The Last of Us Season 2 Finale: Viewership Drop and the Curious Case of Its Success

HBO’s The Last of Us has been a rollercoaster of emotions, critical acclaim, and heated online debates since its debut. The post-apocalyptic drama, starring Pedro Pascal and Bella Ramsey, wrapped up its second season on May 25, 2025, with a finale that has sparked plenty of conversation. According to HBO, the Season 2 finale drew 3.7 million viewers across platforms, a 55% drop from the 8.2 million who tuned in for the Season 1 finale. Yet, in a twist that’s as intriguing as the show itself, Season 2 has outperformed Season 1 overall. Let’s dive into the curious case of The Last of Us Season 2 and what’s driving its highs and lows.

A Shocking Drop in Finale Viewership

The numbers don’t lie: 3.7 million viewers for the Season 2 finale is a significant dip, not just from Season 1’s finale but also a 30% drop from Season 2’s own premiere, which pulled in 5.3 million viewers on April 13, 2025. HBO has suggested that the Memorial Day holiday weekend might have contributed to lower tune-in numbers, with expectations that viewership will grow as fans catch up on streaming platforms like Max and JioHotstar in India. Still, a 55% drop is hard to ignore, especially for a show that’s been a critical darling and a cultural phenomenon.

So, what happened? The answer lies in a mix of narrative choices, fan expectations, and online backlash. Season 2, which closely follows the plot of The Last of Us Part II video game, made some bold moves—most notably, the early death of Pedro Pascal’s beloved character, Joel, in Episode 2. This shocking twist, while true to the game, alienated some viewers who felt the show lost its emotional anchor without Joel. The shift to focusing on Bella Ramsey’s Ellie and new characters like Kaitlyn Dever’s Abby may have been a tough sell for those deeply attached to the Joel-Ellie dynamic from Season 1.

Season 2 Outshines Season 1 Overall

Despite the finale’s dip, Season 2 has been a viewership juggernaut. HBO reports that the season averages 37 million viewers per episode globally, surpassing Season 1’s impressive 32 million. The premiere alone saw a 13% jump from Season 1’s debut, which had 4.7 million viewers. These numbers put The Last of Us ahead of other recent HBO heavyweights like The White Lotus Season 3 (2.4 million for its premiere) and The Penguin, which took four days to match Season 2’s opening night.

What’s driving this overall success? For one, the show’s loyal fanbase—both gamers and newcomers—has kept it in the spotlight. The Season 2 premiere capitalized on the hype from Season 1’s cliffhanger, drawing viewers eager to see how Joel and Ellie’s story would unfold. The show’s cinematic production, gripping performances, and emotional depth have also earned it consistent praise from critics, even if some fans have been vocal about their gripes.

The Online Hate and Its Impact

One of the most troubling aspects of Season 2’s journey has been the intense online backlash, particularly directed at Bella Ramsey. Despite widespread acclaim for their portrayal of Ellie, Ramsey has faced relentless trolling for not “looking like” the video game version of the character. Critics on platforms like Reddit have targeted Ramsey’s appearance, with some even taking issue with their autism diagnosis. This hate intensified after Joel’s death, with some fans arguing that Ramsey couldn’t carry the show as the lead. Kaitlyn Dever, who plays Abby, hasn’t been spared either, facing criticism for not matching her character’s muscular physique from the game.

This toxic rhetoric seems to have taken a toll on viewership, especially among so-called “loyal fans” who tuned out after key plot points diverged from their expectations. Ramsey, anticipating the backlash, deactivated their social media accounts before the season aired, a move that speaks volumes about the pressure they’ve faced. In contrast, Pedro Pascal’s Joel, despite also differing from the game’s version, has largely escaped similar scrutiny—a double standard that’s hard to ignore.

The Show’s Strengths and Missteps

The Last of Us Season 2 hasn’t been flawless. Some fans and critics have called it a “sophomore slump,” citing uneven writing and a compressed seven-episode run compared to Season 1’s nine. Posts on X have echoed this sentiment, with users like @DTSampedro arguing that the show struggles without Pascal’s presence and that Ramsey’s performance, while solid, doesn’t fully compensate. Others, like @RoseParamore77, have pushed back, pointing to the season’s strong global viewership as proof of its enduring appeal.

On the flip side, the show has delivered standout moments. Episode 5, “Feel Her Love,” was hailed as a “masterclass” in acting, and Episode 6’s flashbacks exploring Joel and Ellie’s bond added emotional depth. Even a production blunder—a crew member wandering into a shot in Episode 6—became a viral moment, drawing comparisons to the infamous Game of Thrones coffee cup. These highs, combined with the show’s bold storytelling, have kept it relevant, even if not every episode landed perfectly.

What’s Next for The Last of Us?

HBO has already greenlit a third season, and showrunner Craig Mazin has hinted that a fourth season may be needed to fully adapt The Last of Us Part II. The Season 2 finale, “Convergence,” left fans with a cliffhanger, raising questions about Ellie’s fate after a tense confrontation with Abby. With Kaitlyn Dever’s Abby set to take center stage in Season 3, the show is poised to explore new emotional and moral territory, potentially winning back some disillusioned fans while challenging others.

For now, The Last of Us remains a paradox: a show that’s both a ratings powerhouse and a lightning rod for controversy. Its ability to balance critical acclaim with divisive fan reactions makes it a fascinating case study in modern TV. As we await Season 3, one thing is clear—Joel and Ellie’s world will continue to captivate, heartbreak, and spark debate.

What did you think of The Last of Us Season 2? Did the finale live up to your expectations, or are you still reeling from Joel’s exit? Drop your thoughts in the comments below, and let’s keep the conversation going!

Sources: Hindustan Times, The Wrap, X posts