The Last of Us Episode 5 release date, available early due to the Super Bowl

Regarding football, HBO has avoided a layoff.

To cushion the blow The last of us Inevitably maintained over next Sunday’s Super Bowl, the pay-cabler has announced it will release Episode 5 of the post-apocalyptic drama two days early – Friday, February 10 at 9 p.m. ET – on HBO Max and HBO On Demand. The episode will still make its “linear” debut on Sunday, February 12 at 9 p.m. ET opposite Super Bowl LVII.

It makes sense that HBO would want to protect The last of us, which has been gaining momentum every week. The acclaimed third appearance from last Sunday – with guest appearances Parks and Recreation‘s Nick Offerman and The White Lotus‘ Murray Bartlett – drew 6.4 million viewers, up 12 percent from episode 2 (which delivered a record-breaking increase in viewership) and up 37 percent from premiere night.

Episode 4 ratings (read the synopsis here) will be released on Monday.

that puzzles us last of us Fans: Will you use the early Episode 5 drop and watch it before Sunday? Or do you consider yourself a traditionalist and wait until the regularly scheduled linear premiere? Let us know in the comments!