Last Week Tonight with John Oliver
A half-hour satirical look at the week in news, politics and current events.
Talk, Comedy, News
Episodes (30)
Medicare for All
Main story: The pros and cons of Medicare for All; plus, Bill Barr does Trump's personal bidding; and Flyers mascot Gritty is exonerated!
Modi
Main story: John Oliver talks about India's controversial Prime Minister, Narendra Modi, and his government's Hindu nationalism; plus, a look at Mike Bloomberg's presidential campaign.
Coronavirus
John covers the Covid-19 pandemic, how each country, including the US, is handling it, and why the Phillie Phanatic is in a copyright row. Also, Tom Steyer quits the Democratic presidential race, and Chris Matthews messes up his sign offs.
Sheriffs
Main story: A look at how much power and how little accountability local sheriffs have; plus, Trump's coronavirus incompetence; India's self-censorship of 'Last Week Tonight.'
Coronavirus II
Main story: 2019–20 coronavirus outbreak, governmental response in the US, and the prevention of COVID-19. This episode was filmed at an unspecified location with no live audience as the studio and the show's offices were shut down after employees tested positive for COVID-19. John Oliver stated the show will go on hiatus for an unspecified amount of time but will definitely return.
Coronavirus III
In the first show from his makeshift home studio, John covers the horrible way COVID-19 pandemic is going and how Trump is mishandling it, how TV hosts are practicing social distancing, and how profoundly gleeful 90s erotic rat art can be.
One America News Network
John criticizes the Republican governors' response to the pandemic, showcases how everyone filming from home gets asked if they're wearing pants, and warns of the new ultra right wing, extremely pro-Trump network called OAN(N).
Essential Workers
John explains how the Trump administration failed to protect the unemployed, small businesses and essential workers during the pandemic, the peeps make their unholy return, and 90s rat erotica makes John's day once again.
Coronavirus Misinformation
John analyzes the right wing media's protests, conspiracy theories and misinformation spreading about the pandemic, spotlights Inside Edition's latest 'coming up' segments, and becomes a fan of the home edition of The Wendy Williams Show.
COVID-19 Testing
John points out the failure of The FDA and federal government when experts encourage widespread coronavirus testing for several months. The number of tests being done everyday far behind the lowest recommended number. John talks about the different types of tests: diagnostic and antibody tests, and how the tests work.
United States Postal Service
John discusses the United States Postal Service which is in dire need of economic assistance from the government. He examines some of the essential services of the USPS and why it is facing such financial trouble due to a 2006 law requiring it to pre-pay health care benefits on a fifty year schedule while at the same time putting price caps on services and products.
Coronavirus Impact on Sports
John discusses the sudden disappearance of sports due to coronavirus, how their absence is impacting people emotionally and financially, and the complications of bringing them back anytime soon.
Postal Voting
John explains the importance of voting by mail. Also, mass protests against police brutality erupt in Minneapolis, TV hosts inquire about the odd objects behind their stay-at-home guests, and John schools UFC president Dana White.
Police
This episode tackles the hard truth about the history of Police in the United States and the many problems that are faced in fixing those problems.
Facial Recognition
Facial recognition is no longer an issue of a thriller movie. It has become a part of our life. John Oliver talks about various aspects and global practice of facial recognition technology. He explains how dangerous it could be by addressing the questionable activities of facial recognition company Clearview AI.
Prisons & Jails
In the latest episode on coronavirus John talks about US prisons and jails. These confined spaces have frightening number of COVID-19 infections. And there has been insufficient initiatives to address the matter. Consequently, in some cases inmates are taking matters in their own hand to raise concern about situation behind bars.
Coronavirus IX: Evictions
Like coronavirus and unemployment issues evictions is something that USA could prepared for. While people are choosing between rent and food due to the pandemic, John Oliver presented the flaws of current system and flawed solution. He urges federal government to come with a proper solution for the affected soon. Also, some people refuse to wear masks, and Papa John embraces TikTok.
Conspiracy Theories
Conspiracy theories are the hotcakes of the internet. John talks about why people like these conspiracy theories and why in the age of internet it spreads so quickly. He also explains the detrimental effect can have on people's life. Finally celebrities urges people to be more vigilant and inquisitive about these theories as majority of these theories are baseless and created to create unrest among people.
Uighurs
The Uighur people are facing human rights abuses in China; plus, Trump’s authoritarian show of force in Portland; Martha Stewart loosens up.
U.S. History
A look at how the history of race is taught in schools; plus, Trump pushes bad medicine; Louie Gohmert tests positive; and Steve Guttenberg has a 'Cameo.'
Juries
John Oliver takes a look at why people of color are routinely excluded from becoming jurors, who their absence impacts, and what we can do to create a fairer system.
Border Wall
Nearing the 2020 election, John Oliver checks in on one of the key promises of President Trump’s 2016 campaign: the border wall. Plus, The “Unconventional Convention”; the return of Pumpkin Spice.
RNC 2020 & Kenosha
John Oliver discusses a week that saw the Republican National Convention, a horrific series of shootings in Kenosha, Wisconsin, and a strike in professional sports -- three stories that are really one story, about race in America.
Supreme Court
In the wake of Ruth Bader Ginsburg’s death, John Oliver discusses the future of the Supreme Court, why the government doesn’t always represent the political leanings of the electorate, and how those issues will impact the next generation of Americans.
Election 2020
Weeks out from the 2020 presidential election, John Oliver takes a look at various efforts to destabilize the vote, how to ensure your ballot is properly counted, and why we may need to prepare not just for an election night, but for an election month.
The World Health Organization
John Oliver talks about the functions of World Health Organization and why it is a vital part of the upcoming US election. John points out the contribution WHO made over the years, explains the reason why USA pays more than other countries and describes the mistakes of this highly impactful organization.
Asylum
John Oliver talks about the situation of asylum seekers in USA under Trump administration. He points out the three major changes in policy (migrant protection protocols, safe third country agreements and Title 42) which are deciding the future of asylum seekers.
Trump & the Coronavirus and William Barr
John Oliver takes a look at how the Trump administration has handled the coronavirus outbreak in the US, from lack of preparation, to mangled coordination, to harmful communication. John also discusses William Barr’s attitude toward authority and executive power, how that attitude has influenced Donald Trump’s presidency, and what it could mean if Trump wins a second term.
Election Results 2020
John Oliver discusses the long week of US presidential election results, including Donald Trump’s various attempts to make the election appear illegitimate, and a historic win for Joe Biden and Kamala Harris.
Trump & Election Results
A week after Joe Biden’s win in the US presidential election, John Oliver discusses Donald Trump’s various attempts to overturn the results, why his claims don’t hold water, and the consequences of indulging him.
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