HBO claims The Last of Us enjoyed record audience growth for second episode

HBO has claimed that the second episode of The Last of Us saw record growth in terms of viewing figures from the show’s debut.

The second episode of the adaptation aired on Sunday night in the US where it attracted 5.7 million viewers – up 22% compared to the first episode.

“This marks the largest week 2 audience growth for an HBO Original drama series in the history of the network,” the company said on Monday.

The show’s first episode, which drew 4.7 million viewers on its premiere night, is now tracking at 18 million viewers, according to HBO.

The network has released a preview trailer for the third episode of The Last of Us, which is viewable above.

The teaser for the next episode introduces Bill and Frank, two post-pandemic survivalists living alone in their own isolated town.

Bill is played by Nick Offerman, who is best known for playing Ron Swanson in Parks and Recreation, while Frank is played by Murray Bartlett (The White Lotus).

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Over the course of nine episodes, the show’s debut season will cover the events of 2013’s PlayStation game The Last of Us, which was recently remade for PS5 and PC, and its expansion The Last of Us: Left Behind.

The adaptation, which has been well received by critics, is reportedly overall highly faithful to The Last of Us, although it’s said to include “some radical changes to the game’s story that will shock and perhaps challenge fans”, including one involving Bill.