HBO's 'The Last of Us' continues its stronghold, with the Season 2 premiere drawing 5.3 million viewers across platforms in the U.S. on April 14, 2025, surpassing the Season 1 debut by 10%, and the series has been renewed for a third season, announced by HBO on April 9, 2025, due to its sustained popularity.

The second season premiere of 'The Last of Us' saw a significant increase in viewership, attracting 5.3 million same-day U.S. viewers across platforms, according to HBO. This marks a 10% increase compared to the 4.7 million viewers who tuned in for the first season premiere, which was already HBO's largest debut since 'Boardwalk Empire' in 2010.

According to Variety, HBO has renewed 'The Last of Us' for a third season ahead of the Season 2 premiere. The early renewal signals HBO's confidence in the series' continued success and its integral role in their programming lineup.

The sustained and growing popularity of 'The Last of Us' reflects the series' compelling narrative, high production value, and strong performances. The show resonates with a wide audience, attracting both fans of the original video game and newcomers drawn to its post-apocalyptic world and character-driven stories. The early renewal for Season 3 suggests that HBO anticipates 'The Last of Us' will remain a cornerstone of their content strategy for the foreseeable future, paving the way for further exploration of the narrative beyond its initial adaptations.