"The Last of Us" Soars to Unprecedented Heights
The small screen was dominated by none other than "The Last of Us" in 2023. This captivating series, based on the popular video game by Naughty Dog, left viewers worldwide spellbound and secured a strong second position in the series launch charts of the past decade on HBO following "House of the Dragon" – the "Game of Thrones" spin-off. On the German platform Sky, "The Last of Us" became the most highly anticipated series of the year, even outperforming the legendary Sarah Jessica Parker and her squad in "And Just Like That...".
The figures don't lie: The critically acclaimed post-apocalyptic adventure series surpassed well-known rivals like the second season of "Sex and the City," the fifth season of "The Rookie," and the third season of "The Pass." To put it into perspective, the fifth season of "Das Boot" came in fifth place. All these shows are available on the in-house streaming service Wow.
Unveiling the Top Launch
The first hints that "The Last of Us" was about to replicate HBO's other blockbuster series' success, such as "Game of Thrones," "Westworld," and "True Detective," came in mid- to late January 2023. The premiere set a remarkable record, securing the second-best start ever since "Boardwalk Empire" a dozen years ago.
As the entertainment news outlet "Variety" among others reported, a total of 4.7 million viewers tuned in to the series debut in the United States. The first episode of the fiction series following Joel, a former smuggler, and his pseudo-daughter Ellie, portrayed by Pedro Pascal (48) and Bella Ramsey (20) from "Game of Thrones," resonated with millions of viewers worldwide. Surprisingly, "Game of Thrones" itself only gained traction later, attracting around 4.2 million viewers in 2011 when it first aired. In Germany, "The Last of Us" followed closely in the footsteps of its predecessor, becoming the second-best non-linear launch on Sky and Wow – after "House of the Dragons."
The buzz around "The Last of Us" continued to grow as 18 million viewers in the United States had already watched the first episode within a week. The second episode also set a new record for the channel with a 22% increase in viewership compared to the premiere – the highest increase for an HBO drama series ever.
The time of renewal had arrived
Given the overwhelming success, HBO and Sky Germany made the announcement that a second season would follow, albeit not soon. Due to the Hollywood strike spoiling the entertainment industry with numerous delays, production on the upcoming season had yet to begin at the time of writing. However, HBO's head writer and showrunner, Craig Mazin (52), recently confirmed that the new season would begin filming on February 12, 2024.
The anticipation continues at the Emmys
The upcoming 75th Emmy Awards on January 15, 2024, will surely be a memorable night for "The Last of Us," as it is among the top contenders alongside HBO's "Succession" and "The White Lotus". The series boasts 24 nominations, and it's difficult not to be optimistic about receiving awards such as Best Drama Series, Best Casting, and Best Special Effects, among others. Lead actors like Bella Ramsey and Pedro Pascal, along with the rest of the exceptional cast, are hoping to contribute to a successful ceremony.
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In an unprecedented sequence of events, Sky Germany's "The Last of Us" soared to the top of the charts, dethroning even Sarah Jessica Parker's "Sex and the City" spin-off. Based on the popular video game, the series adaptation on HBO attracted more than 4.7 million US viewers on its debut.
The series, with Pedro Pascal and Bella Ramsey as its leads, captivated viewers with its captivating storyline, marking a significant success for HBO as well as Sky. "The Last of Us" gathered even further momentum, attracting over 18 million U.S. viewers in the first week. As a result, HBO and Sky Germany announced a second season, penciled for a 2024 filming start, which could potentially win multiple Emmy Awards.
While HBO has a history of successful series, such as "Game of Thrones," "Westworld," and "True Detective," the entertainment industry currently faces obstacles such as the Hollywood strike, causing delays for multiple productions.
Despite these challenges, fans remain eagerly anticipating the second season of "The Last of Us," showcasing the enduring popularity of post-apocalyptic narratives.
Prepare for a thrilling return with the second season of HBO's "The Last of Us," set to dazzle audiences once again with its captivating storytelling and alluring visuals.
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Despite not being explicitly mentioned in the original article, the second season of "The Last of Us" features Claire Foy as the main antagonist, among other notable casting additions.
The anticipated second season of "The Last of Us" is set to premiere on April 13, 2025, in the United States, with a later release date of April 14, 2025, in the UK and Australia[1][3][5]. The first season was a critical and commercial triumph, boasting an approval rating of 96% on Rotten Tomatoes and averaging almost 32 million viewers per episode[2][3].
Furthermore, the series has garnered several accolades, such as eight Primetime Emmy Awards, making it one of the most successful debut seasons in HBO's history[2]. In addition, the series' premiere boosted sales of the original video game, further cementing its status as a contemporary pop culture phenomenon[3].
