6 sources·Entertainment

Season 2 of 'The Last of Us' Premieres to Strong Viewership and New Dynamics

Season 2 of 'The Last of Us' premieres with 5.3 million viewers, showcasing evolving dynamics between Joel and Ellie amidst new threats and characters.

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  1. The Last of Us season two review – Bella Ramsey is absolutely wonderful

    This season has a narrower scope than the first, without the standalone, digressive episodes that were some of the original run’s best.

    The Last of Us season two review – Bella Ramsey is absolutely wonderful

    The GuardianThe Guardian·4d
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  2. ‘The Last Of Us’ Season 2 Premiere Audience Up 10% Over Season 1 Debut

    It seems as though audiences were catching up on Season 1 last week, as viewership for the season surged 150% over the week prior.

    ‘The Last Of Us’ Season 2 Premiere Audience Up 10% Over Season 1 Debut

    DeadlineDeadline·4d
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  3. The Last of Us’ New Season Presents an Even Greater Threat Than the Infected

    Even in the worst circumstances imaginable—far worse than anyone with access to an HBO subscription is likely to face in their lifetime—they’ve found something to fight for that’s bigger than themselves.

    The Last of Us’ New Season Presents an Even Greater Threat Than the Infected

    SlateSlate·5d
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  4. 'The Last of Us' Season 2 Premiere: We See a Bad Moon Rising

    For much of the premiere, Jackson feels as close to paradise as it’s possible to be in a postapocalyptic world.

    'The Last of Us' Season 2 Premiere: We See a Bad Moon Rising

    Rolling StoneRolling Stone·5d
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  1. The Guardian
  2. Deadline
  3. CNN
  4. Slate
  5. Rolling Stone

Updated: Apr 14th, 2025, 6:28 PM ET

Summary

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The Season 2 premiere of 'The Last of Us', aired on Sunday, attracted 5.3 million same-day viewers, outperforming Season 1's debut by 10%. Set five years later, Joel, now a community leader, grapples with his complicated past while Ellie, at 19, seeks independence but struggles with their relationship. The episode introduces new characters, including Abby, seeking revenge for Joel's past actions, and explores themes of teenage rebellion and complex dynamics in a dangerous world. Ellie’s journey takes a turn as she faces new challenges with a more evolved enemy while she navigates her budding relationship with Dina. Season 2 promises to delve deeper into emotional landscapes as the characters confront internal and external threats.


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  • The Last of Us returned to HBO on Sunday night with a promising performance for the Season 2 premiere, managing 5.3 million same-day U.S. cross-platform viewers, which is about 10% higher than the Season 1 premiere.

  • The viewership for the series surged 150% over the week prior, showcasing the continued interest in the story after its acclaimed first season.

  • As the series continues, audiences are excited to see Joel and Ellie's relationship evolve, as they navigate an even more dangerous world five years after the events of Season 1.


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