The Last of Us Season 2 is just days away from premiering on HBO (for US viewers) and JioHotstar (for Indian viewers). Early reviews for the sophomore season are highly positive, with Kaitlyn Dever stealing the spotlight as Abby.
With The White Lotus Season 3 concluding this Sunday, it’s time for The Last of Us Season 2, which will premiere on April 13. So, mark your calendars, folks — things are about to get rough, raw, brutal, and extreme for Pedro Pascal’s Joel and Bella Ramsey’s Ellie.
On Rotten Tomatoes, Season 2 currently holds an impressive “Fresh” score of 93%, based on 45 certified reviews. This score may change after its global release, but based on the early buzz, it’s expected to remain above 90%. (Season 1 sits at a 94% critic score and an 88% audience score.)
According to the first reviews, Season 2 — much like its 2023 predecessor — is one of the best live-action video game adaptations ever. The lead cast, including Pedro Pascal, Bella Ramsey, Isabela Merced, and Kaitlyn Dever, has earned widespread acclaim from critics.
Combining visceral action and unsettling horror with deep character exploration, this season powerfully tackles themes of vengeance, loss, and humanity. Its stunning visuals evoke Game of Thrones at its best, while its raw, gripping, and heartbreaking emotional core makes it a compelling next chapter.
However, some critics have raised concerns about the morality of key characters like Joel, Ellie, and Abby in this second season — a reaction that mirrors the controversy surrounding the source material: Naughty Dog’s The Last of Us Part II.
The questioning of Ellie, Abby, and Joel’s moral choices in HBO’s adaptation, despite glowing reviews, reflects the core themes and major points of debate from the video game.
In Part II, Ellie’s vengeful journey after Joel’s brutal murder leads her down a dark and violent path, challenging players’ ideas of right and wrong. The HBO series is expected to explore this same moral ambiguity — forcing viewers to confront the consequences of her actions and question her heroism.
Abby’s introduction as a playable character seeking revenge for her father’s death at Joel’s hands was a major flashpoint in the game. Players were forced to empathize with the person who killed a beloved character, sparking heated debates about her motivations and whether her actions — though fueled by grief — were morally justifiable.
The Last of Us Season 2 of the show is expected to face similar scrutiny, as it brings Abby’s story to life and challenges audiences’ initial perceptions.
‘THE LAST OF US’ Season 2 debuts with 93% on Rotten Tomatoes.
— DiscussingFilm (@DiscussingFilm) April 7, 2025
Read our review: https://t.co/KzLZdcbeCl pic.twitter.com/4ipKP8ySYN
#TheLastOfUs Season 2 is a Heart-Pounding Triumph that shatters all expectations. Mazin continues to deliver & surprise with masterful storytelling. Bella Ramsey & Isabela Merced both drive raw, emotional performances, while Pedro Pascal is magnificent. A masterpiece of a season. pic.twitter.com/1GQOGquvAm
— Anthony Gagliardi • The Movie Podcast (@AJGaliardi) April 7, 2025
#TheLastOfUs season 2 review: Unrivalled storytelling that lays bare the best and worst of humanity, writes @LouGriffinn ✍️ https://t.co/7eRpfB31k3 pic.twitter.com/0A8VLTqgZb
— Radio Times (@RadioTimes) April 7, 2025
"The Last of Us" Season 2 is "an even grimmer version of a show that could already be a difficult watch." Bella Ramsey takes the reins as Ellie evolves from a wise-cracking kid to a deeply scarred young adult.
— Variety (@Variety) April 7, 2025
Read our review.https://t.co/Bl0LFPKXbh
#TheLastofUs season 2 has bigger action, higher stakes, and more emotion than season 1, making for an impactful if slight batch of new episodes.
— ScreenRant (@screenrant) April 7, 2025
Read our review: https://t.co/WWulyLN3Se #TLOU #TheLastOfUsSeason2 pic.twitter.com/3QXFYGccue
'The Last of Us' Season 2 Review: Somehow, the Best Video Game Adaptation Ever Only Got Better https://t.co/kuahe223rH
— Collider (@Collider) April 7, 2025
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