Massive Drop in Viewership for HBO’s Hit Series

In a shocking turn of events, HBO’s much-anticipated ‘The Last of Us’ Season 2 finale attracted a mere 3.7 million viewers across platforms, marking a staggering 55% decline from the 8.2 million who tuned in for the Season 1 finale. This drop is significant, considering Season 1 aired during the Oscars, a prime competition for ratings.

What Went Wrong?

Season 2 kicked off with 5.3 million viewers, but HBO suggests the holiday weekend may have influenced the finale's lower turnout. They’re optimistic that the numbers could rise in the coming days as more viewers catch up.

A Franchise Still Going Strong

Despite the dip in finale numbers, the overall viewership for the franchise remains impressive. Since the end of Season 1, ‘The Last of Us’ has amassed a whopping 90 million viewers, with the current season averaging nearly 37 million global viewers per episode.

A Bold Narrative Shift

This season took a bold turn that left many casual viewers stunned: the main character, Joel, played by Pedro Pascal, was killed off in only the second episode. The focus then shifted to Bella Ramsey’s Ellie, mirroring the dramatic shifts that gamers experienced with the source material. This choice reinforced themes of grief and revenge, but it also challenged fans who had become attached to Joel.

What’s Next?

Looking ahead, Season 3 promises yet another change of pace. Kaitlyn Dever’s Abby is set to become a key player in the unfolding story. Co-creator Craig Mazin teased, “There’s another side to this story we haven’t explored fully. Abby is her own hero, and the narrative will always pivot around the legacy of Joel and his influence on Ellie and Abby.” Fans can expect an intricate exploration of these characters' motivations as the series continues.