I’ll be once again live-blogging my in-the-moment thoughts as The Last of Us ’ newest episode airs, and am welcoming any and all fans to read along, whether you’re watching on Sunday night or a few days later.

When it premiered in 2023, HBO’s The Last of Us was hailed by many as the best video game adaptation ever. A huge part of that acclaim was attributed to how closely series’ creators Craig Mazin and Neill Druckmann (who co-created the game) stuck to the script when translating the 2013 title to television.

In both The Last of Us Part 1 and Part 2, spores have always been a key part of the narrative. Whenever anyone but Ellie descends into a heavily infected zone, they put on a mask to make sure they don't get exposed. However, this is the first time it's been introduced in the adaptation.

The Last of Us Season 2 Episode 5 comes out on HBO and MAX on Sunday, May 11, 2025. You can watch The Last of Us Season 2 Episode 5 tonight on HBO at 9 PM ET/PT. The Last of Us Season 2 Episode 5 will also be available to stream on MAX at 9 PM ET on Sunday, May 11.

I also really enjoyed “The Last of Us” on HBO, and named the first season (which covered the events of the first The Last of Us video game) the best video game adaptation ever. I should also adore “The Last of Us” season 2, considering it’s adapting what I believe to be even stronger source material.

If it feels like The Last of Us Season 2 just began, you’re not alone. Especially if (SPOILER ALERT!) you’re still grieving the shocking death of Joel (Pedro Pascal) in Episode 2, “The Path,” at the hands of new character Abby (Kaitlyn Dever).

The HBO adaptation's latest installment picks up with Joel and Ellie five years after the events of Season 1 and is based on 2020's "The Last of Us: Part II"