The wasteland is back, and critics say it might be better than ever. The second season of Prime Video’s hit series Fallout has debuted with a perfect 100% critics’ score on Rotten Tomatoes ahead of its streaming premiere. This early score makes it the highest-rated season two of any live-action video game adaptation on the site.
The season’s first episode was released on December 16, 2025, a day earlier than planned. The show has broken multiple records and is being hailed as a worthy follow-up that dives into the fan-favorite setting of New Vegas.
How the Season Compares to the First and Its Rivals
The perfect score for Fallout Season 2 stands above the first season’s already impressive 93% rating. The score is based on the first batch of critic reviews and is subject to change as more reviews come in, but the initial response is overwhelmingly positive.
Zach Pope from Zach Pope Reviews gave a clear verdict: “Better than Season 1”.
This new score also allows the series to surpass major competitors. Fallout is now the highest-scored live-action video game TV adaptation overall when its two seasons are combined. It beats out other acclaimed shows like The Last of Us, which has a 94% critic score for its first season.
What Critics Are Saying About the New Episodes
Reviews praise the show for continuing the unique mix of dark humor, intense action, and faithful adaptation that made the first season a success. Many note that the move to the New Vegas setting provides fresh excitement for fans of the games.
Nick Schager from The Daily Beast describes it as “a superior dystopian adventure—the most purely entertaining sci-fi series on TV”.
While most reviews are glowing, some critics note the new season feels more methodical and takes time for its storylines to click into place. There are mentions that the season’s more lore-driven approach might appeal more to dedicated fans than casual viewers.
The Stars Returning and New Faces Joining
The core cast returns for the new journey. Ella Purnell is back as the optimistic Lucy MacLean, and Walton Goggins reprises his role as the mysterious Ghoul. Aaron Moten returns as Maximus of the Brotherhood of Steel, and Kyle MacLachlan is back as Lucy’s father, Hank.
The major new addition for season two is Justin Theroux, who plays the eccentric tech genius Robert House, a key figure from the games. Critics highlight Theroux’s performance as a standout, with his natural weirdness fitting perfectly into the show’s world. The season also features guest appearances from Macaulay Culkin and Kumail Nanjiani.
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A New Release Schedule and What to Expect
For its second season, Fallout is switching up how it releases episodes. Unlike the first season, where all episodes dropped at once, season two will release weekly.
- First Episode: Released Tuesday, December 16, 2025, at 6:00 PM PT.
- Following Episodes: New episodes will stream every Wednesday.
- Season Finale: The eighth and final episode of the season is scheduled for February 4, 2026.
The story picks up right after the season one finale, following Lucy, the Ghoul, and Maximus as their paths lead them through the Mojave wasteland to the iconic, post-apocalyptic city of New Vegas. Amazon has confirmed that a third season is already in development.
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