HBO’s blockbuster series “The Last of Us” has been renewed for a second season following a successful first season.
The show’s premiere surpassed 22 million viewers domestically, with the second episode experiencing a 22 percent jump in viewership.
Mazin and Druckmann are pleased with the first season and plan to deliver a similarly satisfying second installment.
This growth marks the largest week-two audience increase for any HBO Original drama series in the network’s history.
The first season followed the story of smuggler Joel (Pedro Pascal) and Ellie (Bella Ramsey) as they navigate a post-apocalyptic America filled with zombie-like creatures.
Season 2: Adapting The Last of Us: Part II
The second season will partially adapt the game’s sequel, The Last of Us: Part II.
The game’s expansive story will be split over multiple seasons, though the exact number of seasons remains unconfirmed.
The sequel takes place four years after the original game, offering ample room for the show’s creators, Craig Mazin and Neil Druckmann, to expand the narrative.
Creator’s Teases and Improvements
Mazin and Druckmann are pleased with the first season and plan to deliver a similarly satisfying second installment.
They’ve acknowledged areas for improvement, such as setting; the entire first season was filmed in Canada, which at times detracted from the intended cross-country feel of Joel and Ellie’s journey.
The creators aim to do better with the setting in the upcoming season.
Season 2 Release Date
While the game’s fans had to wait seven years between the first and second games, it’s unlikely that TV viewers will have to wait as long.
Season 1 started filming in July 2021 and premiered in January 2023.
If this timeline is replicated, the second season could arrive in fall 2024.
Druckmann has noted that the process for season 2 has been easier, possibly speeding up production.
Season 1 Finale and Season 2 Setup
The season 1 finale brought the game’s iconic ending to life with few deviations from the source material.
A significant change made to the storyline was the addition of a lingering shot on the face of the deceased surgeon, setting up the importance of the character’s daughter, Abby, in the upcoming season.
The finale also featured a cameo from Laura Bailey, who portrays Abby in the game, further teasing her role in season 2.
Violence and Future Seasons
The future seasons of “The Last of Us” are expected to maintain the same level of intensity and violence as the first season.
Mazin and Druckmann plan to use the freedom offered by television to explore changing perspectives and adapt the story accordingly.
With the relationship between Joel and Ellie strained due to the revelations in the season 1 finale, viewers can expect a tense and thrilling narrative in the upcoming season.
Article In a Snapshot
HBO’s “The Last of Us” has been renewed for a second season, following a successful first season with a record-breaking viewership.
Season 2 will partially adapt the game’s sequel, The Last of Us: Part II, with its expansive story set to span multiple seasons.
The creators, Craig Mazin and Neil Druckmann, are aiming to improve on certain aspects of the show, such as the setting, in the upcoming season.
The second season is expected to arrive in fall 2024, although the process for season 2 has been easier, possibly speeding up production.
The season 1 finale set up the character Abby for season 2, with a focus on the strained relationship between Joel and Ellie, indicating a tense and thrilling narrative.
