PSA: The Last of Us Episode 5 hits steaming earlier this week

See Joel and Ellie’s next leg of the trip before the Super Bowl

If last week’s The Last of Us had you eagerly awaiting what’s ahead, you won’t have to wait quite so long for the next one. Episode 5 of The Last of Us will be streaming a few days earlier, on February 10 at 9 p.m. ET.

This perk will be available for both HBO Max users, who will be able to check out the new episode a little bit earlier. It will still make its HBO premiere on Sunday, February 12 at 9 p.m. ET. This is the one and only episode to do so, as the rest will continue to air on Sundays at 9 p.m. ET.

It’s coming.

Stream episode 5 of #TheLastOfUs early, this Friday at 9PM on @HBOMax. pic.twitter.com/JpuRUST8O5

— The Last of Us (@TheLastofUsHBO) February 6, 2023

Why the two-day early premiere? Well, no official reason was given in HBO’s press release. But those tuned into the sports world already know. This weekend is the Super Bowl, and it looks like HBO might look to avoid a direct clash between its new episode and massive sporting event.

Though other competition has existed for the Sunday slot, and The Last of Us has won out, it seems like HBO is making an effort to avoid the clash for this particular event. Thus, Episode 5 of The Last of Us will go live a little bit earlier. At least that’s less waiting between cliffhangers.

Last Friday night

It’s at least a good sign for the series that HBO wants to keep its momentum rolling. The show has garnered general praise, and seems to at least be on the upper-end of the scale compared to most live-action video game adaptations.

The first season is expected to run through March 12, which is when its finale airs. It’s already been renewed for a second season as well, so HBO really does seem to be betting on The Last of Us.

Meanwhile, PC fans holding out for the chance to play the first installment themselves are waiting a little longer, as the PC port of The Last of Us Part I has been pushed back further into March.