The highly anticipated second season of HBO's 'The Last of Us' has officially kicked off, and it’s already making waves. The first episode, titled 'Future Days', premiered on April 13, 2025, and quickly became the second most successful launch in HBO Originals history.
According to reports from Warner Bros. Discovery and Nielsen, 'Future Days' attracted over 5.3 million viewers on its debut, marking a significant 13% increase compared to the 4.7 million who tuned in for the first season's premiere in January 2023. This impressive start is not just a fluke; it reflects the growing popularity of the series, which has captivated audiences since its inception.
In fact, the first season of 'The Last of Us' was the most-watched debut for HBO since 'Boardwalk Empire' in 2010. Viewership for the first season surged as it progressed, with a remarkable 74% increase by the time the final episode aired. This trend has set a strong foundation for the second season, which consists of seven episodes, each expected to delve deeper into the post-apocalyptic world and the complex relationship between the main characters, Joel and Ellie.
Warner Bros. Discovery proudly highlighted the success of the first season, stating, "The first season accumulated an audience of almost 32 million viewers per episode, the largest audience in HBO Max's history for a first season." With such a robust fan base, expectations for the second season are high.
The premiere episode didn't just break viewership records; it also introduced fans to new elements of the story. 'Future Days' featured a new type of infected, previously unseen in the series, adding fresh excitement to the narrative. Furthermore, the episode included a surprise cameo from Gustavo Santaolalla, the Oscar-winning composer of the game's soundtrack, which delighted fans of both the game and the show.
As anticipation builds for what’s next, HBO Max has already confirmed a third season of 'The Last of Us'. The showrunner has begun discussing the direction of the upcoming season, which will adapt half of the Naughty Dog video game. Fans can look forward to more thrilling episodes, as the series continues to explore the harrowing journey of Ellie and Joel.
With the first episode of season 2 receiving rave reviews and high viewership, the question remains: can this season match or even surpass the staggering average of 32 million viewers per episode achieved by the first season? As the narrative unfolds, viewers are eager to see how the story will develop and whether it will continue to resonate with the audience.
In summary, the return of 'The Last of Us' has not only rekindled interest in its characters and story but has also solidified its place in television history. With a strong start and the promise of more to come, fans are undoubtedly in for a thrilling ride as they follow Joel and Ellie through their next chapter in this gripping saga.
