Last Week Tonight with John Oliver Episode Rating Graph

The Lottery: State lotteries claim to be good for education and the general wellbeing of citizens. But are they? (Spoiler alert: No.) Also, there is a cannon that shoots salmon over dams. It’s awesome. Check it out.

After winning a legal battle involving a coal executive and a giant squirrel, John Oliver explains how SLAPP suits are designed to stifle public dissent.

John talks about the Egyptian president and economic crisis, the Guantanamo Bay shutdown and Donald Trump.

John talks about the NFL's decision on Ray Rice's contract, the international response to ISIS, Scotland's separation from the United Kingdom and Twitter hashtags that are being misused by corporations.

John talks about US Immigration and interviews Professor Stephen Hawking.

Donald Trump spreads a lot of false information thanks to his daily consumption of morning cable news. If only we could sneak some facts into the president’s media diet.

John talks about California Chrome and the Belmont Stakes, FIFA and the 2014 World Cup, and Syrian President Bashar al-Assad.

Sex education varies widely between school districts, leaving many teens without comprehensive information. We made a video that covers what some schools are too embarrassed to teach.

John talks about ISIS and student loan debt. Musical group A Great Big World make a special appearance.

Focuses on the shooting of Michael Brown and police militarization in Ferguson, MO. John also discusses the topic of equal pay for equal work.

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.

John talks about human rights violations in the Middle East, nuclear disarmament and Russia's science satellite that lost communication.

John talks about Iraq, Antarctica tourism and Dr. Oz's "Miracle Drug".

John talks about the Gaza crisis, the decay of American prisons and the gambling addiction problem in Singapore.

The presidential race has been a hell of a ride. ‘Last Week Tonight’ closes out the election and Season 3 with a bang.

After the arrests of numerous top officials, John Oliver decided to give an update on the state of FIFA. Also, Thailand's ignorance about the world's history involving Hitler might require some re-education.

John talks about modern American income inequality, Warren G. Harding's love letters and President Obama's "Day In The Life" tour.

John Oliver Takes On Debt Buyers: Companies that purchase debt on the cheap will aggressively collect on it. 'Last Week Tonight’ took a hands-on approach to addressing this issue.

Equal access to online information is once again under serious threat. John Oliver encourages internet commenters to voice their displeasure to the FCC by visiting www.gofccyourself.com.

John talks about Eurovision, Ukraine and Russia's relations and interviews Bill Nye about Climate Change.

John talks about Uganda's anti-gay laws, the CIA's recent report on their use of torture, the New York Port Authority, Argentina's default on debt and native advertising.

John Oliver discusses the growing number of authoritarian leaders around the world, their common characteristics, and whether or not one of them is currently our president.

John Oliver sheds light on recent Supreme Court cases and discusses gay rights in Uganda with activist Pepe Julian Onziema.

John talks about the product recall going on at General Motors, the EU Court of Justice "Right to be Forgotten" ruling and updates us on how the Indian election is going with help from Fareed Zakaria.

John Oliver explains why America’s bail system is better for the reality TV industry than it is for the justice system.

John talks about the return of US military actions in Iraq, replacing all passwords due to a global security breach and the terrible practices of the Payday Loan industry.

One year after the presidential election, John Oliver discusses what we've learned so far and enlists our catheter cowboy to teach Donald Trump what he hasn't.

John Oliver talks about a Russian submarine in Sweden, ebola in New York, added sugar in food, Rob Ford's brother and interviews Jane Goodall.

Alex Jones is known for pushing conspiracy theories, but he also spends a lot of time promoting his own products. John Oliver and a “doctor” “from” M.I.T. test out his marketing strategy.

Rudy Giuliani is new to Trump’s legal team, but not to public controversy. Last Week Tonight examines his turbulent record in the wake of his recent political upsets.

Tibetan Buddhists have suffered deep persecution by the Chinese government. John Oliver sits down with the Dalai Lama to discuss China, the conditions in Tibet, and horse milk.

John discusses U.S. military drones and the Kansas state budget shortfall. Also, Narendra Modi, the Prime Minster of India visited New York and did some classic New York things.

In the wake of a divisive election, the UK will begin the process of leaving the European Union. John Oliver and an intergalactic space lord propose a plan.

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.

John talks about the Indian election, Pom Wonderful and talks with the former NSA Director General Keith Alexander.

Producers, sellers, and consumers waste tons of food. John Oliver discusses the shocking amount of food we don’t eat.

John Oliver discusses the Supreme Court, the ethically questionable gifts some of the justices receive, and an offer for Clarence Thomas that could ruin John's life. Genuinely. You'll see.

Vladimir Putin is known as a ruthless leader and master manipulator. John Oliver enlists a group of singing dancers to explain that to Donald Trump.

Confederate symbols are still celebrated despite the ugly history they symbolize. John Oliver suggests some representations of southern pride that involve less racism and more Stephen Colbert.

America's crumbling infrastructure: It's not a sexy problem, but it is a scary one.

Taking a walk down memory lane, 'Last Week Tonight' assesses Donald Trump's vs. Hillary Clinton's scandals.

John reflects on the aftermath of Paris attacks and how it affects refugees worldwide. Plus, he questions the usefulness of the U.S. penny, since minting the coins costs more than they're actually worth.

The presidential election in France could determine the political future of Europe. John Oliver visits an excessively French bistro to deliver an urgent message to voters.

John talks about the recent issues of the death penalty, François Hollande and the rising issues happening in Brunei.

Strong encryption poses problems for law enforcement, is weakening it worth the risks it presents? It's…complicated.

Italy is in the throes of a turbulent race to elect a new prime minister. John Oliver discusses the colorful contenders and introduces an equally ridiculous candidate.

Donald Trump's federal budget plan proposes large funding cuts with largely negative consequences. John Oliver examines the troubling priorities of the new administration.

Charter schools are privately run, publicly funded, and irregularly regulated. John Oliver explores why they aren’t at all like pizzerias.

John Oliver can't help but say nice things about the Vice President's rabbit, Marlon Bundo. Last Week Tonight even wrote a children's book about him.

John Oliver explains how chicken farming can be unfair, punishing, and inhumane. And not just for the chickens!

Sinclair Broadcast Group is the largest owner of local TV stations in the country. That's alarming considering that they often inject political views into local news.

The benefits of vaccines far outweigh the minuscule risks, but some parents still question their safety. John Oliver discusses why some people may still feel uncertainty about childhood vaccinations.

We’ve heard a lot of talk about coal miners in the last year, but what are the real issues surrounding coal? John Oliver and a giant squirrel look into it.

The NCAA doesn’t pay athletes because they consider them amateurs. The NCAA considers them amateurs because they don’t get paid.

John Oliver discusses the ongoing war between Israel and Hamas.

John Oliver discusses the systems in place to investigate and hold police officers accountable for misconduct.

John explores the concept of changing and cheap fashion and some of the ugliest truths of the manufacturing process.

Big businesses are getting even bigger thanks to a rise in corporate mergers. John Oliver explains why that could make you want to physically destroy your cable box.

The Republican health care bill could leave many Americans without affordable coverage. Last Week Tonight's catheter cowboy returns to morning cable news to explain that to Donald Trump.

John covers the rocky Democratic National Convention in Philadelphia. Plus, the military coup in Turkey and its aftermath, the voter ID laws targeting the minorities and how are tanning beds still a thing.

John Oliver talks about the power of public shaming, good and bad.

As nuclear tensions continue to escalate between the United States and North Korea, John Oliver enlists "Weird Al" Yankovic to perform some accordion-based diplomacy.

Donald Trump is waging a trade war that hurts a lot of American workers. Maybe he would understand that if our heavy-handed documentaries about the global trading system were more informative.

Robocalls are a growing problem. If only we could make the FCC care a little bit more about fixing it.

The UK could officially leave the European Union next month, which would be a huge change with hugely damaging consequences.

Donald Trump plans to withdraw the United States from the Paris agreement on climate change. That's bad news for anyone who happens to live on this planet.

America's reputation is being damaged by its own president. John Oliver, several dinosaurs, and the NYC Gay Men's Chorus remind the world that our country is...complicated.

Ivanka Trump and Jared Kushner hold an incredible amount of political power. That's troubling considering their incredibly small amount of political experience.

John Oliver discusses the first four weeks of Donald Trump's second term as president, the strategy behind some of the choices his administration has made, and why it is indeed f**k time. You heard us: It's f**k time.

John Oliver examines the legal and moral issues surrounding the military prison at Guantánamo Bay.

American students face a ridiculous amount of testing. John Oliver explains how standardized tests impact school funding, the achievement gap and how often the kids are expected to throw up while taking one.

Multilevel marketing companies claim to be legitimate businesses, but some seems awfully pyramid shaped, and that's a problem.

Auto lenders can steer vulnerable people into crushing debt. Keegan-Michael Key and Bob Balaban help John Oliver show exactly how.

John Oliver discusses how The West Bank settlements came to be, a rumor about J.D. Vance that we cannot prove is false, and whether or not Jake Tapper is Brat.

John Oliver explains why we need honest inquiry into UFO sightings, covers the week's protests in the US over the war in Gaza, and recaps Adeel Mangi's confirmation hearing.

John Oliver details why people file for bankruptcy, how needlessly difficult the process can be, and the ways we can better serve people struggling with debt.

John Oliver discusses homeowners associations, the surprising power they have, and how to tell if a tree is “tree-shaped.”

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.

John Oliver discusses why millions of people have been kicked off of Medicaid, why Medicaid access was difficult even before the current "unwinding," and what would happen if fruits and vegetables could talk.

John Oliver discusses hospice scams, the Trump campaign's attempt to appear "not weird," and the Republican primary candidates who are making the party seem stranger and stranger.

John Oliver breaks down the long history of housing discrimination in the U.S., the damage it's done, and, crucially, what we can do about it.

John Oliver discusses how state and local governments in the US are spending opioid settlements, a new deportation plan in the UK, and, of course, his favorite contestant at Eurovision.

John Oliver discusses how Hawaii has long been run for the benefit of everyone but Hawaiians, whether or not J.D. Vance is ok, and the Trump campaign's weak attacks on Tim Walz and Kamala Harris.

John Oliver explains how emergency medical services function in the U.S., why they can be so expensive, and what we can do to fix things.

John Oliver discusses the systems in place for donating our organs and bodies, why those donations don't always go where we might think they're going, and which airline is the Greyhound bus of the sky.

Main story: Why nursing homes and assisted living facilities need fixing; plus, the U.S. Refugee Admissions Program; Matt Gaetz and Venmo; R.I.P. Yahoo! Answers.

Main story: The many obstacles that impede access to unemployment benefits; plus, Fox News freaks out over Dr. Seuss.

John Oliver discusses chocolate, cocoa farming, and, of course, some facts that will make Halloween a little weird.

John Oliver discusses timeshares, how people get into them, why it’s so difficult to get out, and one exciting new business venture.

With homelessness increasing nationwide, John Oliver takes a look at the way we discuss the unhoused, what policy failures are making the problem worse, and how we can help.

Main story: How plastics are harming the planet, and why recycling isn’t the solution you think it is; plus, the Atlanta mass shootings and hate crimes against Asian-Americans.

Health Care Sharing Ministries, or HCSMs, advertise themselves as a more affordable, faith-based alternative to health insurance. But John Oliver explains some of the massive limitations these plans can have.

John Oliver discusses the arrest of Mahmoud Khalil, the continued firing of federal workers, the world of sports betting, and what John likes to read in his spare time. You'll see.

John Oliver discusses Donald Trump's sweeping new set of tariffs and why trans athletes seem to be at the center of U.S. politics.

John Oliver explains why filibusters exist, why they shouldn't, and why it's stupid to drink coffee like a cat.

John Oliver discusses the conditions farmworkers face, how we failed to protect them, and the Jolly Green Giant’s body hair.

America’s system for conducting death investigations is a mess. John Oliver explains why we should all be a little more concerned about fixing it.

John Oliver discusses the groups in charge of keeping our food safe – from the FDA, to the USDA, to, most crucially, the Association for Dressings and Sauces.

John Oliver discusses homeschooling, its surprising lack of regulation in many states, and, crucially, Darth Vader's parenting skills.

John Oliver discusses psychedelic assisted therapy: its history, its potential, and what it has to do with A$AP Rocky’s relationship to rainbows. Plus, the Fox News lawsuit and the Ohio train derailment.

John Oliver discusses RFK Jr.'s potential to sway the 2024 U.S. presidential election, controversies at the Olympics, and Donald Trump's recent puzzling comments about Kamala Harris.

John Oliver discusses the financial and environmental impact of corn in the U.S., recent commencement ceremony mishaps, and the rise of the far-right AfD party in Germany.

John Oliver discusses the wildly popular television franchise, what it’s been teaching us about law enforcement, and how it differs from the reality. Plus, some important developments in British politics.

John Oliver discusses the ongoing elections in India, Trump's guilty verdict, and the decline of Red Lobster.

John Oliver discusses Donald Trump's address to Congress, why Republicans have been having a rough time at town halls, the reality of ICE detention facilities, and one very special establishment in Maine.

John Oliver discusses the power given to cops during traffic stops and some simple ways we can start to change that, and J.D. Vance's week surrounding the vice presidential debate.

Main story: How national debt works and why it might be more helpful than you'd think; plus, Giuliani freaks over Lil Nas X; Amazon's anti-union tactics; Peeps and Pepsi form an unholy alliance.

John Oliver discusses the end of America's war with Afghanistan and the humanitarian crisis being left behind.

John Oliver discusses why overdoses in the U.S. have been on the rise and what we should, and shouldn't, be doing to prevent them. Plus, a rather odd yearly tradition in Nenana, Alaska.

John Oliver discusses Taiwan's history of being governed by other countries, its fraught present-day relationship with China, and what its citizens would want their future to look like.

Main story: Working conditions in the meatpacking industry; plus, the Texas power crisis in the wake of severe winter weather.

John Oliver discusses the current attacks on voting rights, who's behind them, and what we can do about it. Plus, John enters several paintings in the annual Duck Stamp contest.

State AGs have become major partisan players in national politics, so the races to elect them are worth your attention.

John Oliver discusses the oldest and largest management consulting firm: McKinsey & Company.

A look at the things Biden has promised to fix about our southern border, what he has and hasn’t done, and a magnificent pile of gators.

John Oliver discusses the obstacles in the way of Americans receiving disability benefits, last week's US presidential debate, and the misinformation being spread about Haitian immigrants in Springfield, Ohio.

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.

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.

John Oliver explains why some people don't want to get the Covid-19 vaccine and how they might be reassured.

Main story: What could cause the next pandemic, what we can do to avoid it, and why you shouldn’t kiss pigs; plus, Impeachment Part 2.

John Oliver discusses the health care offered in prisons; plus, a look at the past five months, from the WGA strike to Lauren Boebert.

John Oliver explains what carbon offsets are, what they claim to do, how they might be making climate change even worse, and, of course, how Oscar Isaac is getting hotter.

John Oliver discusses one of the largest franchises in the U.S., how their business model doesn’t always serve franchisees, and what it all has to do with Korean dramas.

John Oliver discusses Facebook's controversial new plans for content moderation and DOGE's continued firing of government workers, including some of America's best dorks: park rangers.

John Oliver discusses freight trains and railroads, how they've put profits over safety, and, crucially, what shows he watched as a child that explain … everything.

John Oliver discusses China’s one-child policy, and all its consequences, intended and not.

John Oliver explains how the Sackler family has been handling lawsuits related to the opioid crisis, how hard they've been fighting to defend their name, and why you should judge the situation for yourself.

Main Story: John Oliver takes a look at why “stand your ground” laws were created, who they protect, and, crucially, who they don’t. Plus, a look at the past week’s events in Israel.

Main story: Where Tucker Carlson came from and why he's admired by white nationalists; plus, reaction to the Biden COVID-19 relief bill.

Psychics may seem harmless and fun on TV, but they can make a lot of money by exploiting vulnerable people.

John Oliver explains why concert tickets are so expensive, who’s making money off of them, and which One Direction is his favorite. Plus, the introduction of some appalling anti-LGBT laws in several states.

John Oliver discusses the state of student loans, the House vote to ban TikTok, why House Republicans refused to attend their work retreat, and, of course, Left Shark.

John Oliver discusses the national school lunch program in the US, why J.D. Vance can't stop being weird on the campaign trail, and how to properly order a donut.

John Oliver discusses the downsides of food delivery apps, Donald Trump's latest attempt to pay off his legal debts, and why one southern California police department got in trouble with Lego.

John Oliver discusses the devastating economic crisis in Venezuela and enlists the help of a large bird who bears a striking resemblance to Wilmer Valderrama.

Mexico is on the verge of a major election. John Oliver discusses some things we should know about the races and one thing we should not know about Santa Claus.

John talks about Weather forecasting, Barry Lee Myers and the National Weather Service

John Oliver discusses Donald Trump's reelection, what happens next, and why the whole thing is – arguably – Katy Perry's fault.

With a national conversation underway about the possibility of impeachment, John Oliver discusses whether the benefits outweigh the potential risks.

Following the release of the Mueller Report, John Oliver discusses what we’ve learned.

John Oliver discusses the cracks in our broken mental health care system; plus, a look at who's running to become the UK's prime minister.

Other segments: Wedding of Prince Harry and Meghan Markle, proposed 2018 North Korea-United States summit

John Oliver discusses dollar stores and why Irish Spring is not his soap of choice.

John Oliver discusses the current state of the nation's power grid, why it needs fixing, and, of course, how fun the balloons are.

Brazil is about to elect a new president during a turbulent period of political corruption and economic uncertainty. John Oliver urges the people of Brazil not to figuratively fingerbang their democracy.

John Oliver discusses the longtime leader of Belarus, Alexander Lukashenko, and the many reasons his country's citizens have not to like him.

John Oliver discusses PFAS - a class of chemicals linked to an array of health issues - and why their widespread use isn't as magical as it may seem.