The Last of Us Season 2 Kicks Off with a Strong Start and Passionate Fan Reactions

HBO’s The Last of Us Season 2 launched on April 13, 2025, with its gripping first episode, “Future Days,” airing at 9 p.m. ET on HBO and Max. Fans eagerly tuned in to see Joel and Ellie’s next chapter, and the response on X has been a lively mix of excitement, praise, and some critiques. With new episodes dropping every Sunday until May 25, here’s a deeper dive into the premiere and what lies ahead.

A Tense Return to Jackson

Set five years after Season 1, “Future Days” finds Joel (Pedro Pascal) and Ellie (Bella Ramsey) in Jackson, Wyoming. Their once-tight bond is fraying because of Joel’s secret about the hospital incident. The episode introduces Dina (Isabela Merced), Ellie’s new love interest, and Abby (Kaitlyn Dever), a key character from The Last of Us Part II. Fans on X loved the emotional weight, especially in a therapy scene where Joel opens up to Gail (Catherine O’Hara). One viewer called Pedro Pascal’s performance “stellar,” saying he captures Joel’s heartbreak perfectly. However, some felt the episode started slowly, with one X post calling the opening scenes “low-budget” and the acting uneven until the pace picked up.

Fans Cheer and Critique

The buzz on X shows fans are split but passionate. Many praised Bella Ramsey’s take on an older, tougher Ellie, with one user saying she “owns the role” and makes Ellie’s growth feel real. The Ellie-Dina romance won hearts, described as “sweet and natural.” A thrilling Stalker fight was a highlight, with one fan raving, “That scene was pure nightmare fuel!” Yet, not everyone was sold. Some X posts slammed the episode’s pacing, calling it “dreadful” or “dragging,” especially around Abby’s introduction. A few fans worried the show’s changes to her storyline might weaken the game’s impact, with one saying, “They don’t get Abby’s motives right.” Despite this, the season’s 91% Rotten Tomatoes score suggests broad approval.

What’s Coming Up

With seven episodes this season, Sundays will bring more of Joel and Ellie’s struggles, plus new characters like Jesse (Young Mazino). The showrunners promise to explore love, loss, and revenge, adapting The Last of Us Part II across multiple seasons. Fans on X are already guessing how key game moments will play out, with some hoping for “less filler” and others excited for surprises. Max also offers American Sign Language versions, adding inclusivity to the experience.

The Last of Us Season 2 has fans hooked, debating every detail on X. Whether you’re cheering or critiquing, it’s clear this post-apocalyptic tale still hits hard. Tune in Sundays for more!