Last Week Tonight with John Oliver

Each episode of Last Week Tonight with John Oliver compresses a week of news into a fast, opinionated half hour, then often expands one or two topics into much longer, research-driven segments. John Oliver opens with a monologue that riffs on current headlines, then shifts into extended pieces that mix comedy, interviews and documented evidence to explain why an issue matters. The show keeps things funny while treating complex subjects seriously, and it avoids cliffhangers or serialized plots so episodes can stand alone. There are recurring bits and field pieces, but no spoilers are needed, since the format stays consistent from week to week.

The series premiered on HBO in 2014, created and hosted by John Oliver. It was produced for premium cable and streaming, and the show’s crew includes writers, researchers and editors who help turn reporting into tight comedic segments, with Oliver credited as the driving creative force.

The program has been recognized by television award bodies, earning multiple Emmy Awards. Honors have included accolades for writing and for the series in variety talk categories, reflecting industry recognition of its blend of reporting and humor.

Segments from the show have had measurable influence, sparking viral attention, fundraising surges and policy discussions. Journalists and policymakers have sometimes reacted directly to stories aired on the program, and the media landscape has adopted the informal term "the John Oliver effect" to describe the show’s ability to shift public awareness or resources toward overlooked issues.

Critics and audiences have generally responded well, reflected in a user vote average of 7.808/10 from 757 votes. Reviewers praise the mix of satire and substantial research, and recurring themes include institutional accountability, media critique and the interplay between politics and everyday life. The tone balances sarcasm and seriousness, and viewers tend to come away informed while having laughed.