Last Week Tonight with John Oliver is a popular half-hour satirical show broadcasted on HBO since 2014. It takes a humorous look at the week's news, politics and current events. After 11 seasons, Last Week Tonight with John Oliver has amassed countless episodes, leaving viewers wondering which ones are the best. We've compiled a list of the top-ranked episodes of Last Week Tonight with John Oliver, according to viewers. From the Emmy-winning monologue on the greed of pharmaceutical companies to the hilarious segment on the FCC's net neutrality repeal, these are the best episodes of Last Week Tonight with John Oliver rated by viewers.
Written by Sophie and last updated on nov 18, 2024.
PS: The following content contains spoilers!
PPS: I will admit that parts of this page was written with the help of AI - it makes my work so much easier to not start from a blank page!
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.
The episode was rated 7.76 from 482 votes.
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).
The episode was rated 7.82 from 551 votes.
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.
The episode was rated 7.83 from 501 votes.
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.
The episode was rated 7.83 from 563 votes.
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.
The episode was rated 7.84 from 464 votes.
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.
The episode was rated 7.85 from 599 votes.
Main story: The pros and cons of Medicare for All; plus, Bill Barr does Trump's personal bidding; and Flyers mascot Gritty is exonerated!
The episode was rated 7.87 from 623 votes.
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.
The episode was rated 7.88 from 525 votes.
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.'
The episode was rated 7.90 from 488 votes.
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.
The episode was rated 7.90 from 600 votes.
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.
The episode was rated 7.93 from 565 votes.
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.
The episode was rated 7.94 from 508 votes.
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.
The episode was rated 7.95 from 564 votes.
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.
The episode was rated 8.14 from 515 votes.
This episode of Last Week Tonight with John Oliver takes an honest look at the history of police in the United States and the many challenges that stand in the way of creating meaningful, positive change. John Oliver dives deep into the history of policing in America, which has been shaped by racism, poverty, and oppression. He examines the current state of policing and the lack of accountability when it comes to police brutality and misconduct. He also looks at the various attempts to reform the system and how they have been largely unsuccessful. Finally, Oliver offers insight into what can be done to make meaningful progress in improving police practices and creating a more equitable system. This episode aired on June 14th and is an important reminder of the need for real, lasting change.
The episode was rated 8.34 from 573 votes.
