A Record-Breaking Return!

The highly anticipated return of "The Last of Us" to HBO captivated audiences on Sunday night, drawing in a staggering 5.3 million viewers for its Season 2 premiere.

A 13% Increase From Season 1

This impressive figure marks a 13% jump compared to the Season 1 premiere, which garnered 4.7 million viewers back in January 2023. The data combines Nielsen's counts of traditional cable viewers with Warner Bros. Discovery’s streaming numbers on Max.

Catch-up Viewing Explodes!

Warner Bros. Discovery also reported a significant rise in catch-up viewing, with Season 1 streaming surging by an astonishing 150% last week alone!

Ratings Gold: A Hit from the Start

Starring the incredible Pedro Pascal and Bella Ramsey, "The Last of Us" quickly became HBO’s ratings titan upon its initial release. It ranked as the second-most watched premiere on the channel in over ten years, climbing to 5.7 million viewers by the second episode—a record for the largest increase between a series' premiere and its second episode. The momentum built throughout the season, ultimately peaking with a phenomenal 8.2 million viewers for the thrilling finale.

Mind-Blowing Season Average

When accounting for 90 days of delayed viewing, the series averaged a jaw-dropping 32 million viewers per episode throughout its inaugural season!

What's Next for Joel and Ellie?

The tantalizing Season 2 logline teases: "Five years after the events of the first season, Joel and Ellie face inner conflict and a world that is even more perilous and unpredictable than before." The series is masterfully crafted by Neil Druckmann, the creator of the original video game, alongside collaborator Craig Mazin. Both serve as executive producers along with a talented team that includes Carolyn Strauss, Jacqueline Lesko, and more.

A Production Powerhouse

Produced by Sony Pictures Television in conjunction with PlayStation Productions, Word Games, Mighty Mint, and Naughty Dog, this season promises to deliver even more heart-pounding drama as viewers rejoin their beloved characters.