‘The Last of Us’ Season 2 Finale Sees Lower Live Viewership But Series Achieves Record Global Audience

The Season 2 finale of HBO’s ‘The Last of Us’ aired on May 25, 2025, drawing 3.7 million cross-platform viewers in the U.S. on its first night—a significant drop from the 5.3 million who watched the season premiere and a 55% decline compared to the 8.2 million who tuned in for the Season 1 finale. HBO attributes some of this decline to the Memorial Day holiday weekend, which typically sees lower live television viewership. Despite the decrease in same-day numbers, the network expects the finale’s audience to grow in the days following its release.

Importantly, Season 2 is averaging nearly 37 million global viewers per episode, surpassing the average for Season 1, which reached 32 million viewers within 90 days of its premiere. Cumulatively, the series has attracted over 90 million viewers since Season 1 ended, underscoring its ongoing popularity and cultural impact.

The drop in live viewership comes amid a season that has sparked debate among fans, largely due to its adaptation of controversial storylines from the video game ‘The Last of Us Part II.’ The season, which picks up five years after the events of Season 1, follows Joel (Pedro Pascal) and Ellie (Bella Ramsey) as they navigate new dangers and personal conflicts. The cast also includes Gabriel Luna, Rutina Wesley, Kaitlyn Dever, Isabela Merced, and others. Despite mixed reactions, HBO has already renewed the show for a third season, signaling continued confidence in its long-term success.