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Apr 13th, 2025, 11:22 PM ET·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.


Last Update: 6:28 PM ET

Summary

A summary of the key points of this story verified across multiple sources.

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.

Sources (6)

Compare coverage of this story from news outlets across the political spectrum.
  • The Guardian
  • The Guardian
  • CNN
  • Slate
  • Rolling Stone
  • The Season 2 premiere of HBO's "The Last of Us" leaves viewers with many questions, exploring the strained dynamics between Joel and Ellie five years after the traumatic events of Season 1, which intensifies their complex father-daughter relationship amidst evolving conflicts.
  • The introduction of new characters and threats in Jackson further deepens the exploration of community and personal relationships amidst the chaos of a post-apocalyptic world, with significant social themes, including a narrative on homophobia highlighted during a New Year's Eve celebration where Ellie shares a kiss with her friend Dina.
  • The contrasting character development between Joel and Ellie showcases their unresolved trauma and the consequences of Joel's past decisions, particularly regarding Ellie’s complex relationship with her immunity and the ethical dilemmas surrounding it.
The Last of Us season two review – Bella Ramsey is absolutely wonderful
The GuardianThe Guardian·1M·
Leans Left
This outlet slightly leans left.

"…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’ New Season Presents an Even Greater Threat Than the Infected
SlateSlate·1M·
Left
This outlet favors left-wing views.

"…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' Season 2 Premiere: We See a Bad Moon Rising
Rolling StoneRolling Stone·1M·
Left
This outlet favors left-wing views.

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

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