The highly anticipated second season of The Last of Us premiered on HBO and Max on April 13, 2025, attracting a significant viewership of 5.3 million in the United States. This marks a 13% increase from the 4.7 million viewers who tuned in for the first season's debut in January 2023, according to Warner Bros. Discovery. The viewership figures include both traditional cable ratings and streaming data, showcasing the series' growing popularity.
As fans eagerly dove into the first episode, titled "Future Days," they were introduced to a new variant of infected known as Stalkers. This marks a pivotal moment in the series, as the Stalkers represent the second phase of the infection, emerging after approximately two weeks of exposure to the Cordyceps fungus. Unlike the earlier infected types, Stalkers are not only stronger than the Runners but also exhibit intelligence, stealth, and aggressive behavior. They can attack from behind and emit guttural sounds, making them a formidable threat in the post-apocalyptic landscape.
In addition to the premiere's strong ratings, interest in the first season surged, with a 150% increase in views on Max last week compared to the previous week. This indicates a significant "catch-up" trend among viewers who wanted to familiarize themselves with the series before diving into the new episodes.
The first season of The Last of Us had already made waves, being the second-largest premiere on HBO in over a decade. Throughout its run, it maintained a steady viewership, culminating in a peak of 8.2 million viewers for the final episode. Over a 90-day period, the series averaged 32 million viewers per episode, demonstrating its lasting appeal.
This season continues to adapt the narrative from the acclaimed video game series, specifically The Last of Us Part II, which was released in 2020. The storyline picks up five years after the events of the first season, with Joel and Ellie now living in the Jackson community, which is led by Tommy and Maria. The emotional weight of the story deepens as Ellie seeks revenge following a traumatic event, while Abby finds herself embroiled in a conflict between a militia and a cult.
In the premiere episode, viewers witness a new scene featuring Abby and her group, establishing her quest for vengeance against Joel for the deaths that occurred in the Fireflies hospital. Neil Druckmann, the franchise's creator, explained that the differences in storytelling between video games and television necessitated certain changes in the narrative flow. "There are two reasons for altering some contexts or moving things further into the story. In the game, when you play as Abby, you immediately form a connection with her, surviving alongside her. We can retain certain information while maintaining mystery in the game, but we can't do that in the series. We need to utilize different tools and that context gives us a shortcut," Druckmann stated.
Notable new characters in the second season include Dina, played by Isabela Merced, who becomes close to Ellie, and Gail, portrayed by Catherine O'Hara, who serves as Joel's therapist. Gail harbors resentment towards Joel for the death of her husband, Eugene, which adds another layer of complexity to the narrative. Additionally, Cat, Ellie's ex-girlfriend, is introduced, played by Noah Lamanna, further expanding the character dynamics.
The second season consists of seven episodes, with new installments released weekly on Sundays. Following the premiere, the upcoming episode schedule is as follows: April 20 for episode 2, April 27 for episode 3, May 4 for episode 4, May 11 for episode 5, May 18 for episode 6, and May 25 for episode 7.
The introduction of the Stalkers and the exploration of new character relationships signal a shift in tone and intensity as the series delves deeper into the themes of revenge, survival, and the human condition in a world ravaged by infection. As the series progresses, fans are left wondering how these developments will unfold and whether the show will continue to captivate audiences as it did in its inaugural season.
As the second season unfolds, the performance of subsequent episodes will be crucial in determining whether The Last of Us can maintain its momentum or if it will settle into a more stable viewership pattern. The series has already proven its relevance, but the upcoming weeks will reveal if it can continue to engage and expand its audience.
For those eager to keep up with the latest updates and insights, following the series on social media platforms and subscribing to related channels will ensure fans don’t miss any news about The Last of Us. With a strong start and a loyal fan base, the second season is poised to be another thrilling chapter in this gripping adaptation.
