Why The Last of Us Season 2 Ratings Dropped So Fast

Why Did ‘The Last of Us’ Season 2 Ratings Drop So Much?

Finale Viewership Falls by Over 50%

The second season of The Last of Us ended with a surprising twist — not in the story, but in its ratings. The Season 2 finale only pulled in 3.7 million viewers, a major drop from the 8.2 million who tuned in for the Season 1 finale. Even compared to its own premiere, the finale lost about 30% of its audience.

Image source from: The Last of Us

Joel’s Death Turned Viewers Away

One of the biggest reasons fans turned off the show? Joel’s early death in Season 2. This major character, played by fan-favorite Pedro Pascal, was brutally killed off in a move that closely followed the video game’s storyline. While die-hard fans may have expected it, many casual viewers were caught off guard — and disappointed. For some, Joel was the emotional anchor of the show, and once he was gone, they simply stopped watching.

Image source from: The Last of Us

A Divisive Story from the Start

Season 2 follows the plot of The Last of Us Part II, a game that already had a mixed reception. Its darker tone, controversial decisions, and shift in focus left fans divided. HBO stayed loyal to the source material, but that loyalty may have come at the cost of losing part of the audience. Online ratings and reviews clearly reflect the divide, with lower scores on platforms like Metacritic and Rotten Tomatoes.

Critics Point to Pacing, Casting, and Storytelling

Many fans complained about the writing, pacing, and casting choices this season. While some praised the show’s bold direction, others felt disconnected from the newer characters and plotlines. Negative word-of-mouth and online backlash led to review bombing, which likely discouraged new or returning viewers.

Image source from: The Last of Us

A Long Break Didn't Help

There was also a long gap between Season 1 and Season 2. In the fast-paced world of streaming, that’s often enough time for casual fans to move on. Without strong momentum or frequent reminders, it’s harder for shows to pull viewers back in after a delay.

Image source from: The Last of Us

Was Memorial Day Weekend to Blame?

HBO suggested that airing the finale during Memorial Day weekend in the U.S. may have contributed to the low ratings. That’s a valid point—holiday weekends usually see a dip in viewership. But many fans have pointed out that Season 1’s finale aired during the Oscars and still drew massive numbers, so the timing excuse may not fully explain the drop.