When HBO announced the second season of The Last of Us, anticipation skyrocketed. After the show’s stellar first season, fans eagerly awaited its return. Season 2 premiered in April 2025, and immediately it became clear—the series had lost none of its magic.
Breaking Viewership Records
Right off the bat, Season 2 smashed records. An impressive 5.3 million viewers tuned in on premiere night in the U.S. alone, marking a remarkable 13% growth from the show’s Season 1 debut. Clearly, fans were hungry for more. In fact, excitement leading up to the premiere soared to unprecedented heights—streams of the first season surged by 150% in the week before the launch. This surge indicates fans didn’t just want to revisit, they felt they needed to.
Critically Acclaimed Once Again
Critics also came out strongly in favor of the new season. Rotten Tomatoes initially registered a 92% approval, quickly climbing to a commanding 96% from 100 professional reviews, averaging an impressive 8.35 out of 10. On Metacritic, the show scored a commendable 82 out of 100 from 40 critics, landing firmly in the “universal acclaim” category.
However, despite overall praise, some critical voices emerged. Forbes praised world-building and acting but flagged concerns about narrative clarity. IGN celebrated the rich character dynamics yet acknowledged pacing hiccups.
Aggregated Scores
- Rotten Tomatoes: 96% approval (100 reviews), average rating 8.35/10.
- Metacritic: Weighted score 82/100 based on 40 reviews, labeled “universal acclaim”.
- Critical Consensus: Described as “a challenging expansion that retains its predecessor’s superb performances and verisimilitude”.
- Rotten Tomatoes Editorial: “The Last of Us Season 2 continues to be one of the best series on TV, even if it isn’t quite as satisfying as the first”.
Notable Critic Highlights
- Forbes (Erik Kain) raised concerns about narrative focus despite lauding the world‑building and performances.
- IGN (Simon Cardy) praised the premiere’s “rich introductions and strained relationships,” noting how it balances new and returning characters.
- The Guardian (Jack Seale) called Bella Ramsey’s Ellie “a punchy, watchable delight” and commended the season’s “gutsy, thoughtful” approach.
- El País highlighted the season’s “immense beauty and emotional courage,” while acknowledging occasional stumbles in pacing and character focus.
Brilliant Performances
Season 2 didn’t shy away from emotional depth and powerful performances. Bella Ramsey, reprising her role as Ellie, captivated critics. The Guardian described Ramsey’s Ellie as “a punchy, watchable delight,” proving she has indeed become central to the show’s success. Pedro Pascal also drew acclaim, portraying Joel with a new, powerful vulnerability that further enriched the character.
Emotional Layers and Rich Storytelling
Narratively, the second season brought depth and complexity. Moments like Ellie and Dina’s delicate dance scene resonated strongly, praised widely for its authentic representation of queer relationships. This emotional authenticity set the tone for deeper character exploration, further intensified by flashbacks and moral quandaries that added layers to an already compelling narrative.
Cinematic Ambition
Visually, Season 2 elevated the storytelling to cinematic heights. Action sequences, particularly from the second episode, drew comparisons to Game of Thrones and even Saving Private Ryan. The sweeping landscapes of snowy Jackson and the meticulously crafted post-apocalyptic scenes reinforced HBO’s commitment to stunning visual storytelling.
Room for Improvement?
Yet, Season 2 start wasn’t perfect. Several critics pointed out issues with pacing. They felt action-heavy set pieces overshadowed quieter, character-driven scenes. Additionally, some story arcs introduced in mid-season felt incomplete. New characters, notably Abby and Isaac, also needed more depth and screen time for audiences to fully connect.
Key Strengths
- Compelling Performances
- Bella Ramsey’s portrayal of Ellie was termed a “punchy, watchable delight” (The Guardian) and “career‑best” by multiple outlets The Guardian.
- Pedro Pascal was praised for revealing Joel’s vulnerability alongside his trademark strength.
- Emotional & Narrative Depth
- The repositioned Ellie‑and‑Dina dance scene provided an early, tender emotional beat, deepening their relationship and queer representation.
- New narrative elements—such as an off‑screen killing and expanded flashbacks—added moral complexity and fresh stakes Vanity Fair.
- Production Design & Cinematography
- Critics likened episode‑two’s action sequences to Game of Thrones at its best and compared key set pieces to Saving Private Ryan, underscoring HBO’s cinematic capabilities.
- The snowy vistas of Jackson and detailed post‑apocalyptic environments were lauded for bringing the game’s world vividly to life.
Key Weaknesses
- Uneven Pacing
- Some critics felt the season swung too far into set‑piece action at the expense of quieter character moments, disrupting narrative momentum.
- Incomplete Story Arc
- A number of reviewers argued that certain plotlines—particularly those introduced late—remained underdeveloped, leaving the overall narrative feeling fragmented.
- Underdeveloped New Characters
- While newcomers like Abby and Isaac showed promise, several critics found them lacking in screen time and depth, with non‑linear storytelling further complicating audience investment.
Last of Us Launch was a success?
So, did Season 2 live up to its massive expectations? Absolutely. With impressive viewership, powerful performances, and critical praise, it secured itself firmly as a standout drama of 2025. While minor pacing and character development issues emerged, they barely dented an otherwise stellar debut.
Final assessment: 9.1/10—far from boring, incredibly compelling, and undeniably successful.
