The Last of Us Season 2 Debuts with Record Viewership and Evolving Storylines

The season premiere introduces new characters, complex relationships, and an evolved infected threat while setting the stage for a multi-season narrative expansion.

The Season 2 premiere of The Last of Us drew 5.3 million same-day viewers, a 10% increase over Season 1's debut, setting a new record for HBO and Max.
Set five years after Season 1, the narrative focuses on Ellie’s growth, her strained relationship with Joel, and the challenges of life in Jackson, Wyoming.
The premiere introduces a new evolution of the infected, with some displaying strategic and intelligent behavior, reshaping the series' established mythology.
Kaitlyn Dever debuts as Abby in a chilling role, cast directly by the showrunners without an audition, highlighting their confidence in her portrayal.
Ellie, Dina, and Jesse form a love triangle, adding emotional complexity to the story, while Ellie and Joel’s fractured bond deepens the season’s tension.