HBO’s ‘The Last of Us’ Season Finale Draws in a Series High

This image released by HBO shows Bella Ramsey, left, and Pedro Pascal in a scene from the series "The Last of Us." (HBO via AP)
This image released by HBO shows Bella Ramsey, left, and Pedro Pascal in a scene from the series "The Last of Us." (HBO via AP)
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HBO’s ‘The Last of Us’ Season Finale Draws in a Series High

This image released by HBO shows Bella Ramsey, left, and Pedro Pascal in a scene from the series "The Last of Us." (HBO via AP)
This image released by HBO shows Bella Ramsey, left, and Pedro Pascal in a scene from the series "The Last of Us." (HBO via AP)

“The Last of Us” fans set another rating record for the season one finale of the apocalyptic, mushroom-infected zombie video game adaptation. Despite airing against the Oscars Sunday night, HBO said the season finale drew in 8.2 million viewers.

Viewership for “The Last of Us” has consistently grown throughout the season. The series has not only won over gamers with high expectations but also critics and people who aren’t familiar with the game.

The series premiere drew 4.7 million viewers in the US, based on Nielsen and HBO data, making for HBO’s second-largest debut, behind “House of the Dragon.” Outside of the US, “The Last of Us” is now the most-watched show in the history of HBO Max in both Europe and Latin America, HBO said.

As viewers watch episodes on the streaming platforms days after the episodes air, the numbers for the series will continue to increase. The series is now averaging 30.4 million viewers across its first six episodes, with the first episode approaching 40 million viewers in the US, HBO said.

HBO did concede to the ratings behemoth that is the Super Bowl, dropping the fifth episode of “The Last of Us” on HBO Max and HBO On Demand early last month on the Friday before the big game on Feb. 12. But the ratings for episode five were still strong, with 11.6 million viewers from Friday through Sunday.

The series finale ended with Joel making some difficult and controversial decisions that left viewers wondering what was next for protagonists Ellie (Bella Ramsey) and Joel (Pedro Pascal). While not much has been officially announced about the second season, fans of the video game know about “The Last of Us Part II” and are eagerly anticipating how the game will be adapted for season two.



Julian McMahon, Actor Who Appeared in ‘Fantastic Four’ Films and TV Show ‘Charmed,’ Has Died

Julian McMahon arrives at the 21st annual Critics' Choice Awards at the Barker Hangar on Sunday, Jan. 17, 2016, in Santa Monica, Calif. (AP)
Julian McMahon arrives at the 21st annual Critics' Choice Awards at the Barker Hangar on Sunday, Jan. 17, 2016, in Santa Monica, Calif. (AP)
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Julian McMahon, Actor Who Appeared in ‘Fantastic Four’ Films and TV Show ‘Charmed,’ Has Died

Julian McMahon arrives at the 21st annual Critics' Choice Awards at the Barker Hangar on Sunday, Jan. 17, 2016, in Santa Monica, Calif. (AP)
Julian McMahon arrives at the 21st annual Critics' Choice Awards at the Barker Hangar on Sunday, Jan. 17, 2016, in Santa Monica, Calif. (AP)

Julian McMahon, an Australia-born actor who performed in two "Fantastic Four" films and appeared in TV shows such as "Charmed,Nip/Tuck" and "Profiler," has died, his wife said in a statement.

McMahon, 56, died peacefully this week after a battle with cancer, Kelly McMahon said in a statement provided to The Associated Press by his Beverly Hills, California-based publicist.

"Julian loved life," the statement said. "He loved his family. He loved his friends He loved his work, and he loved his fans. His deepest wish was to bring joy into as many lives as possible."

McMahon played Dr. Doom in the films "Fantastic Four" in 2005 and "Fantastic Four: Rise of the Silver Surfer," which came out two years later.

Along with "Charmed,Nip/Tuck," and "Profiler," he also had roles in the TV shows "Home and Away,FBI: Most Wanted" and "Another World," according to IMDB.

Actress Alyssa Milano, who appeared with McMahon on "Charmed," mourned his death on social media, saying "Julian was more than my TV husband."

"Julian McMahon was magic," Milano said. "That smile. That laugh. That talent. That presence. He walked into a room and lit it up — not just with charisma, but with kindness. With mischief. With soulful understanding."