The hit show is coming back for a second season, plus there’s an accompanying HBO podcast too.
In news that will doubtless surprise few, HBO have recommissioned The Last of Us after airing just two episodes.
The show, which adapts the hit Paystation game, follows Joel (Pedro Pascal) and Ellie (Bella Ramsey) across a zombie-infected post-apocalyptic America.
In HBO’s press release, executive producer Neil Druckmann said:
“I’m humbled, honored and frankly overwhelmed that so many people have tuned in and connected with our retelling of Joel and Ellie’s journey. The collaboration with [writer and executive producer] Craig Mazin, our incredible cast and crew, and HBO exceeded my already high expectations. Now we have the absolute pleasure of being able to do it again with season two!”
Craig Mazin added:
“I’m so grateful to Neil Druckmann and HBO for our partnership, and I’m even more grateful to the millions of people who have joined us on this journey. The audience has given us the chance to continue, and as a fan of the characters and world Neil and Naughty Dog created, I couldn’t be more ready to dive back in.”
Airing on Sky Atlantic (and streaming on NOW) in the UK, the show has garnered both critical acclaim and viewers; Sky report it is pulling in three times the number of viewers to its 2am weekly premiere slot than stablemate House of the Dragon.
Watch the first episode for free
In celebration of the show’s success, Sky are making the first episode available via YouTube for viewers in the UK and Ireland.
In the US, the episode is being made available on HBOMax.com.
If you’re so inclined, Troy Baker (who plays Joel in the video game) hosts an official podcast for the show. Each week he sits down with Craig Mazin and Neil Druckmann for a scene-by-scene deep dive of the latest episode.
The Last of Us continues with episode 3 on Sky Atlantic at 2am, Monday 30th January.