HBO’s “The Last of Us” is gaining popularity at an impressive rate, reminiscent of a spreading fungal outbreak. Interestingly, more viewers tuned in for Sunday’s season 2 premiere, titled “Future Days,” compared to the series premiere, “When You’re Lost in the Darkness,” which aired in 2023. The initial episode of this seven-episode season amassed an audience of 5.3 million viewers across HBO and Max, representing a 13% increase from the viewership of the season 1 premiere that aired in January 2023. This first episode, which introduced Joel (played by Pedro Pascal) and Ellie (Bella Ramsey), as survivors in a world affected by a fungal apocalypse, attracted an audience of 4.7 million viewers on its release day.
The debut episode of the series was HBO’s second largest premiere, surpassed only by the spinoff of “Game of Thrones,” titled “House of the Dragon,” since “Boardwalk Empire” aired on the network in 2010. Following its release on both HBO and Max, “When You’re Lost in the Darkness” attracted an additional 5.3 million viewers within two days, reaching 18 million after a week and 22 million after twelve days. By the time the season finale of “Look for the Light” was broadcasted on March 12th, the views for the premiere had accumulated close to 40 million.
Warner Bros. Discovery announced that streams for the initial nine-episode season increased by a staggering 150% in the weeks prior to the April 13 premiere, compared to the previous week. In its debut on HBO in 2023, episode 2 of The Last of Us attracted an impressive viewership of 5.7 million viewers, marking a 22% rise and setting a record as the largest-ever surge in viewership for an original drama series on their network’s history.
Viewership for “The Last of Us” climbed in its third week with episode 3, “Long, Long Time,” attracting 6.4 million viewers. That same week, HBO greenlit a second season for the show, and episodes 4 and 8 saw series high ratings with 7.5 million and 8.1 million viewers respectively. In spite of competition from the 2023 Oscars, the season finale, “Look for the Light,” drew an impressive series peak of 8.2 million viewers.
According to HBO’s initial reports, The Last of Us was pulling in an average of 30.4 million viewers over its initial six episodes. Furthermore, it set a record as the most-watched series on HBO Max in Europe and Latin America since its adaptation from the Naughty Dog video game franchise on PlayStation.
The Last of Us Season 1 Weekly Premiere Viewership:
- Episode 1 – 4.7 million (Jan. 15)
- Episode 2 – 5.7 million (Jan. 22)
- Episode 3 – 6.4 million (Jan. 29)
- Episode 4 – 7.5 million (Feb. 5)
- Episode 5 – 11.6 million (Feb. 10-Feb. 12)*
*Early premiere, includes data from Friday to Sunday - Episode 6 – 7.8 million (Feb. 19)
- Episode 7 – 7.7 million (Feb. 26)
- Episode 8 – 8.1 million (March 5)
- Episode 9 – 8.2 million (March 12)
Just last week, the makers behind the scenes, Craig Mazin and Neil Druckmann, secured another season for the popular series “The Last of Us” on HBO, taking it into its third run.
Francesca Orsi, Executive Vice President at HBO, expressed great pride in the remarkable accomplishment she believes the second season of ‘The Last of Us’ represents. In a statement, she praised Craig, Neil, executive producer Carolyn Strauss, and the entire team for delivering an exceptional sequel. She’s excited to continue the journey of Craig and Neil’s storytelling into what promises to be another emotionally resonant and extraordinary third season.
Mazin, responsible for penning and directing the first episodes of both seasons one and two, remarked, “For season two, we aimed to produce something that would make us feel proud. The final product surpassed our highest expectations, a testament to our ongoing partnership with HBO and the exceptional talent of our outstanding cast and crew. We eagerly anticipate telling more of the story of The Last of Us in season three!
Speaking about the incredible adaptation of “The Last of Us,” Druckmann, one of its creators, expressed his career satisfaction and gratitude towards the fans’ passionate response. He acknowledged that a large part of this success is due to his collaborator Craig Mazin, their partnership with HBO, PlayStation Productions, and the entire team at Naughty Dog. On behalf of everyone involved including our talented cast and crew, he expressed heartfelt thanks for the chance to bring “The Last of Us” to life. They’re excited to continue creating more of this captivating series for you.
In the fifth year since the events of season one, Joel and Ellie find themselves at odds with each other and a world that’s become even more treacherous and uncertain than before. The main cast for this upcoming season includes Pedro Pascal as Joel, Bella Ramsey as Ellie, Gabriel Luna as Tommy, Rutina Wesley as Maria. New additions to the cast are Kaitlyn Dever as Abby, Isabela Merced as Dina, Young Mazino as Jesse, Ariela Barer as Mel, Tati Gabrielle as Nora, Spencer Lord as Owen, Danny Ramirez as Manny, and Jeffrey Wright as Isaac. Catherine O’Hara will also make a special appearance as Gail.
New episodes of The Last of Us season 2 premiere Sunday nights on HBO and Max.
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2025-04-15 02:40