Top Rated Episodes of Last Week Tonight with John Oliver
Explore the highest rated episodes of Last Week Tonight with John Oliver ranked by viewer scores and vote count. Discover fan favorites, standout episodes, and the most popular moments from the series.
#1. Government Surveillance
Few governmental constraints currently limit the reach of America's extensive surveillance operations. In a recent segment, John Oliver engages in conversation with Edward Snowden, exploring the National Security Agency, the delicate equilibrium…
#2. Church
John addresses the troubling phenomenon of predatory churches and the world of televangelism, examining how U.S. tax law often permits them to operate with impunity. He also touches upon the recent raising…
#3. FIFA II
Following the recent arrests of several prominent figures, John Oliver turned his attention to the situation within FIFA, offering a comprehensive review of the organization's current state. Meanwhile, Thailand’s apparent lack of…
#4. Torture
The Senate's report on America's torture program unveiled deeply disturbing details. Helen Mirren offers a closer look at this controversial history. We also explore the events of the 2015 European Games and…
#5. The Internet
The pervasive issue of online harassment remains largely unaddressed by the legal system. It’s a troubling reality, one that feels like a danger we should have understood and prepared for from the…
#6. Transgender Rights
While this week's advancement for LGBTQ+ rights represents a significant milestone, the transgender community continues to grapple with profound obstacles. John Oliver directs his attention to the complexities inherent in the "T"…
#7. Net Neutrality II
The open flow of information online faces a renewed challenge. In his latest broadcast, John Oliver urges viewers to make their voices heard by the Federal Communications Commission. He directs those concerned…
#8. Military Translators
Those who served as translators for the U.S. military in Afghanistan and Iraq face grave peril in their own countries, yet bureaucratic obstacles prevent many from finding safety. John Oliver speaks with…
#9. Sex Education
The quality of sex education differs significantly from one school district to another, often leaving young people without the thorough information they need. We have created a video addressing topics that some…
#10. SLAPP Suits
Following a recent legal victory against a coal executive and a remarkably large squirrel, John Oliver elucidates the purpose of Strategic Lawsuits Against Public Participation – or SLAPP suits – as a…
#11. Alex Jones
Alex Jones has built a reputation for propagating conspiracy theories, yet he dedicates considerable time to advertising his own wares. In a segment, John Oliver and a purported physician "from" MIT examine…
#12. Brexit II
Following a deeply fractured election, the United Kingdom prepares to commence its departure from the European Union. A proposal has been put forward by John Oliver and a being of immense power…
#13. April 10, 2022: Data Brokers
John Oliver examines the extent of data brokers' knowledge of our lives, detailing their practices with personal information and exploring an unconventional avenue for reforming privacy legislation. He also addresses the disinformation…
#14. Patents
For those who create new things, patents offer vital protection against misappropriation. However, when patent trolls exploit the system by accumulating patents and issuing threats of litigation, businesses are often compelled to…
#15. Paid Family Leave
A significant number of American companies fail to provide paid leave for new mothers, a circumstance that casts a shadow over their sentimental Mother's Day advertisements. Meanwhile, a growing fascination with mascots…
#16. Bail
John Oliver elucidates the peculiar disparity in America's bail system: a structure demonstrably more advantageous to the entertainment industry, specifically reality television, than it is to the pursuit of justice.
#17. District of Columbia
The nation's capital grapples with a persistent sense of taxation without representation, a grievance echoed in the absence of a state song to rival those of its sister states. In a curious…
#18. Putin
Vladimir Putin has long been recognized as a leader of uncompromising resolve and a skilled strategist of influence. In a pointed commentary, John Oliver employs a chorus line of singers and dancers…
#19. French Elections
France's presidential election holds the potential to reshape the continent's political landscape. In a visit to a decidedly French bistro, John Oliver conveys a pressing message to the electorate.
#20. Ivanka & Jared
The considerable political influence wielded by Ivanka Trump and Jared Kushner is a matter of concern, particularly given their limited prior experience in government.
#21. Democratic National Convention
John reports from Philadelphia on the contentious Democratic National Convention, amidst coverage of the military coup in Turkey and its unfolding consequences. He also examines the issue of voter identification laws, focusing…
#22. Brexit III
The United Kingdom is poised to formally depart from the European Union in the coming month, a development carrying profound implications and potentially severe repercussions.
#23. The Right to Be Forgotten
John addresses the ongoing product recall at General Motors, discusses the European Union Court of Justice’s decision regarding the "Right to be Forgotten," and provides an update on the Indian election, drawing…
#24. Stupid Watergate
John Oliver examines the startling scope and possible consequences of the most recent disclosures in the Russia investigation.
#25. November 12, 2023: Israel-Hamas War
John Oliver addressed the continuing conflict between Israel and Hamas in his latest broadcast.
#26. Food Waste
From farm to table, vast quantities of food are lost – discarded by producers, unsold by retailers, and uneaten by consumers. John Oliver sheds light on the startling scale of this waste,…
#27. Canada
With a significant election looming, Canada is receiving an unusual advisory panel. John Oliver enlists the aid of Mike Myers, alongside a beaver and a moose, to offer guidance to voters. The…
#28. Federal Budget
President Donald Trump's proposed federal budget outlines significant spending reductions, likely to produce predominantly adverse effects. In his latest segment, John Oliver scrutinizes the concerning priorities of the current administration.
#29. Journalism
John Oliver offers a sobering assessment of the current state of the news industry, alongside his commentary on the broadcast coverage of the Rio Olympics' Opening Ceremony.
#30. The Lottery
State lotteries often promote themselves as beneficial to education and the public good. However, this claim warrants careful scrutiny. (It is worth noting that the reality is far from positive.) Furthermore, there…
#31. Public Defenders
The Miranda warning guarantees the right to counsel, specifically the option of a public defender. However, it omits the reality of those defenses: public defenders are consistently overburdened and inadequately compensated. Beyond…
#32. Psychics
The allure of psychics, often presented as entertainment, masks a potentially exploitative practice. While seemingly innocuous, these individuals can amass considerable wealth by preying upon those in vulnerable states.
#33. Automation
The rise of automation frequently inspires apprehension, yet it is neither a wholly novel nor inherently frightening phenomenon.
#34. Public Shaming
John Oliver explores the complex and often contradictory influence of public shaming, examining both its potential for positive change and its capacity for harm.
#35. Coronavirus
John reports on the unfolding Covid-19 pandemic, detailing the varied approaches of nations worldwide, including the United States, and the legal complexities surrounding the Phillie Phanatic's intellectual property. Furthermore, Tom Steyer has…
#36. Fashion
John examines the world of fast fashion, revealing some of its most troubling realities regarding production.
#37. Standardized Testing
The sheer volume of assessments confronting American students has become absurd. As John Oliver elucidates, these standardized tests exert a profound influence on school funding, exacerbate the achievement gap, and frequently push…
#38. Stadiums
Municipalities invest considerable public funds in stadiums owned by private entities. They often do so by issuing tax-exempt municipal bonds—a detail worth noting.
#39. Mental Health
John addresses Russia’s role in the Syrian conflict, the proceedings of the United Nations General Assembly, and shortcomings within the nation's mental healthcare system. He also considers the potential pitfalls of developing…
#40. Scientific Studies
John Oliver observes that while media outlets frequently disseminate new discoveries from scientific studies, the veracity of these reports remains a significant question.
#41. Trump vs. Truth
Driven by a steady intake of morning cable news, Donald Trump frequently disseminates inaccurate information. It seems a worthwhile endeavor to subtly introduce factual reporting into the president's media consumption.
#42. President-Elect Trump
The presidential campaign has proven a turbulent journey. "Last Week Tonight" concludes the election coverage and its third season with a powerful final installment.
#43. November 6, 2022: Election Subversion
As the American midterm elections loom, John Oliver examines the aftermath of the vote, exploring potential attempts by some elected officials to undermine valid results. He also contemplates a peculiar question: which…
#44. October 29, 2023: Chocolate
John Oliver delves into the world of chocolate, exploring its origins in cocoa farming, and presents a collection of intriguing facts guaranteed to add a touch of the unusual to Halloween.
#45. November 5, 2023: Abortion Rights
As the November elections loom, John Oliver examines the continuing repercussions of the Roe v. Wade decision's reversal.
#46. Dr. Oz
John discussed a range of topics, touching upon the situation in Iraq, the burgeoning trend of tourism to Antarctica, and the controversy surrounding Dr. Oz’s promotion of a purported “miracle drug.”
#47. Nuclear Weapons and the United States
John addressed a range of pressing global concerns, beginning with accounts of human rights abuses prevalent throughout the Middle East. He then turned to the critical issue of nuclear disarmament, followed by…
#48. Scottish Independence Referendum
John addressed the National Football League’s handling of Ray Rice’s contract, the global reaction to ISIS’s actions, Scotland’s impending secession from the United Kingdom, and the troubling exploitation of hashtags by corporations.
#49. Trump vs. The World
The nation’s standing abroad suffers under the current presidency. In a pointed display of this complexity, John Oliver, alongside unexpected figures like paleontologists and the Gay Men's Chorus of New York City,…
#50. Medicare for All
The debate surrounding universal healthcare continues to intensify, with a close examination of Medicare for All’s potential benefits and drawbacks. Meanwhile, recent reports detail the extent to which former Attorney General William…
Best Episodes of Last Week Tonight with John Oliver
This ranking highlights the best episodes of Last Week Tonight with John Oliver based on viewer ratings and audience votes. The list includes fan favorite episodes, top ranked moments, and the highest rated entries in the series.
Whether you are looking for the most popular episodes, revisiting standout moments, or exploring every episode ranked from best to worst, this guide provides a complete overview of the show's strongest episodes.
Every Episode Ranked
These top rated episodes of Last Week Tonight with John Oliver are ranked according to audience scores and vote totals. The ranking highlights fan favorite episodes, the most popular episodes, and the highest rated moments from the series.
If you are looking for the best episodes of Last Week Tonight with John Oliver, this list showcases the strongest entries ranked from highest to lowest based on viewer feedback.