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12 Mar 2025, Wed

The Last of Us Season 2 trailer hits 158 million views and signals massive success

the last of us trailer


Anticipation for the second season of The Last of Us has reached unprecedented heights, fueled by a record-breaking trailer that has taken the internet by storm. In just three days, the promotional video garnered over 158 million views across digital platforms, making it the most-watched trailer for an HBO and Max original production to date. Released over the weekend prior to March 12, 2025, the footage outperformed the combined viewership of teasers and trailers from the first season by 160%, underscoring the massive excitement surrounding the show’s return. Set to premiere on April 13 on HBO and Max, the series is poised to replicate the groundbreaking impact of its debut season, which cemented its status as a cultural phenomenon and the most-watched program in the history of both platforms.

The trailer’s success highlights the enduring appeal of the franchise, blending a gripping narrative with a fiercely dedicated fanbase from both the game and the TV adaptation. Starring Pedro Pascal and Bella Ramsey, the first season averaged 32 million viewers in the United States, nearly quadrupling the 8.2 million who tuned in for its finale on the night it aired. The upcoming season, set five years after the initial events, will draw from The Last of Us Part II, introducing characters like Abby, played by Kaitlyn Dever, and delving into a darker, more violent storyline that has sparked discussions among fans about how the adaptation will handle the game’s pivotal moments.

In Brazil, the hype is equally palpable. The trailer’s rollout on social media platforms like Instagram and TikTok has amplified its reach, with related hashtags trending among the most-talked-about topics. Featuring striking visuals, a haunting soundtrack, and the promise of more infected on screen, the preview has heightened anticipation for the global premiere, scheduled simultaneously across multiple countries, including Europe, where it will debut on April 14. The phenomenon solidifies The Last of Us as one of the year’s most eagerly awaited releases.

Breaking records and the legacy of season one

The Last of Us burst onto the TV scene with remarkable numbers. Since its debut in January 2023, it ranked as HBO’s second-biggest premiere in a decade, trailing only House of the Dragon, with 9.98 million viewers for its first episode. The premiere night alone drew 4.7 million viewers, and the audience grew steadily: the second episode saw a 22% jump to 5.7 million, while the finale cemented its place as the most-watched show on HBO Max in Europe and Latin America. This meteoric rise led to a renewal for a second season after just two episodes, a rare move that underscores the show’s cultural resonance.

Crafted by Craig Mazin and Neil Druckmann, the series captured the essence of the 2013 PlayStation 3 game while introducing tweaks that appealed to both longtime fans and new audiences. Its faithfulness to iconic scenes, like Joel and Ellie’s heartfelt exchanges, paired with additions like the acclaimed “Long, Long Time” episode featuring Nick Offerman and Murray Bartlett, earned it 24 Primetime Emmy nominations and multiple wins in technical categories. The season two trailer hints at a continuation of this balance, with a refined narrative pace and a heavier focus on infected creatures, fulfilling promises made by the showrunners.

Globally, the trailer’s reach is staggering. Within 72 hours, it surpassed the 100 million views logged by promotional materials for the first season pre-premiere, marking a 160% increase over previous benchmarks. This places The Last of Us in a league of its own among HBO originals, outpacing even hits like Euphoria and The White Lotus in initial engagement metrics.

What to expect from the new season

Boasting seven confirmed episodes, the second season of The Last of Us will dive into a denser, more emotionally charged narrative inspired by The Last of Us Part II. Set five years after the first season, the story follows an older Ellie on a revenge-driven journey, introducing Abby, a soldier caught in clashes between a militia and a cult in a post-apocalyptic world. The trailer showcases intense sequences, including brutal combat and strained moments between key characters, hinting that the series will preserve the grim tone of the 2020 game while offering surprises for even the most ardent fans.

The cast has expanded with notable additions. Pedro Pascal and Bella Ramsey return as Joel and Ellie, joined by Kaitlyn Dever as Abby, Isabela Merced as Dina, Young Mazino as Jesse, and Catherine O’Hara in a yet-to-be-disclosed role. Additional talents like Danny Ramirez, Tati Gabrielle, Ariela Barer, and Spencer Lord round out the ensemble, bringing fresh energy to the story. Filming, which kicked off in Vancouver, Canada, in February 2025 after delays from the 2023 Hollywood writers’ strike, promises a visually stunning season with a greater emphasis on infected and sprawling settings.

The adaptation won’t cover the entirety of The Last of Us Part II in one go. Craig Mazin and Neil Druckmann have indicated that the story will span at least two seasons, allowing for deeper character exploration and event development. The trailer supports this approach, revealing a slower narrative tempo compared to the game, which could divide fans but also offers room to flesh out details the interactive format couldn’t fully explore.

Production and release timeline

The path to the second season of The Last of Us follows a clear timeline, reflecting HBO’s commitment to delivering a top-tier production:

  • January 2023: Season one premieres, drawing 4.7 million viewers on night one.
  • February 2025: Filming for season two begins in Vancouver.
  • March 8, 2025: Official trailer drops, hitting 158 million views in three days.
  • April 13, 2025: Season two debuts on HBO and Max, with Europe following on April 14.

This schedule highlights the project’s rapid evolution from a bold gamble to a cornerstone of HBO’s lineup in just over two years. Opting for an April release avoids the crowded year-end slate, ensuring the show captures maximum audience focus ahead of awards season.

Released on March 8, the trailer was a milestone in itself. Shared across YouTube, Instagram, and TikTok, it spread like wildfire, boosted by fan reactions and influencer buzz. The confirmed premiere date of April 13 aligns with spring in the Northern Hemisphere, a strategic window to dominate viewership before summer programming ramps up.

Cultural impact and fan expectations

The Last of Us phenomenon transcends mere viewership stats. It bridges gamers and TV enthusiasts, uniting diverse audiences through a tale of survival, loss, and redemption. The season two trailer has fueled this momentum, sparking online debates about deviations from the game—such as the increased presence of infected and Abby’s early introduction, which occurs later in the original story. These choices suggest the adaptation will keep pushing creative boundaries, a tactic that paid off in season one.

Fan reactions are mixed but passionate. Some praise the visual fidelity and star-studded cast, while others worry the game’s raw violence and emotional weight might be toned down for TV. Yet the trailer indicates that the brutal core of The Last of Us Part II will endure, with visceral fight scenes and a melancholic vibe underscored by Gustavo Santaolalla’s haunting score, a staple of both the game and series.

Here’s what the trailer teases:

  • More infected: Scenes reveal a higher count of creatures, answering fan demands.
  • Core conflict: Ellie and Abby clash in tense moments, hinting at their showdown.
  • Enhanced visuals: Vancouver’s landscapes offer broader, richer settings.
  • Emotional stakes: Joel and Ellie’s charged exchanges deepen the family drama.

These elements position the series as a 2025 standout, with the potential to match or exceed its predecessor’s achievements.

Marketing muscle and global reach

HBO’s promotional strategy for The Last of Us has been flawless. The 158-million-view trailer wasn’t a fluke—it built on smaller teasers rolled out since January, keeping fans hooked. Launching it on a Saturday, March 8, capitalized on weekend visibility, while tie-ins with influencers and a robust social media push magnified its spread. In Brazil, YouTube reaction channels and TikTok posts have racked up thousands of views, with fans dissecting every frame.

The show’s global audience is a driving force. Season one dominated not just in the U.S. but across Latin America and Europe, where it topped Max’s charts. The simultaneous multi-country premiere for season two, adjusted for time zones like Europe’s April 14 rollout, reflects HBO’s dedication to this international base. The trailer, offered with subtitles in multiple languages, was a key move to hook this diverse viewership.

Economically, the series is a boon. It boosted tourism in season one’s Alberta, Canada, filming locations, and Vancouver now braces for a similar surge. The adaptation has also reignited interest in the games, with The Last of Us Part I and Part II seeing sales spikes since the new season’s announcement.



Anticipation for the second season of The Last of Us has reached unprecedented heights, fueled by a record-breaking trailer that has taken the internet by storm. In just three days, the promotional video garnered over 158 million views across digital platforms, making it the most-watched trailer for an HBO and Max original production to date. Released over the weekend prior to March 12, 2025, the footage outperformed the combined viewership of teasers and trailers from the first season by 160%, underscoring the massive excitement surrounding the show’s return. Set to premiere on April 13 on HBO and Max, the series is poised to replicate the groundbreaking impact of its debut season, which cemented its status as a cultural phenomenon and the most-watched program in the history of both platforms.

The trailer’s success highlights the enduring appeal of the franchise, blending a gripping narrative with a fiercely dedicated fanbase from both the game and the TV adaptation. Starring Pedro Pascal and Bella Ramsey, the first season averaged 32 million viewers in the United States, nearly quadrupling the 8.2 million who tuned in for its finale on the night it aired. The upcoming season, set five years after the initial events, will draw from The Last of Us Part II, introducing characters like Abby, played by Kaitlyn Dever, and delving into a darker, more violent storyline that has sparked discussions among fans about how the adaptation will handle the game’s pivotal moments.

In Brazil, the hype is equally palpable. The trailer’s rollout on social media platforms like Instagram and TikTok has amplified its reach, with related hashtags trending among the most-talked-about topics. Featuring striking visuals, a haunting soundtrack, and the promise of more infected on screen, the preview has heightened anticipation for the global premiere, scheduled simultaneously across multiple countries, including Europe, where it will debut on April 14. The phenomenon solidifies The Last of Us as one of the year’s most eagerly awaited releases.

Breaking records and the legacy of season one

The Last of Us burst onto the TV scene with remarkable numbers. Since its debut in January 2023, it ranked as HBO’s second-biggest premiere in a decade, trailing only House of the Dragon, with 9.98 million viewers for its first episode. The premiere night alone drew 4.7 million viewers, and the audience grew steadily: the second episode saw a 22% jump to 5.7 million, while the finale cemented its place as the most-watched show on HBO Max in Europe and Latin America. This meteoric rise led to a renewal for a second season after just two episodes, a rare move that underscores the show’s cultural resonance.

Crafted by Craig Mazin and Neil Druckmann, the series captured the essence of the 2013 PlayStation 3 game while introducing tweaks that appealed to both longtime fans and new audiences. Its faithfulness to iconic scenes, like Joel and Ellie’s heartfelt exchanges, paired with additions like the acclaimed “Long, Long Time” episode featuring Nick Offerman and Murray Bartlett, earned it 24 Primetime Emmy nominations and multiple wins in technical categories. The season two trailer hints at a continuation of this balance, with a refined narrative pace and a heavier focus on infected creatures, fulfilling promises made by the showrunners.

Globally, the trailer’s reach is staggering. Within 72 hours, it surpassed the 100 million views logged by promotional materials for the first season pre-premiere, marking a 160% increase over previous benchmarks. This places The Last of Us in a league of its own among HBO originals, outpacing even hits like Euphoria and The White Lotus in initial engagement metrics.

What to expect from the new season

Boasting seven confirmed episodes, the second season of The Last of Us will dive into a denser, more emotionally charged narrative inspired by The Last of Us Part II. Set five years after the first season, the story follows an older Ellie on a revenge-driven journey, introducing Abby, a soldier caught in clashes between a militia and a cult in a post-apocalyptic world. The trailer showcases intense sequences, including brutal combat and strained moments between key characters, hinting that the series will preserve the grim tone of the 2020 game while offering surprises for even the most ardent fans.

The cast has expanded with notable additions. Pedro Pascal and Bella Ramsey return as Joel and Ellie, joined by Kaitlyn Dever as Abby, Isabela Merced as Dina, Young Mazino as Jesse, and Catherine O’Hara in a yet-to-be-disclosed role. Additional talents like Danny Ramirez, Tati Gabrielle, Ariela Barer, and Spencer Lord round out the ensemble, bringing fresh energy to the story. Filming, which kicked off in Vancouver, Canada, in February 2025 after delays from the 2023 Hollywood writers’ strike, promises a visually stunning season with a greater emphasis on infected and sprawling settings.

The adaptation won’t cover the entirety of The Last of Us Part II in one go. Craig Mazin and Neil Druckmann have indicated that the story will span at least two seasons, allowing for deeper character exploration and event development. The trailer supports this approach, revealing a slower narrative tempo compared to the game, which could divide fans but also offers room to flesh out details the interactive format couldn’t fully explore.

Production and release timeline

The path to the second season of The Last of Us follows a clear timeline, reflecting HBO’s commitment to delivering a top-tier production:

  • January 2023: Season one premieres, drawing 4.7 million viewers on night one.
  • February 2025: Filming for season two begins in Vancouver.
  • March 8, 2025: Official trailer drops, hitting 158 million views in three days.
  • April 13, 2025: Season two debuts on HBO and Max, with Europe following on April 14.

This schedule highlights the project’s rapid evolution from a bold gamble to a cornerstone of HBO’s lineup in just over two years. Opting for an April release avoids the crowded year-end slate, ensuring the show captures maximum audience focus ahead of awards season.

Released on March 8, the trailer was a milestone in itself. Shared across YouTube, Instagram, and TikTok, it spread like wildfire, boosted by fan reactions and influencer buzz. The confirmed premiere date of April 13 aligns with spring in the Northern Hemisphere, a strategic window to dominate viewership before summer programming ramps up.

Cultural impact and fan expectations

The Last of Us phenomenon transcends mere viewership stats. It bridges gamers and TV enthusiasts, uniting diverse audiences through a tale of survival, loss, and redemption. The season two trailer has fueled this momentum, sparking online debates about deviations from the game—such as the increased presence of infected and Abby’s early introduction, which occurs later in the original story. These choices suggest the adaptation will keep pushing creative boundaries, a tactic that paid off in season one.

Fan reactions are mixed but passionate. Some praise the visual fidelity and star-studded cast, while others worry the game’s raw violence and emotional weight might be toned down for TV. Yet the trailer indicates that the brutal core of The Last of Us Part II will endure, with visceral fight scenes and a melancholic vibe underscored by Gustavo Santaolalla’s haunting score, a staple of both the game and series.

Here’s what the trailer teases:

  • More infected: Scenes reveal a higher count of creatures, answering fan demands.
  • Core conflict: Ellie and Abby clash in tense moments, hinting at their showdown.
  • Enhanced visuals: Vancouver’s landscapes offer broader, richer settings.
  • Emotional stakes: Joel and Ellie’s charged exchanges deepen the family drama.

These elements position the series as a 2025 standout, with the potential to match or exceed its predecessor’s achievements.

Marketing muscle and global reach

HBO’s promotional strategy for The Last of Us has been flawless. The 158-million-view trailer wasn’t a fluke—it built on smaller teasers rolled out since January, keeping fans hooked. Launching it on a Saturday, March 8, capitalized on weekend visibility, while tie-ins with influencers and a robust social media push magnified its spread. In Brazil, YouTube reaction channels and TikTok posts have racked up thousands of views, with fans dissecting every frame.

The show’s global audience is a driving force. Season one dominated not just in the U.S. but across Latin America and Europe, where it topped Max’s charts. The simultaneous multi-country premiere for season two, adjusted for time zones like Europe’s April 14 rollout, reflects HBO’s dedication to this international base. The trailer, offered with subtitles in multiple languages, was a key move to hook this diverse viewership.

Economically, the series is a boon. It boosted tourism in season one’s Alberta, Canada, filming locations, and Vancouver now braces for a similar surge. The adaptation has also reignited interest in the games, with The Last of Us Part I and Part II seeing sales spikes since the new season’s announcement.



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