Rewrote late-night as deep-dive advocacy comedy; YouTube clips as civic homework.
Why it matters
Episode guide
371 episodes across 13 seasons — titles, air dates, and synopses.
At a glance
John Oliver spends half an hour turning obscure policy into furious comedy specials. Call-to-action punchlines included. Satire as research department.
Network & studio
- HBO — cable network
- Avalon Group — production studio
Why watch now
Watch for the cultural DNA of the 2010s — and the star power that made living rooms feel like red carpets.
Cultural impact
Rewrote late-night as deep-dive advocacy comedy; YouTube clips as civic homework.
Creators
John Oliver · Tim Carvell · James Taylor
Key cast
- John Oliver as Host
Flash facts
- HBO late-night debuted April 2014 after Oliver’s Daily Show run.
- Segments on net neutrality and more sparked real petitions and news cycles.
- Multiple Emmys for variety talk series.
- Defined mid-2010s explainer comedy as a genre.
FAQ
What network aired Last Week Tonight with John Oliver?
Last Week Tonight with John Oliver is associated with HBO (2014–present).
Why is Last Week Tonight with John Oliver in the TV Flash top 100 for the 2010s?
Rewrote late-night as deep-dive advocacy comedy; YouTube clips as civic homework.
Who are the key names behind Last Week Tonight with John Oliver?
Creators and principals include John Oliver, Tim Carvell, James Taylor.
Official & further reading
External sites for further reading — TV Flash is not affiliated with these networks or studios.
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