With only two episodes under its belt, HBO's The Last of Us is already a certified hit. Based on the acclaimed video game of the same name, the show takes place 20 years after a fast-spreading outbreak has decimated nearly the entire population, turning hordes of people into fungus-ridden zombies, and leaving the survivors to navigate life in the ruined world.Now, after the unquestionable success of the show's first two episodes (which are also driving sales of the original game through the roof), Warner Media has announced via press release that The Last of Us has officially been renewed for a second season. This follows a massive increase of over 1 million viewers from the show's premiere to its second episode, the largest increase for an HBO original drama series. The series premiere viewership was beaten only by House of the Dragon.RELATED: How The Opening Scene of The Last of Us Makes The HBO Series Feel More RealExecutive producer Neil Druckmann, who also created the video game on which the show is based, said "I’m humbled, honored, and frankly overwhelmed that so many people have tuned in and connected with our retelling of Joel and Ellie’s journey. The collaboration with Craig Mazin, our incredible cast & crew, and HBO exceeded my already high expectations," adding, "Now we have the absolute pleasure of being able to do it again with season two! On behalf of everyone at Naughty Dog & PlayStation, thank you!."

Craig Mazin, who previously helmed the hit miniseries Chernobyl (from which The Last of Us appears to take at least some inspiration) said that he is "grateful to Neil Druckmann and HBO for our partnership," and that he extends that gratefulness to the show's audience. Mazin and Druckmann wrote the premiere episode, "When You're Lost in the Dark" together, which Mazin directed. Druckmann made his live-action directing debut with the show's second episode, "Infected."

Pedro Pascal and Bella Ramsey play the story's central characters, Joel and Ellie. The pair are reluctantly thrust together and sent on a perilous journey through the ruined United States, developing a close bond along the way. Along the way, they must confront enemies both infected and all too human. In a moment that seemed to predict the future, Bella Ramsey said that a second season of the show would be "likely." The show also features performances from Anna Torv, Nick Offerman, Gabriel Luna, Merle Dandridge, and Storm Reid. The show also shares some connective tissue with its source material in its music, which is composed in part by Oscar-winner Gustavo Santaolalla.

The big question regarding a second season is whether it will directly adapt the second game in the series, or if it will take a different direction before reaching that point. The Last of Us Part II turned out to be a divisive sequel, and there could be difficulties in adapting that part of the story for a more general audience. Regardless of which direction Mazin and Druckmann decide to take, it's exciting to know that the story will continue, delivering more action, horror, and heartbreaking moments.

The Last of Us airs Sundays at 9:00 PM EST on HBO.

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