Ratings Surge: ‘The Last of Us,’ ‘1923’ and ‘Severance’ See Big 2nd-Season Bumps
While TV shows have historically been wary of hitting the dreaded sophomore slump — when buzz for a new title wanes in its second season — big shows like “The Last of Us,” “1923” and “Severance” are proving Hollywood may be entering an age of sophomore surges instead.
“The Last of Us” Season 2 debuted to 5.3 million viewers across Max and HBO on Sunday night — up 13% from the series premiere in 2023, which brought in 4.7 million viewers.
Season 1 saw significant growth as it aired, with its second episode growing 21% to reach 5.7 million viewers and the Season 1 finale scoring 8.2 million viewers. It’s likely that “The Last of Us” Season 2 will enjoy similar momentum, especially as a major twist from the video game series is sure to keep viewers engaged — unless some fans are turned off by its aftermath.
Christopher Smith for TheWrap
Likewise, “1923” closed out its sophomore season with the biggest audience the show has ever seen.
“The Last of Us” Season 2 debuted to 5.3 million viewers across Max and HBO on Sunday night — up 13% from the series premiere in 2023, which brought in 4.7 million viewers.
Season 1 saw significant growth as it aired, with its second episode growing 21% to reach 5.7 million viewers and the Season 1 finale scoring 8.2 million viewers. It’s likely that “The Last of Us” Season 2 will enjoy similar momentum, especially as a major twist from the video game series is sure to keep viewers engaged — unless some fans are turned off by its aftermath.
Christopher Smith for TheWrap
Likewise, “1923” closed out its sophomore season with the biggest audience the show has ever seen.
- 4/17/2025
- by Loree Seitz
- The Wrap
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