The Last of Us episode 3 release date and time: How to watch on HBO Max right now

Nick Offerman as Bill, holding a shotgun, in The Last of Us episode 3
(Image credit: Liane Hentscher/HBO)

It's finally time to watch The Last of Us episode 3 online. And this is one episode you're not going to want to miss. Trust us on that. And, once you've seen it, you'll want to check out the news about the 2-hour The Last of Us episode 3 director's cut that's even more heart-breaking.

The Last of Us HBO Max episode 3 release date, time

U.S. date and time: The Last of Us episode 3 broadcasts today (Sunday, Jan. 29) at 9 p.m. ET / 6 p.m. PT on HBO and HBO Max.
The Last of Us U.K. release date: Monday (Jan. 30) at 2 a.m. GMT on Sky Atlantic and NOW.

With seven words — "Not today, you new world order jackboots," Nick Offerman made the internet as giddy as Ron Swanson ordering breakfast. Yes, the trailer for The Last of Us episode 3 began with those words, as survivor Bill (Offerman) hid in his bunker. This is the perfect casting news, giving Nick Offerman a well-stocked bunker in the Cordyceps-ridden world is like giving us an alternate reality version of Parks and Rec's favorite Libertarian.

Once Bill and his new pal Frank (The White Lotus alum Murray Bartlett) are done debating the Arby's business model, though, they're going to take audiences on a fantastic ride. I dare not say anything more to spoil the episode, though. The two characters were referenced by Tess in last week's chapter of the series, and this episode will see Joel (Pedro Pascal) taking Ellie (Bella Ramsey) to them for protection. Want a refresher on how we got here? Check out my The Last of Us episode 2 recap for a detailed breakdown.

And, at the risk of over-hyping The Last of Us episode 3, I'll note that this was the episode that got me to start my "best TV episodes of 2023" list. Oh, and I've watched it twice already, and enjoyed it both times. That said, if you want more to watch, we've got 7 new shows and movies to watch this weekend on a variety of services.

We're curious if The Last of Us episode 3 might break HBO Max's servers, as interest in the show seems to be on the rise. In our spoiler-free The Last of Us review, I only hinted at how emotionally impactful this episode is.

That said, you might want to check out this trailer for The Last of Us episode 3, (though I would skip it, personally). We've also got the news on HBO confirming The Last of Us season 2, as well as everything you need to know about how to watch The Last of Us episode 3, no matter where you are.

Oh, and read our The Last of Us episode 4 recap and review to see what we thought of what comes after this.

How to watch The Last of Us episode 3 online in the US

A slice of the US flag

(Image credit: Shutterstock)

HBO and HBO Max are the two ways to watch The Last of Us episode 3 online in the U.S.. 

This is HBO's new Sunday night show, and airs weekly at 9 p.m. ET, the same time it pops up on HBO Max (try refreshing the page by opening the 'Series' tab, if you need to). This third episode, which debuts on January 29th, runs 76 minutes, ending at 10:16 p.m. ET.

The full schedule is below.

HBO Max
Free 7-day trial

HBO Max offers an exceptional library, including all of HBO's prestige series, like Game of Thrones, Succession, The Sopranos and The Wire. Plus, the service has its own originals like Hacks and The Flight Attendant. HBO Max costs $16 per month (or $10 for the ad-supported tier).

How to watch The Last of Us episode 3 online in the UK

A slice of the British flag

(Image credit: Shutterstock)

The Last of Us episode 3 will air on Sky Atlantic (the normal home for HBO and HBO Max Originals in the UK) and NOW in the U.K., where it debuts at 2 a.m. GMT on Monday, January 30th.

Visiting the UK and can't find it either? Try one of the best VPNs to log in back home to use the apps you prefer.

How to watch The Last of Us online in Canada

Crave will be the home of The Last of Us in Canada. Episode 3 arrives on Sunday (Jan. 29) at 9 p.m. ET.

Of course, those on vacation in Canada who stream live with their friends in the U.S. or U.K. will need one of the best VPNs to log in back home to use Sling, fubo or BBC iPlayer.

How to watch The Last of Us episode 3 online in Australia

Binge is the place you want to go to watch The Last of Us online in Australia. It debuts on January 30th.

Binge is free for the first 14 days, and starts at $10 per month for 1 screen and SD viewing.

The Last of Us episodes schedule

The Last of Us cast

The Last of Us is led by Pedro Pascal as Joel, who is a survivor in the pandemic-ravaged America. Fans of the video game should note that Merle Dandridge voiced the character Marlene in the video games, and that Jeffrey Pierce provided the voice of Tommy in The Last of Us games.

  • Pedro Pascal as Joel
  • Bella Ramsey as Ellie
  • Gabriel Luna as Tommy
  • Anna Torv as Tess
  • Nico Parker as Sarah
  • Nick Offerman as Bill
  • Murray Bartlett as Frank
  • Melanie Lynskey as Kathleen
  • Storm Reid as Riley
  • Merle Dandridge as Marlene
  • Jeffrey Pierce as Perry
  • Lamar Johnson as Henry 
  • Keivonn Woodard as Sam
  • Graham Greene as Marlon 
  • Elaine Miles as Florence
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Henry T. Casey
Managing Editor (Entertainment, Streaming)

Henry is a managing editor at Tom’s Guide covering streaming media, laptops and all things Apple, reviewing devices and services for the past seven years. Prior to joining Tom's Guide, he reviewed software and hardware for TechRadar Pro, and interviewed artists for Patek Philippe International Magazine. He's also covered the wild world of professional wrestling for Cageside Seats, interviewing athletes and other industry veterans.