The Last of Us episode 5 drops early in UK after surprise HBO news

Viewers of The Last of Us have been left overjoyed thanks to the Super Bowl.

On Sunday (5 February), the fourth instalment of the video game adaptation was released on HBO, with the episode following the next morning in the UK on Sky and NOW.

When the episode ended, it was then revealed that fans will have less time to wait than usual.

Instead of having a full week wait in between episode four and five, viewers had to wait a total of just five days.

The Last of Us’s fifth episode has been released on HBO Max two days early, in an attempt to avoid a clash with the Super Bowl, which will take place in the show’s usual timeslot on Sunday (12 February).

It will also be broadcast in its usual timeslot of 9pm ET/PT on the Sunday.

Sky has also released the episode early. It is available on Demand in advance of its linear premiere on Sky Atlantic Monday 13 February 2am as normal.

Further eps will continue to be released on Demand at 2am on Mondays.

Since debuting in January, The Last of Us has become a huge success, receiving much acclaim for its moving third episode, in particular, which featured Nick Offerman and Murray Bartlett.

The show, which stars Pedro Pascal and Bella Ramsey in the lead roles, has been renewed for a second season.

Find The Independent’s review of the series here.