Why Is The Last Of Us Season 2 Losing Viewers? What It Means for Season 3

The Last Of Us Season 2 has gripped audiences with its intense storytelling, but recent reports reveal a troubling trend: viewership numbers are plummeting. HBO’s adaptation of the beloved Naughty Dog video game saw a staggering 55% drop in finale viewership compared to Season 1, sparking debates about the show’s future.

Despite HBO greenlighting Season 3, the declining numbers raise questions about what went wrong and whether the series can recover its former glory. In this article, we dive into the data, explore the reasons behind the drop, and speculate on what this means for the recently approved third season.

What Are the Viewership Numbers for The Last Of Us Season 2?

The Last Of Us Season 2 premiered on April 13, 2025, with a promising 5.3 million viewers, a 13% increase from Season 1’s debut of 4.7 million. However, the season finale on May 25, 2025, drew only 3.7 million cross-platform viewers in the U.S., a 30% drop from the Season 2 premiere and a 55% decline from Season 1’s finale, which attracted 8.2 million viewers.

According to Programming Insider, linear viewership also tanked, with Episode 2 plummeting 31.5% from 938,000 to 643,000 viewers after a controversial plot twist.

Despite these setbacks, HBO reports that Season 2 averages 37 million viewers per episode globally after 43 days, surpassing Season 1’s 32 million after 90 days.

The network attributes the finale’s low numbers to the Memorial Day weekend, expecting catch-up viewership to boost figures. Still, the sharp decline in same-day viewership and audience engagement signals challenges for the series.

Why Are Viewers Tuning Out of The Last Of Us Season 2?

The Last Of Us Season 2 faced backlash due to its fidelity to the controversial narrative of The Last of Us Part II video game. A pivotal moment in Episode 2, involving the death of a beloved character, sparked outrage among fans, leading to a 31.5% viewership drop by the following episode.

Social media posts on X reflect the sentiment, with users like @Vara_Dark calling the ratings “catastrophically low” and others citing disappointment with the rushed seven-episode season compared to Season 1’s nine.

Audience scores also reflect discontent. Rotten Tomatoes user ratings for Season 2 fell to 38%-49%, down from Season 1’s mid-60s, and Metacritic scores dropped from 6.3 to 4.1. Fans criticized pacing issues, script changes, and the abrupt shift in focus from key characters like Joel (Pedro Pascal) and Ellie (Bella Ramsey).

Some viewers, unfamiliar with the game’s divisive plot, felt alienated by the show’s darker tone and narrative risks.

HBO’s decision to adapt the game’s polarizing story, including Kaitlyn Dever’s casting as Abby, drew further scrutiny. While showrunners Craig Mazin and Neil Druckmann defended their choices as necessary for Ellie’s arc, the adaptation’s fidelity to the game’s structure may have cost viewer trust, especially among non-gamers.

How Did HBO Respond to the Viewership Drop?

HBO remains optimistic about The Last Of Us Season 2, emphasizing its global average of 37 million viewers per episode and expecting finale numbers to grow post-Memorial Day.

The network swiftly greenlit Season 3 before Season 2’s premiere, signaling confidence in the show’s long-term viability. Francesca Orsi, HBO’s Head of Drama Series, praised the season as an “outstanding achievement,” and Mazin highlighted the creative risks taken to adapt the game’s story.

However, HBO’s attribution of the drop to holiday timing doesn’t fully address the season’s divisive reception. While Season 1 grew steadily, peaking at 8.2 million despite competing with the Oscars, Season 2’s decline suggests deeper issues with audience retention.

The network’s focus on streaming numbers and long-tail viewership may mitigate concerns, but the loss of “appointment viewing” luster could impact Season 3’s rollout.

What Does This Mean for Season 3 of The Last Of Us?

The greenlighting of Season 3 indicates HBO’s commitment to The Last Of Us, but the declining viewership for Season 2 raises red flags. Season 3 will likely focus on Abby’s perspective, with Bella Ramsey confirming a reduced role for Ellie.

This shift, combined with the absence of key characters like Joel, risks further alienating viewers who tuned in for the Joel-Ellie dynamic. The two-year gap before Season 3’s release could either allow HBO to rebuild trust or deepen audience fatigue.

To recover, HBO may need to address pacing and narrative concerns. Season 2’s rushed seven-episode structure frustrated fans, and a longer, more balanced Season 3 could help. Marketing efforts should target both gamers and new viewers, clarifying the show’s direction to avoid further backlash. Posts on X suggest fans are split, with some excited for Abby’s arc and others skeptical after Season 2’s missteps.

The Last Of Us Season 2 outperformed other HBO shows like House of the Dragon (25 million viewers per episode) and The White Lotus Season 3 (15 million), suggesting a loyal fanbase remains. However, without course correction, Season 3 risks losing casual viewers, potentially capping its cultural impact. A fourth season is under consideration, but its fate may hinge on Season 3’s reception.

Can The Last Of Us Regain Its Momentum?

The Last Of Us Season 2’s viewership decline is a wake-up call for HBO, but it’s not a death knell. The show’s global streaming numbers and Season 3 greenlight show resilience, yet the divisive plot and pacing issues can’t be ignored.

Some Closing Thoughts:

As HBO navigates the fallout, Season 3’s success will depend on recapturing the emotional depth that made Season 1 a phenomenon.

Fans and critics alike are watching closely. Will HBO double down on the game’s polarizing narrative, or pivot to win back disenchanted viewers?

Only time will tell, but The Last Of Us remains a bold, if embattled, cornerstone of HBO’s lineup. Share your thoughts on Season 2’s drop and Season 3’s prospects in the comments below!