‘The Last of Us’ Season 2: A Triumph or a Letdown? Critics Weigh In on Pedro Pascal and Bella Ramsey’s Epic Return to HBO’s Post-Apocalyptic Saga!
With The Last of Us Season 2 finally here, critics are buzzing about whether Pedro Pascal and Bella Ramsey can top their Emmy-winning first season, praising the heart-wrenching performances and bold storytelling, though some question if the darker, divisive plot lives up to the hype. —Discover Why This Season’s Fate Is the Talk of the Town! 👇
Read about Pedro Pascal and Bella Ramsey’s The Last of Us Season 2’s critical reception, what the critics are saying and whether it is a hit or flop.
The Last of Us season 1 was a massive success, bringing Naughty Dog’s video game franchise to live action with a serialized narrative. The two stars, Pedro Pascal as Joel and Bella Ramsey as Ellie, were brilliant in the post-apocalyptic drama.
Now, season two is about to premiere, and the critical reviews have already ascertained that the season is about to be another confirmed hit. From praises for Pascal and Ramsey’s performance to the show’s pacing and storyline, the post-apocalyptic series is again creating Emmy buzz.
Joel and Ellie in The Last of Us | Credits: HBO Max
If you have been wondering what the critics are saying about The Last of Us season two, read on to know more.
What is The Last of Us season 2 about?
A still from The Last of Us Season 2 trailer | Credit: HBO
The first season of The Last of Us featured Pedro Pascal‘s Joel and Bella Ramsey‘s Ellie traveling across the country as the cordyceps took over the world. It ended with Joel and Ellie’s escape from the Fireflies as the former stops them from developing a cure using Ellie—who is resistant to the zombie-like virus—since she would die in the procedure.
Now the second season is based on the second season of the video game, and the official description reads (via THR): Five years after the events of the first season, Joel and Ellie are drawn into conflict with each other and a world even more dangerous and unpredictable than the one they left behind.
Apart from Pascal and Damsey, season two brings back Gabriel Luna as Joel’s brother, Tommy, and Rutina Wesley as his wife, Maria. Joining the OG cast are Kaitlyn Dever as Abby, Young Mazino as Jesse, Isabela Merced as Dina, Jeffrey Wright as Isaac, Danny Ramirez as Manny, Ariela Barer as Mel, Tati Gabrielle as Nora, and Spencer Lord as Owen.
What are critics saying about The Last of Us season 2?
The Last of Us Season 2 | Credit: HBO
Just like the first season, The Last of Us season 2 has defied expectations and currently has a 94% critical rating on Rotten Tomatoes. Earning a ‘fresh’ RT rating, the seven-episode-long season has been receiving impeccable reviews from critics all over the world.
The Age’s Craig Mathieson wrote that while there is no stand-alone episode like last time, the newest season has expanded the scale with which the snarling, swarming Infected are depicted is thrilling and horrifying. Consequence’s Liz Shannon Miller called the season faithful to the video game, calling it powerful and emotional.
#TheLastOfUs Season 2 is an absolute masterclass from Craig Mazin and Neil Druckmann on adapting a video game yet again. Pedro Pascal, Bella Ramsey, and especially Isabela Merced carry this season on their back with show-stopping, Emmy worthy performances that will make you eager… pic.twitter.com/eUhA2vRyJY
— One Take 🎬 (@OneTakeNews) April 7, 2025
“‘THE LAST OF US’ Season 2 is a phenomenal, punishing adaptation of one of gaming’s greatest and most challenging stories. This is edge-of-your-seat television.” pic.twitter.com/96FdmZm4eg
— ScreenTime (@screentime) April 7, 2025
#TheLastOfUs Season 2 effectively builds on what was already one of the greatest adaptations ever. I laughed, I cried (a lot), I smiled, and I was terrified. This show is a gift to The Last of Us fans. Pascal, Merced, and Luna are treasures. It’s faithful, authentic, and fresh. pic.twitter.com/mmMNWmgkeM
— Adam (@adamblevins_) April 7, 2025
#TheLastOfUs S2 is a GROUNDBREAKING and MASTERFUL adaptation of one of the greatest video games ever made. Bella Ramsey, Pedro Pascal and the new cast embody and expand upon everything that makes TLOU world so special. It’s terrifying, it’s heart-wrenching, and a MUST WATCH. @HBO pic.twitter.com/EpBSLfOVLM
— Daniel Baptista • The Movie Podcast (@dbapz) April 7, 2025
The Last of Us Season 2 review scores:
• EMPIRE – 5/5
• Collider – 10/10
• RadioTimes – 5/5
• Comicbook – 4/5
• Dextero – 4/5
• IndieWire – A-
• IGN – 7/10
• GamesRadar – 3.5/5
• TVLine – B
• DiscussingFilm – 3.5/5 pic.twitter.com/IamYQaBHrN— Naughty Dog Info 🐾 (@NaughtyDogInfo) April 7, 2025
While The Daily Beast’s Nick Schager called it the finest video game adaptation ever, TheWrap’s Chase Hutchinson labeled it faithful yet reflective. Empire Magazine’s John Nugent ranked the season 5/5, stating: Moving and devastating in equal doses, The Last Of Us remains post-apocalyptic television at its peak. At almost every turn, it delivers.
Daily Telegraph (UK)’s Ed Power remarked that in the dark days of video game adaptation, the second season had ‘more than restored the balance,’ as it takes all that was best about series one and cranks it up to the absolute maximum.
However, there are some not-so-good reviews as well. While USA Today’s Kelly Lawler stated that season two leaves one somewhat feeling dissatisfied, giving it 2.5 out of 5, TIME Magazine’s Judy Berman has a harsher take as she says it won’t be good to pretend that the series transcends the OG medium, highlights the series lack of insight, complexity, and rich supporting characters at the center of the show.
Well, while there might be some flaws since no work of art is free from them, there seems to be a general consensus that The Last of Us season two has apparently outperformed season one and is one of the best video game adaptations of all time, with standout performances from Pedro Pascal and Bella Ramsey.
The Last of Us season 2 premieres on April 13 on HBO and Max.
