizes 0-12 for $218.

Lioness Honey Denim Corset Mini Dress

This chic strapless mini melds so many different fashion trends into one: denim, corsets, and drop-waists. The fitted bodice hugs your shape in the most flattering way before expanding down to a micro-pleated skirt that's absolutely giving Y2K. The zip closure at the front infuses your look with thoughtful detail, while the belt-looped waistline provides boundless styling opportunities.

The Lioness Honey Denim Corset Mini Dress comes in sizes XXS-XL for $79.

Madewell Long Sleeve Wide Leg Denim Coverall Jumpsuit

Jumpsuits, like dresses, are an easy one-and-done piece you definitely need in your style arsenal. Drawing direct inspiration from 70's fashion (think disco dance floors and roller skating rinks), they come in tons of different shapes, lengths, and materials that can amplify your personal style preferences.

I think long-sleeved denim jumpsuits like this one from Madewell are 100% the way to go if you're gonna make an investment in the trend. This one's crafted mostly from cotton, so it's more breathable than it looks (and it's still very structured). It features the classics – a point collar, 5-pocket styling, chest pockets, and belt loops – but it departs from the norm with extra-wide legs that flatter pretty much any body type. There's no doubt that this jumpsuit can earn some wear throughout every season!

This Madewell Wide Leg Coverall Jumpsuit is shoppable in sizes 00-16 for $168.

Pistola Aria Jumpsuit

This denim jumpsuit surely hints at those aforementioned retro vibes, but hosts a more modern fit. The buttoned v-neck vest bodice is flirty, but still retains enough coverage for everyday wear. While the top is snug, the bottoms explode into breezy wide legs for added comfort. The fabrication has a favorable amount of stretch, so you can sit, lounge, dance, and walk around without feeling totally restricted by your denim get-up! Pair it with your fave pair of cowgirl boots to take advantage of its Western details, or rock some colorful Adidas sneakers like the fashion "It" girls do.

The Aria Jumpsuit is shoppable in sizes XXS-XXL for $228. You can shop it on sale for 20% off now with code 'EARLYFF20' during Pistola's Friends & Family Sale!

We The Free Jayde Flare Jumpsuit

Kelly Clarkson pulled off this denim jumpsuit on her show earlier this year, and it's all I've been thinking about since. She just looked so good! This Free People piece is drenched in a bounty of becoming details, from the exaggerated seaming along the bodice to the elongated front zipper that has a proper retro feel. It comes in a stretchy, curve-hugging shape – an instant confidence-booster!

The Jayde Flare Jumpsuit also comes in 6 other colors if the darker denim isn't quite your vibe. It's shoppable in sizes XS-XL for $158.

Denim Maxi Skirts

Levi’s Denim Ankle Column Maxi Skirt

In accordance with barrel jeans and denim dresses trending upward, denim maxi skirts are unsurprisingly making a comeback. I can't help but think of Britney Spears' kitschy denim get-upwhen I reach for my denim maxi skirt, but there are so many ways to style the trend that don't channel those wacky Y2K ensembles.

You have a few options with this denim trend: big skirt, big shirt (like an oversized button-up or pullover sweater), or big skirt, tiny shirt (think cropped tanks and baby tees). Either way, denim skirts are easy to dress up by adding belts, jewelry, and of course, fun shoes to your 'fit.

This light-wash pick from Levi's features a low-rise waistline for easy pairing with longline tops. The skirt itself has a slit down the middle that breaks up the blue denim monotony and allows room for your stride.

The Levi's Denim Ankle Column Maxi Skirt comes in sizes 24-33 for $98.

Gap Denim Midi Skirt

Ever so subtly done in an 80's-esque acid wash, this denim midi skirt from Gap is perfect for spring and summer. The exceptionally-light color wash lends it to pairing with pastels and other bright colors, though it'd look just as chic with a simple black top! This style is easily translatable for all sorts of occasions, from the office to happy hour, and park days to shopping sprees. This skirt is made from a low-stretch denim that's intended to hold you in, but forms to your shape over time.

The Gap Denim Midi Skirt is shoppable in regular, petite, and tall sizes 24-35 for $34 (was $70).

We The Free Catch The Sun Denim Maxi Skirt

This pick carries hippie energy, for sure. It's flowier than most common denim maxis on the market, flaunting a series of flattering vertical seams down the entire silhouette. Its apparent vintage charm makes it a seamless match with every kind of shoe and any top that channels the 70's era. No matter what you wear it with, you'll have so much fun with this swingy skirt!

The Catch The Sun Denim Maxi Skirt also comes in a lighter denim wash and sizes 24-32 for $128.

Denim Shoes

rag & bone Astra Slingback Flat

Mary Janes and ballet flats are fiery-hot RN, and it's no surprise that denim drip has found its way to footwear! These slingback shoes from rag & bone are a prime example of the denim trend, as they're covered in the material. The silver grommets dotting the buckled straps break up the look even further.

These Astra Slingback Flats go for $328 on Nordstrom.com.

Beach By Matisse Jayde Platform Clog

Okayyy, patchwork! These larger-than-life denim clogs are uber-artsy. The contrasting yellow bottoms just work with the blue upper, plus the chunky heels give each and every look a stylish boost in height. Flaunt 'em with a basic black pant, or go double-denim and pair them with dark wash jeans or dresses.

The Jayde Platform Clogs are shoppable for $55.

Coutgo Bow Kitten Heels

Bows, denim, and a kitten heel? These adorable shoes have it all! These two-toned denim sandals secure near the back of the ankle with a tiny rounded buckle, while the toes are pointed. The heel height measures about 2 inches, so these won't be a massive pain to stomp around in.

The Coutgo Bow Kitten Heels come in three other colors and go for $45 on Amazon.

Dark Wash Denim

Levi's Japanese Selvedge Barrel Jeans

I'm more of a medium-wash girl myself, but I can totally get behind the dark-wash denim trend. The darker hue feels a tad bit more elevated, transcending the typical jeans colors we see every day and fitting into a more formal box. Aside from their utter stylishness, it's a nice bonus that dark-wash jeans typically use a lot less water in the production process than their lighter counterparts!

These Levi's jeans assume the barrel shape, but in a flattering dark indigo shade. Pair it with a matching dark denim jacket or go bold with a lighter, contrasting denim top.

The Levi's Japanese Selvedge Barrel Jeans come in sizes 23-32 for $198.

BDG Jaya Baggy Boyfriend Jean

These low-rise baggy jeans from BDG are loose-fitting throughout, the ultimate piece to slide into on lazy days. Though casual in the fit, these pants are wildly easy to dress up with shoes, accessories, and outerwear. The handfeel of the fabric is definitely more rigid, being crafted from recycled materials.

The Jaya Baggy Boyfriend Jeans come in two other color washes in sizes 24-33 for $69.

Everlane The Baggy Jean

These Everlane dark-wash jeans hit a lot higher on the hips, cinching up your figure. They look unassumingly lightweight, but their 60% organic cotton and 40% Tencel construction really speaks to just how breezy these jeans are – perfect for year-round wear!

The Everlane Baggy Jeans come in three other colors in sizes 23-33 for $128.

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Lead image via Urban Outfitters.

Brit + Co may at times use affiliate links to promote products sold by others, but always offers genuine editorial recommendations.

Bubble dresses are officially back in the fashion world for 2025. Once a 1950s staple, the unique bubble hem is definitely divisive among dress lovers right now. Us on the other hand, we’re totally sold on bubble dresses – these 9 styles convinced us they’re so chic. Playful yet polished, these bubble dresses are perfect for making a style statement this spring and summer!

Scroll on to shop the cutest bubble dresses for spring and summer outfits!

Abercrombie & Fitch

Abercrombie & Fitch Bubble Hem Mini Dress

Drenched in flattering details – from the drop waist to the straight neckline – this mini bubble dress with removable straps lets you create endless outfit combos while feeling confident AF. The black and white color palette alongside the bold polka dots feels oh-so Parisian, too.

Free People

Damson Madder Becca Bubble Mini Dress

This bubble dress has some bubbly sleeves to match, which only add to the drama of it all! The sleeves themselves are also removable, so you can style it for hotter days. The mixed pattern is downright darling for a femme-leaning look.

Gap

Gap Linen-Blend Mini Bubble Dress

Butter yellow dresses are another must-have style this season, so you're basically hopping on two trends at once with this sleek piece from Gap!

J.Crew

J.Crew Bubble-Hem Mixy Dress

Crafted from a crisp poplin material, this bubble dress is undeniably polished, so it'd be ideal for office days or any work-related events. It also has a subtle drop waist for added flattery!

Anthropologie

Mare Mare Sleeveless Scoop-Neck Bubble-Hem Mini Dress

The easy scoop neck on this dress leans casual, though you could totally dress it up quickly with a structured blazer, a stack of your fave jewelry, and heels. For more casual moments, we'd style this number with some riding boots!

Nordstrom

ASTR The Label Floral Bubble Hem Minidress

Florals are never a bad idea! This mini-length marvel is adorable for any spring occasion.

Madewell

Madewell The Melody Bubble-Hem Smocked Midi Dress

For a longer, higher-coverage option, this gorgeous green dress comes complete with a fitted smocked bodice and a flowy bubble hem skirt for flair.

Free People

Hansen & Gretel Alaska Mini Dress

The pattern on this bubble dress is everything! Full of color, you'll definitely stand out and feel all the summer vibes once you slip it on.

Eloquii

Eloquii Bubble Skirt Midi Dress

A stark white dress like this one wears well with anything. We think this would be the perfect piece for a beachy vacation!

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Brit + Co may at times use affiliate links to promote products sold by others, but always offers genuine editorial recommendations.

Everybody raise your Kir Royale cocktails because Emily in Paris has been renewed for season 5! (And it looks like she might be trading some of her cocktails for espresso). The official Emily in Paris & Netflix Instagram accounts made the announcement on September 16 with a video of Lily Collins sipping some espresso on a rooftop.

"There's no place like Rome," Lily says with a wink. And, to be frank, we have to agree. I didn't think Emily in Parisseason 4 (or its fashion) could get any better after that Part 1 ending, but taking our favorite Parisians to Rome turned out to be a fantastic move — and not just because it introduced us to Marcello.

But sadly, we have to say au revoir to one of the most iconic Emily in Paris characters ahead of season 5. Keep reading for everything you need to know.

Keep reading for everything you need to know about Emily in Paris season 5 — including who is (and isn't) returning.

Who's in the Emily in Paris season 5 cast?

Netflix

A more fitting question might be "Who isn't in the Emily in Paris season 5 cast?" because Camille Razat won't be returning as Camille. "Characters can come in and out of a series, but you don’t necessarily have to see them," Darren Star told TVLine. "But again, [Camille's] part of the world of the series. I’m not sure how soon we’ll see her, but it doesn’t mean, again, that we won’t be seeing her."

But don't worry! We'll see all our other favorite cast members returning, including:

  • Lily Collins as Emily Cooper
  • Eugenio Franceschini as Marcello
  • Lucien Laviscount as Alfie
  • Lucas Bravo as Gabriel
  • Ashley Park as Mindy Chen
  • Philippine Leroy-Beaulieu as Sylvie
  • Samuel Arnold as Julien
  • Bruno Gouery as Luc
  • William Abadie as Antoine Lambert

When is Emily in Paris season 5 coming out?

Carole Behtuel/Netflix

We don't have an official Emily in Paris season 5 release date yet, but Deadline confirms the show begins production in May and will release on Netflix in 2025!

What is Emily in Paris season 5 about?

Giulia Parmigiani/Netflix

The Emily in Paris season 4 finale changed everything when Emily decided to stay in Rome and head up an Italian office for Agence Grateau. But, don't worry French fans. Darren Star promises we'll see her in the City of Love again, telling The Wrap, "definitely we’re not leaving Paris behind.”

And after Gabriel realized how much he wants to be with Emily in the season 4 finale, it looks like season 5 will feature even more of the show's signature relationship drama. "I think [Gabriel] realized that he wasn’t even aware of the fact that [Emily] left and how disconnected they’d become," Star continues. "He’s met the guy; he realizes the circumstances under which they met, and I think he just didn’t understand how fast things had moved between them."

But as much as we love to see Emily and Gabriel together, Lily Collins is excited to explore a Emily and Marcello. “Marcello is a whole other adventure that we want for Emily because we ultimately want Emily to be able to have a better work/life balance,” she tells TUDUM. “We want to have Emily be able to smile without condition. We want to see her beyond her vacay mode. And he comes at that perfect time.”

Where is Emily in Paris season 5 filming?

Netflix

Emily in Paris season 5 will pick up the end of the season 4 storyline, which means we'll see them in both Rome and Paris this year!

Is there a season 5 for Emily in Paris?

Stéphanie Branchu/Netflix

Yes, Emily in Paris season 5 is coming to Netflix. "We’re thrilled with the incredible response to this season of Emily in Paris and excited to return for a fifth to continue Emily’s adventures in Rome and Paris!" creator Darren Star tells TUDUM.

The renewal comes as no surprise considering season 4 held Netflix Global Top 10's top spot and received almost 20 million views in four days.

What do you want to see in Emily in Paris season 5? Let us know on Instagram!

This post has been updated.

Mother’s Day is right around the corner – but don’t feel pressured to spend a fortune to show the moms in your life you love them! These under-$15 finds look and feel far more luxurious and thoughtful than their approachable price tags may suggest. From practical products she can use every day to yummy little treats (who doesn’t love a yummy little treat?), these 11 Mother's Day gifts under $15 prove that meaningful gifting can still be totally budget-friendly.

Shop our selection of Mother’s Day gifts under $15 to give this year!

Compartés

Compartés Wild Cherry Chocolate Bar

This cherry-dotted chocolate bar is just as sweet as mom! The seasonal fruit pairs impeccably well with the vegan dark chocolate blend in this treat.

Anthropologie

Anthropologie Annie Stoneware Sugar Bowl

Singing with springtime energy, this adorable sugar bowl makes a perfect Mother's Day gift for the mom who loves to bake! It looks super stylish just sitting on the counter – all while it keeps her sugar safe and stowed away.

Uncommon Goods

Uncommon Goods Fresh Cut Flowers Tote

This under-$15 Mother's Day find doesn't feel like an "affordable" gift. Crafted from soft, durable cotton, it accommodates bouquets of all kinds with ease. Stop by your nearest Trader Joe's for some stunning spring flowers, then hand 'em over to mom in this tied tote – she'll use it for many more TJ's runs to come!

Target

A New Day Floral Print Travel Jewelry Organizer

This easy-to-carry jewelry organizer lets the stylish mom on the go take all of her favorite accessories along for the ride – rings, bracelets, earrings, necklaces hair clips – you name it! It even has plenty of room for tiny makeup or skincare products if you wanted to stock it full of more goodies to round out her Mother's Day gift.

Uncommon Goods

Uncommon Goods 'Letters to My Mom' Guided Keepsake Letter Book

Lined up with 12 thoughtful writing prompts like recalling special memories with mom or detailing the life lessons she taught you, this sentimental time capsule of a gift will absolutely make her tear up when you give it to her on Mother's Day. The floral stationery itself is downright gorgeous, plus each letter folds into an envelope for added flair!

Ulta

ColourPop Best Besties Lip Kit

This duo comprised of a "super pigmented" lip pencil and ColourPop's Ultra Glossy Lip will become any beauty-loving moms' go-to combo. Each shade is relatively nude, though they're described more as warm, brownish-nude shades. The formulas are packed with hyaluronic acid for added hydration, too! Score.

Baggu

Standard Baggu Reusable Bag

Mom's grocery runs will never be the same after you introduce her to the sheer magic that is the Baggu's reusable bag! Made of a made-to-last ripstop polyester material, this bag can hold up to 40 pounds of grocery goodies (or simply whatever else she needs to take with her), all while being able to fold down into a small pouch for convenient carrying. What's more is you can find it in 36 different colors and playful patterns right now!

Target

Threshold Wooden Arch Propagation Stand

This minimalistic wooden plant stand would make such a fun Mother's Day gift if you handed it over to her with your own personal plant cutting or even a gorgeous flower in the glass tube. She'll be able to display this piece proudly in her home, let the propagation thrive, and think of you every time she passes it!

Amazon

e.l.f. Squeeze Me More Lip Balm Duo

This pair of e.l.f. lip balms flavored with mango and watermelon delivers a "super sheer" layer of color, though mom will fall instantly in love with the hydration they supply.

Amazon

Gold Knot Heart Earrings

Dripping in luxury vibes for an affordable price, these gold earrings with a unique knot design work with practically every single 'fit mom wears.

Target

Figmint 6-Inch Enameled Cast Iron Skillet

This adorably small cast iron skillet is ideal for single servings of everything from pot pies to brownies – the mom who loves to chef will have so much fun making her own creations in this tiny (but mighty) piece of cookware!

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Brit + Co may at times use affiliate links to promote products sold by others, but always offers genuine editorial recommendations.

As much as I've written about Reese Witherspoon's book club, you'd think I was on a first name basis with her (wishful thinking)! But, the truth is that it's the reason I rediscovered reading for fun. As informational as books can be, there's also joy, anguish, fear — and even spicy romance — to lose ourselves in. I'm become a firm believer in holding on to things that bring us joy so if your book stash is overflowing, you're going to love what Reesehas chosen for readers!

Learn more about Reese Witherspoon's 2025 Book Club picks!

May 2025

Bookshop

Great Big Beautiful Life by Emily Henry (April 22, 2025)

Reese's book club deserves a huge round of applause for choosing Emily Henry's Great Big Beautiful Life as its May pick! We've covered it so much on-site, plus we even chatted with the author herself last year and learned more about her creative process. Just like in her novel Happy Place, Henry brings her same magical energy to a new mysterious storyline.
Readers will get to know writers Alice Scott and Hayden Anderson as they compete for heiress Margaret Ives' approval. The stakes are high because only one of them will get the chance to write her biography, pitting Alice and Hayden on opposite sides of the playing field. But as sparks continue to fly between them and Margaret's omission of truths pile up, they'll discover there's more to the story than they initially thought.

April 2025

Amazon

All That Life Can Afford by Emily Everett

Considered one of our most-anticipated new books in April, All That Life Can Afford grapples with one young woman's experience with a fast-paced life filled with classism. It begins with an introduction of Anna and her love for the "beautiful" London. Based on glossy images in Library books, she's convinced that's the place she needs to be. But she's sorely disappointed when she arrives to find a gloomy place that mirrors life in her hometown.

Before long, Anna's swept into the luxurious life of the Wilders as their daughter's tutors and begins experiencing the glitz she thought London would give her. From parties to two attractive pursuits, she's living a life that many dream of...until she begins to struggle under the crushing weight of portraying a "rich and famous" lifestyle" that doesn't match her background.

March 2025

Amazon

Broken Country by Clare Leslie Hall

Beth and Frank seem like they have it all on the surface of their marriage, but that's only because they've been avoiding a huge elephant in the room. Bliss seems like a wonderful place to stay, but Frank's brother commits a crime that stirs up the presence of Gabriel Wolfe. He's the man that used to make Beth's heart beat so long ago, but she swore him off after their romance ended in heartbreak. But now he's back with a son named Leo who feels familiar to Beth.

It doesn't take long for Beth and Gabriel to start interacting, but it comes with painful memories that threaten her marriage with Frank. There'll be a reckoning soon enough, forcing Beth to make peace with her past, present and future.

February 2025

Amazon

Isolaby Allegra Goodman

When readers are first introduced to Marguerite, she's an heiress who has a promising future ahead of her. With barely anything to worry about, she enjoys a sweet childhood until she becomes an orphan under the care of a reckless man. Not only does he seize the inheritance that was intended for her, he also behaves cruelly and leaves her stranded on an island.

Facing perilous weather and other unspeakable things, Marguerite learns how to survive with "faith the size of a mustard seed."

Reese Witherspoon says, "This is easily one of my favorite historical fiction reads yet," (via Instagram).

January 2025

Amazon

The Three Lives of Cate Kay by Kate Fagan (New Release)

Cate Kay's a literary genius who's cracked the code of keeping readers engaged in her written work. She's also secured a film franchise that's made fans go wild. But, no one's ever seen Cate Kay or talked to her. She's an enigma on purpose.
You see, 'Cate Kay' and her bestie Amanda made plans to live lavish lives in California. They were so sure everything would work out until something awful happens that forces 'Cate Kay' to leave her real identity behind.

It's not until something forces her to make peace with where she comes from that 'Cate Kay' decides it's time to stop running from who she is.

Reese Witherspoon says, "Have you ever felt like you were living more than one life? That’s exactly what Cate Kay is grappling with in our January pick, The Three Lives of Cate Kay by @KateFagan3. She’s a literary sensation, the face behind a blockbuster film trilogy, but her life isn’t what it seems. This story swept me away with its big dreams, love, and unexpected twists," (via Instagram).

Visit our storefront to check out more of our top book picks!

Brit + Co may at times use affiliate links to promote products sold by others, but always offers genuine editorial recommendations.

This post has been updated.

MAJOR The Last of Us season 2 spoilers ahead!

If you thought The Last of Us season 2 couldn't get more dramatic than its premiere, then you'd be wrong. Season 2 primes us for some emotional drama by showing just how much Ellie (Bella Ramsey) and Joel (Pedro Pascal) are at odds, and throwing Abby (Kaitlyn Dever), who's seeking revenge on Joel for her own father's murder, into the mix shatters everything.

The Last of Us season 2, episode 2, "Through The Valley" is already being heralded by social media users as one of the best episodes in TV history. But it's definitely memorable for one specific reason: the episode killed off Joel, played by Pedro Pascal.

Let's talk about what the heck just happened with Joel Miller (Pedro Pascal) in The Last of Us season 2.

Does Joel die in episode 2?

Liane Hentscher/HBO

Joel Miller (played by Pedro Pascal in the hit HBO show) dies in The Last of Us season 2, episode 2. "People are going to be upset. That's sometimes how good drama goes," executive producer Craig Mazin tellsUSA Today. "This was something that was always meant to happen. So much of the first season was, in a weird way, leading to this moment. And it's upsetting."

The horrifying moment comes after a blizzard — and some infected — put Abby, Joel, and Dina (Isabela Merced) on a collision course. After they rescue her from the aforementioned infected, Abby brings the two Jackson residents back to the lodge in the mountains where her group is hiding. Meanwhile Jackson, dealing with its own infected attack, burns in the distance.

Joel's anxious to return to town, but he's got bigger problems: Abby recognizes him as the man who killed her father (and wiped out the Firefly hospital) and, after putting Dina to sleep, Abby takes out five years' worth of anger and devastation on him with a golf club. Yeah. I can't believe it either.

But even more horrifying is when Ellie finds the lodge and bursts into the room. When she begs Joel to get up, there's a moment when you can see a beaten Joel start to lift himself up from the ground before Abby uses the now-broken golf club to kill him. I hope Ellie holds onto this moment and knows Joel was willing and able to do whatever it took to keep her safe!! I will scream about them forever!!

As Abby's group leaves, Ellie swears she'll kill them, and "you can't help but believe it is absolutely true," Craig says. There's a truly devastating shot of Ellie lying over Joel's body in the empty room that parallels her nursing him back to health at the end of season 1, episode 7 and I don't know if I'll ever get over it.

Why was Joel killed off?

In addition to being literal retribution for the death of Abby's father, Joel's death is a catalyst for Ellie's journey throughout the rest of the season as she grapples with revenge, grief, and anger. "Loss is kind of how this story functions, so this was largely preordained," Craig continues.

And yes, Pedro was aware of this devastating scene when he signed up for the life-changing role. "When I talked to Pedro the first time, I said, 'This is how this will go,'" Craig says. "I wanted him to know that we're not going to do this for seven seasons with you in that spot. We're going to do a season, and if it goes well and there's a second season, this will happen."

What happens to Ellie after Joel dies?

Liane Hentscher/HBO

The trailer for the rest of The Last of Us season 2 shows that Ellie and Dina aren't giving up until they enact their own revenge on Abby and her group. The two women are headed for Seattle and they're up against infected, the militia, and everything else this post-apocalyptic world has to throw at them.

But even though Joel's gone for good, Pedro isn't. We're in for plenty of flashbacks that fill in those five years between seasons 1 and 2!

Tune into new episodes of The Last of Us season 2 on HBO and Max Sundays at 9 PM ET to see what happens next.

The story's not over yet! Here's the last news on The Last Of Us Season 3.