The second season of HBO's "The Last of Us" has concluded, and while still a success, it experienced a noticeable decline in viewership compared to its record-breaking first season. Several factors contributed to this downturn, ranging from controversial story decisions to external circumstances.
The premiere of Season 2 drew 5.3 million viewers across platforms, a 13% increase from the first season's debut. However, the finale only garnered 3.7 million viewers, a 30% drop from the premiere and a staggering 55% decrease compared to the Season 1 finale, which had 8.2 million viewers. Nielsen tracking revealed that the average viewer count for Season 2 was also down 18% compared to the first five episodes of Season 1. While Season 2 averaged 37 million global viewers, it still falls short of Season 1's global success. For comparison, Season 1 drew 32 million cross-platform viewers in the U.S. alone.
One of the primary reasons cited for the decline is the significant time gap between seasons. "The Last of Us" Season 1 aired from January to March 2023, while Season 2 aired from April to May 2025, leaving audiences waiting over two years. In the fast-paced world of television, such delays can lead to viewers finding other shows and losing interest.
Another major factor was the controversial decision to kill off Joel (Pedro Pascal) in the second episode. Joel was a beloved character, and his brutal death early in the season was unexpected for many viewers, particularly those who hadn't played the game. This decision mirrored a significant plot point in "The Last of Us Part II" video game, which also faced backlash from some fans. The showrunners' choice to adhere closely to the source material, even when it meant killing off a central character, appears to have alienated a portion of the audience.
Furthermore, Bella Ramsey's portrayal of Ellie has faced criticism. Some viewers felt that certain creative choices regarding Ramsey's character, dialogue, and appearance deviated too much from the video game's Ellie, detracting from the apocalyptic story. Once the narrative shifted to focus on Ellie's quest for revenge against Abby, some felt a void was left that other characters couldn't fill.
HBO has suggested that the Memorial Day weekend, when the finale aired, contributed to the lower viewership due to increased travel and outdoor activities. However, some analysts argue that this doesn't fully explain the decline, as holiday weekends have historically been favorable for streaming services.
Despite the drop in live viewership, HBO reports that Season 2 is averaging 37 million viewers per week globally, up from 32 million per week in Season 1, indicating growth in the long term. This suggests that while domestic viewership might have softened, "The Last of Us" is gaining momentum worldwide through on-demand and delayed streaming.
The show has already been renewed for a third season, and it remains to be seen how the showrunners will address the criticisms and regain the momentum of the first season. The adaptation of "The Last of Us Part II" is expected to span multiple seasons, and it will be crucial for the show to navigate the complex narrative while retaining viewer interest.
