The Last of Us Season 2 Faces Backlash: Why Fans Are Turning on HBO’s Hit Show

The Last of Us Season 2 was poised to be HBO’s crown jewel, building on the monumental success of its first season and the beloved Naughty Dog video game series. However, just a few episodes into the new season, fans are taking to social media to voice their outrage, with some claiming the show has veered into “cringe” territory and is now “hated more than the game.” What went wrong with this highly anticipated adaptation, and why are supporters turning on a series they once championed? Let’s dive into the controversy shaking up one of TV’s biggest hits.

A Promising Start Derailed by Episode 3

Season 2 kicked off with high expectations, delivering the same gripping post-apocalyptic drama and stellar performances that made Season 1 a global phenomenon. Pedro Pascal’s Joel and Bella Ramsey’s Ellie returned, navigating a world ravaged by fungal-infected zombies and moral dilemmas. The season’s second episode, “Through the Valley,” earned a staggering 9.5/10 on IMDb, hailed as a masterclass in storytelling and emotional depth. Fans praised the show’s bold adaptation of The Last of Us Part II, particularly its handling of a gut-wrenching twist that shocked gamers in 2020.

But the goodwill didn’t last. Episode 3, released on April 27, 2025, sparked a firestorm of criticism. Social media platforms, particularly X, lit up with posts slamming the episode as “55 minutes of disrespect to the game and its fans.” One user, @Berkiezz, echoed a common sentiment: “The last of us season 2 episode 3 is 55 minutes of disrespect to the game and its fans 💀💀😂🤦‍♂️.” Others called it “cringe” and accused the writers of straying too far from the source material.

What Sparked the Fan Outrage?

At the heart of the backlash are significant changes to the game’s narrative. In The Last of Us Part II, Ellie and Dina’s journey to Seattle is a pivotal arc driven by a complex web of revenge and loss. The game’s pacing and character motivations were divisive but meticulously crafted. However, Season 2’s third episode introduced a three-month time skip and altered key plot points, such as Tommy’s role in Ellie and Dina’s mission. Fans argue these changes undermine the story’s emotional weight and make the characters’ actions feel rushed or unearned.

For example, in the game, Maria sets a condition for Ellie and Dina to bring Tommy back, adding tension to their quest. The show removes this, leaving Tommy’s involvement ambiguous and frustrating fans who cherished the game’s nuanced dynamics. “The whole reason Abby finds them at the theater is because Ellie’s interrogation fails. These changes are unnecessary,” wrote X user @MaverickHTN.

Beyond plot deviations, some fans have criticized the episode’s tone. The introduction of “woke” elements—such as Ellie and Dina’s queer romance taking center stage—has drawn ire from a vocal minority. Negative reviews on IMDb and Metacritic cite “political agendas” and “teen drama” as detracting from the gritty survival story they loved. While these complaints echo the homophobic backlash faced by the game in 2020, they remain a small but loud part of the discourse.

Comparisons to the Game’s Controversy

The Last of Us Part II was no stranger to controversy. When it launched in 2020, the game faced review-bombing on Metacritic due to Joel’s early death and the focus on Abby, a character players were conditioned to hate. Despite selling 4 million copies in three days and earning critical acclaim, it remains one of gaming’s most divisive titles.

Season 2 seems to be following a similar path. While critics praise the show’s production values and performances—Isabela Merced’s Dina and Kaitlyn Dever’s Abby have been standout additions—fans feel the adaptation is losing the game’s raw emotional core. “The show is absolutely cringe with little morsels of cool moments,” one Reddit user commented, reflecting a sentiment that the series is struggling to balance spectacle with substance.

Can Season 2 Recover?

Despite the backlash, The Last of Us Season 2 remains a critical darling, with a 91/100 on Metacritic and a “Must-Watch” designation. The show’s stunning visuals, from overgrown cityscapes to harrowing zombie battles, continue to captivate. However, with only seven episodes to adapt half of The Last of Us Part II, some argue the pacing issues are inevitable. The season feels “stretched too thin,” according to TIME, leaving key characters like Abby underdeveloped.

HBO has already greenlit a third season, suggesting confidence in the show’s long-term vision. Showrunners Craig Mazin and Neil Druckmann, who co-wrote the games, have defended their choices, arguing that adaptations require changes to suit TV’s format. Whether these changes will pay off remains to be seen, but for now, the fanbase is divided.

Why This Matters for Fans

The Last of Us isn’t just a show—it’s a cultural touchstone for gamers and TV viewers alike. Its exploration of love, loss, and morality resonates deeply, making any misstep feel like a betrayal. As fans flood X and Reddit with memes, rants, and pleas for fidelity to the game, one thing is clear: the passion for this story burns as fiercely as ever.

What do you think of Season 2’s changes? Are you Team Game or Team Show? Share your thoughts below and join the conversation shaking up HBO’s biggest hit.