THE LAST OF US Finale Draws Series High Of 8.2 Million Viewers

The season 1 finale of THE LAST OF US set another rating high on Sunday night, delivering 8.2 million viewers across HBO Max and linear telecasts, based on Nielsen and first-party data. The series is now averaging 30.4 million viewers across its first six episodes, with the first episode approaching 40 million viewers in the U.S. Outside of the U.S., THE LAST OF US is now the most-watched show in the history of HBO Max in both Europe and Latin America.

THE LAST OF US was a hit amongst fans and critics right out of the gate. Debuting to 4.7 million viewers in January, it has shown consistent growth throughout its first season despite enhanced competition from live sports telecasts and awards broadcasts. Sunday night’s finale audience marked a 75% increase in debut night viewing compared to the series premiere.

THE LAST OF US Weekly Premiere Viewership:

Episode 1 – 4.7 million (Jan. 15)
Episode 2 – 5.7 million (Jan. 22)
Episode 3 – 6.4 million (Jan. 29)
Episode 4 – 7.5 million (Feb. 5)
Episode 5 – 11.6 million (Feb. 10-Feb. 12)*
*Early premiere, includes data from Friday to Sunday
Episode 6 – 7.8 million (Feb. 19)
Episode 7 – 7.7 million (Feb. 26)
Episode 8 – 8.1 million (March 5)
Episode 9 – 8.2 million (March 12)

The season finale of THE LAST OF US, titled “Look for the Light,” has been celebrated as “satisfying and shocking” (IGN) and “gorgeous, evocative” (TVLine). The episode was “executed with a whole lot of heart” (CNN) and set viewers up for “a thrilling second season.” (IndieWire). Rolling Stone praised the inaugural season as an “utterly fantastic debut season of television,” while The Ringerproclaimed this is “a must-see series.”

Tune in to HBO tomorrow, March 14 at 9 pm ET/PT for another chance to watch an all-access featurette detailing the daunting behind-the-scenes efforts that went into the production of the hit series THE LAST OF US. The featurette is also available as an “Extra” attached to episode 9 on HBO Max.