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When The Last of Us first premiered in 2023, it became an instant cultural phenomenon, launching its stars Pedro Pascal and Bella Ramsey into global stardom. Now, two seasons in, Ramsey is still adjusting to the overwhelming response the show continues to receive.
Appearing on Today, Ramsey listened as host Craig Melvin read out the staggering viewership numbers the show had racked up. Their reaction was both humble and relatable: “I can’t understand those figures,” they admitted. “To me, that’s just so bizarre… I can’t conceptualize it.”
Reflecting on why the series struck such a powerful chord with fans, Ramsey offered a thoughtful perspective. “I think it’s because it’s not really about the infection or the zombies,” they said. “It’s this intense backdrop for really intimate and emotional stories and relationships. That juxtaposition works so well.”
Those emotional layers have resonated not only with audiences but with Ramsey themselves, especially as they continue to embody Ellie—a character now deeply embedded in their own identity. “I played Ellie 15 hours a day, every day for seven months,” they shared, acknowledging how the line between them and the character has begun to blur. “I definitely flip in and out of her. I’m not a method actor—I’m not in it all the time—but I become a bit more like Ellie, and Ellie becomes a bit more like me.”
Though Pascal and Ramsey had previously worked together in Game of Thrones, it’s their partnership in The Last of Us that has defined their careers so far. Their chemistry and the emotional gravity of the story have created a show that goes beyond genre—it’s become a modern TV landmark.