HBO's post-apocalyptic series, The Last of Us, has surpassed the debut of House of the Dragon in streaming figures, according to the latest Nielsen numbers. In The Last of Us, viewers are taken on an enthralling journey through a United States that has been changed by a fungal pandemic. The series follows the story of Joel, a smuggler, and Ellie, a teenage girl with a connection to the pandemic. Together, they embark on a perilous journey, facing countless obstacles and formidable enemies that test their physical and emotional resilience. The evolving relationship between Joel and Ellie is the crux of the series, as it becomes the heart and soul of the series.The Last of Us has ranked number 6 on Nielsen's weekly streaming charts, with 837 million minutes viewed in the first full week after its premiere. However, according to Deadline, House of the Dragon, which premiered on HBO in August 2022, garnered only 741 million minutes viewed in the same period of time after its debut.

The show's success can be attributed to a variety of factors, including the popularity of the original 2013 video game, strong critical reception, and strong word-of-mouth buzz. It is quickly becoming one of the most talked-about shows on HBO, with viewers praising the show's gripping storytelling and compelling characters. With anticipation for future episodes growing, The Last of Us is likely to continue its success on streaming platforms in the coming weeks and months.

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Sony Pictures Film Chairman Expresses Regret Over Abandoned The Last of Us Film Adaptation

Joel and Ellie - The Last of Us

Sony Pictures Entertainment film chairman Tom Rothman recently spoke about the failed feature film adaptation of The Last of Us, discussing how the project did not come to fruition. However, in an interview with Business Insider, Rothman expressed pride over the success of the recent TV series adaptation of the game, which has been a hit. Rothman acknowledged that while he wished Sony had gone through with the film adaptation, he feels that the game's complex story is better suited to an episodic format. The TV series, which stars Pedro Pascal and Bella Ramsey as the main characters, has received critical acclaim for its faithfulness to the source material and its emotional depth.

The film adaptation of The Last of Us was initially planned to be produced and co-written by Sam Raimi, known for his work on the Evil Dead franchise. However, the project was eventually abandoned after running into numerous production problems. Despite his regrets over the failed film adaptation, Rothman is happy that it eventually led to the success of the TV series for Sony Pictures Television. The show has been renewed for a second season, and fans eagerly anticipate the story's continuation.

The Last of Us airs on HBO and HBO Max at 9 p.m. EST every Sunday.