The Last of Us episode sparks Spotify surge as thousands stream 70s hit Long Long Time

The Last of Us has skyrocketed a 70s hit up the Spotify music charts after it featured heavily in HBO episode three's "gut-wrenching love story".

Arguably the very thing that formed Bill and Frank's heart-warming romance, Linda Ronstadt's Long Long Time is quickly climbing the streaming site's rankings.

Played by the incredible Nick Offerman and Murray Bartlett, the lovebirds bonded after playing the tune on the piano and now fans can't stop playing the tune.

Spotify reports a 4,900% increase in song streams after the episode, branded a "heartbreaking hour of television", was released on HBO last Sunday.

Long Long Time is quickly climbing the charts on Spotify (HBO)

Linda's classic hit was played three times throughout the episode, including in final scenes which, spoiler alert, show the end of Bill and Frank's lives.

The episode really is a rollercoaster of emotions as the couple's fairy tale unfolds – near to the beginning of the deadly outbreak of the zombie fungus disease.

"It turned out to be an emotional, heart-wrenching hour," said one viewer as comments flooded Twitter following its release at the weekend.

Bill and Frank fall madly in love, end up living together before getting married – and both eventually share their final breath.

Bill and Frank bonded over the song while playing the piano (© 2023 Home Box Office, Inc. All rights reserved. HBO® and all related programs are the property of Home Box Office, Inc.)

"The Last of Us portrayed the greatest dystopian love story of our generation while also giving us the funniest dystopian exchange in human history," wrote another viewer.

A third penned: "Sat down expecting an hour of grotesque fungus monsters and got the most gut-wrenching love story of the decade."

"I know only one of them can win, but Nick Offerman and Murray Bartlett both deserve Emmys for their performances in episode 3 of The Last of Us," said another.

Episode three follows their love story from start to finish (© 2023 Home Box Office, Inc. All rights reserved. HBO® and all related programs are the property of Home Box Office, Inc.)

Speaking in comparison with The Last of Us video game version, one fan Tweeted: "Bill in-game chose survival. Bill in the show chose love.

"Both have their merits. Both push Joel and Ellie forward. Both are in keeping with the world of The Last of Us. I couldn't be happier with the latest episode."

Frank had been suffering from an illness and told Bill he wanted his help to end his life. Bill tearfully agreed and decided he would go with him at the same time.

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