Last Week Tonight with John Oliver poster
9.5/10 (750 votes)
#1

Government Surveillance

S2:E8

There are very few government checks on what America’s sweeping surveillance programs are capable of doing. John Oliver sits down with Edward Snowden to discuss the NSA, the balance between privacy and security, and dick-pics.

tehmarvelman Apr 6, 2015

This show is always funny, but getting the interview they got today was a whole other level of educa...

9.3/10 (621 votes)
#2

Church

S2:E25

John discusses predatory churches and televangelism, and how the U.S. tax law allows them to get away with almost anything. Plus, the raising of the American flag in Cuba, the redesign of New Zealand's flag, and President Harding's illegitimate child.

AndrewBloom Aug 18, 2015

Not my favorite episode of the show. Televangelists are pretty clearly evil, taking advantage of peo...

8.8/10 (439 votes)
#3

Tobacco

S2:E2

Thanks to tobacco industry regulations and marketing restrictions in the U.S., smoking rates have dropped dramatically. John Oliver explains how tobacco companies are keeping their business strong overseas and how Phillip Morris International in particular is employing some unethical legal practices while suing some of the world's poorest countries. Plus, we've noticed that the Sports Illustrated Swimsuit Issue still exists but can’t quite figure out why.

8.8/10 (457 votes)
#4

FIFA II

S2:E15

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.

8.8/10 (446 votes)
#5

Sex Education

S2:E24

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.

AndrewBloom Aug 12, 2015

One of the simultaneously funniest and most eye-opening episodes of the show in recent memory. The c...

8.5/10 (374 votes)
#6

Food Waste

S2:E21

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

AndrewBloom Jul 21, 2015

One of the things I like about LWT is that it's always informative, but it never skimps on the comed...

8.4/10 (413 votes)
#7

Marketing to Doctors

S2:E1

John Oliver discusses the growing issues of pharmaceutical companies marketing directly to and through doctors. Also, since RadioShack has filed for bankruptcy, John has created a farewell message for them. Plus, the online sessions by Ecuadorian President Rafael Correa to address the public aren't going too well.

8.4/10 (365 votes)
#8

Bail

S2:E16

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

8.4/10 (358 votes)
#9

Torture

S2:E17

The US Senate Torture Report revealed horrifying details of America's interrogation program. Helen Mirren will fill you in. Plus, information about the 2015 European Games and the Canadian Senate expenses scandal.

Esseth Jun 17, 2015

Jut remember, you too can be epic ;) https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BeEDQMLtyGY

8.4/10 (368 votes)
#10

Mandatory Minimum Sentencing Laws

S2:E22

Mandatory minimums require fixed prison sentences for certain crimes. John Oliver explains why we treat some turkeys better than most low-level offenders.

AndrewBloom Jul 28, 2015

A very interesting discussion of the topic, if a bit treacly in the human interest story part, but t...

8.3/10 (399 votes)
#11

Infrastructure

S2:E4

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

8.3/10 (368 votes)
#12

The NCAA

S2:E6

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

8.2/10 (358 votes)
#13

Municipal Violations

S2:E7

If you have money, committing a municipal violation may pose you a minor inconvenience. If you don’t, it can ruin your life. Also, the New Hampshire legislature refused to make the red-tailed hawk the official raptor of their state... so Last Week Tonight made it the official raptor of the show.

8.2/10 (354 votes)
#14

Paid Family Leave

S2:E13

Many American companies do not offer paid leave after the birth of a child, which means they probably shouldn’t run sappy Mother’s Day ads. Also, the Japanese have some unhealthy obsession with mascots and John proposes to adopt some of that culture in the U.S. government agencies as well.

rakachinotohi May 11, 2015

finally someone talking about the Japanese mascot problem !

8.2/10 (358 votes)
#15

The Internet

S2:E18

Online harassment is a major problem, but it’s rarely prosecuted. If only we’d been warned about this in the early days of the internet.

acidfreecookies Jul 3, 2015

Sad to see him fall for professional victims like Anita Sarkeesian and Brianna Wu and make fun of so...

8.2/10 (364 votes)
#16

Stadiums

S2:E20

Cities spend massive amounts of public money on privately-owned stadiums. Cities issue tax-exempt municipal bonds that — wait, don’t fall asleep!

Redouaaane Jul 20, 2015

♫ ♪ ♫ I got the second-hottest car 'cuz I'm the second-most paid When I go to the club I get the...

8.2/10 (351 votes)
#17

District of Columbia

S2:E23

Washington DC experiences taxation without representation. It's also missing from rhyming state songs. John Oliver and a group of singing children fix one of these problems. Plus, a sex scandal involving the Chairman of the British House of Lords.

AndrewBloom Aug 4, 2015

Enjoyable episode. I don't have strong feelings about D.C. statehood, but it certainly exposed some ...

8.1/10 (358 votes)
#18

Elected Judges

S2:E3

The vast majority of US judges are elected, forcing many judges to pander to the electorate and accept campaign money in order to keep their jobs. This seems slightly troubling... The UK's Labour Party has painted a campaign van pink in an attempt to attract women voters. We are glad they didn't keep going with that strategy.

davidebeaman Feb 24, 2015

Actual name of the episode is "Elected Judges"

8.1/10 (354 votes)
#19

Fashion

S2:E11

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

8.1/10 (345 votes)
#20

Chickens

S2:E14

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

dgw Jan 3, 2017

"…the NSA: the most obnoxious record collectors outside of [spoiler]hipsters who insist that vinyl s...

8.1/10 (359 votes)
#21

Transgender Rights

S2:E19

This week’s gay rights victory was historic, but the transgender community still faces staggering challenges. John Oliver focuses on the “T” in “LGBT."

bielcarvalho Jul 3, 2015

I laughed a lot at the CNN's video, the ostrich shootage and the jokes about it. Great episode!

8.0/10 (358 votes)
#22

Patents

S2:E10

For inventors, patents are an essential protection against theft. But when patent trolls abuse the system by stockpiling patents and threatening lawsuits, businesses are forced to shell out tons of money. Also, CNN produced an actual doomsday video to broadcast when the world is ending and it’s incredibly dull. We've enlisted Martin Sheen to help make humanity’s final moments happier!

dgw Oct 5, 2016

This one was pretty good, but dragged down by over-investing in the polar bear dick jokes.

8.0/10 (366 votes)
#23

Standardized Testing

S2:E12

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.

zandman May 5, 2015

Brilliant as always. Bring out the monkey!

7.7/10 (384 votes)
#24

The IRS

S2:E9

Nobody likes the IRS. But recent budget and staff cuts have made it increasingly difficult for the department to do its very important job. Don’t take our word for it. Ask Michael Bolton.

dgw Oct 3, 2016

Good points as usual. But I'm struck by just how much the script harped on the "anus" comparison. It...

0.0/10
#25

U.S. Territories

S2:E5

A set of Supreme Court decisions made over 100 years ago has left U.S. territories without meaningful representation. That’s weird, right? Plus, daylight saving time doesn’t actually benefit anyone. Strangely, it’s still a thing!

7.7/10 (384 votes)
#1

The IRS

S2:E9

Nobody likes the IRS. But recent budget and staff cuts have made it increasingly difficult for the department to do its very important job. Don’t take our word for it. Ask Michael Bolton.

dgw Oct 3, 2016

Good points as usual. But I'm struck by just how much the script harped on the "anus" comparison. It...

8.0/10 (358 votes)
#2

Patents

S2:E10

For inventors, patents are an essential protection against theft. But when patent trolls abuse the system by stockpiling patents and threatening lawsuits, businesses are forced to shell out tons of money. Also, CNN produced an actual doomsday video to broadcast when the world is ending and it’s incredibly dull. We've enlisted Martin Sheen to help make humanity’s final moments happier!

dgw Oct 5, 2016

This one was pretty good, but dragged down by over-investing in the polar bear dick jokes.

8.0/10 (366 votes)
#3

Standardized Testing

S2:E12

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.

zandman May 5, 2015

Brilliant as always. Bring out the monkey!

8.1/10 (358 votes)
#4

Elected Judges

S2:E3

The vast majority of US judges are elected, forcing many judges to pander to the electorate and accept campaign money in order to keep their jobs. This seems slightly troubling... The UK's Labour Party has painted a campaign van pink in an attempt to attract women voters. We are glad they didn't keep going with that strategy.

davidebeaman Feb 24, 2015

Actual name of the episode is "Elected Judges"

8.1/10 (354 votes)
#5

Fashion

S2:E11

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

8.1/10 (345 votes)
#6

Chickens

S2:E14

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

dgw Jan 3, 2017

"…the NSA: the most obnoxious record collectors outside of [spoiler]hipsters who insist that vinyl s...

8.1/10 (359 votes)
#7

Transgender Rights

S2:E19

This week’s gay rights victory was historic, but the transgender community still faces staggering challenges. John Oliver focuses on the “T” in “LGBT."

bielcarvalho Jul 3, 2015

I laughed a lot at the CNN's video, the ostrich shootage and the jokes about it. Great episode!

8.2/10 (358 votes)
#8

Municipal Violations

S2:E7

If you have money, committing a municipal violation may pose you a minor inconvenience. If you don’t, it can ruin your life. Also, the New Hampshire legislature refused to make the red-tailed hawk the official raptor of their state... so Last Week Tonight made it the official raptor of the show.

8.2/10 (354 votes)
#9

Paid Family Leave

S2:E13

Many American companies do not offer paid leave after the birth of a child, which means they probably shouldn’t run sappy Mother’s Day ads. Also, the Japanese have some unhealthy obsession with mascots and John proposes to adopt some of that culture in the U.S. government agencies as well.

rakachinotohi May 11, 2015

finally someone talking about the Japanese mascot problem !

8.2/10 (358 votes)
#10

The Internet

S2:E18

Online harassment is a major problem, but it’s rarely prosecuted. If only we’d been warned about this in the early days of the internet.

acidfreecookies Jul 3, 2015

Sad to see him fall for professional victims like Anita Sarkeesian and Brianna Wu and make fun of so...

8.2/10 (364 votes)
#11

Stadiums

S2:E20

Cities spend massive amounts of public money on privately-owned stadiums. Cities issue tax-exempt municipal bonds that — wait, don’t fall asleep!

Redouaaane Jul 20, 2015

♫ ♪ ♫ I got the second-hottest car 'cuz I'm the second-most paid When I go to the club I get the...

8.2/10 (351 votes)
#12

District of Columbia

S2:E23

Washington DC experiences taxation without representation. It's also missing from rhyming state songs. John Oliver and a group of singing children fix one of these problems. Plus, a sex scandal involving the Chairman of the British House of Lords.

AndrewBloom Aug 4, 2015

Enjoyable episode. I don't have strong feelings about D.C. statehood, but it certainly exposed some ...

8.3/10 (399 votes)
#13

Infrastructure

S2:E4

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

8.3/10 (368 votes)
#14

The NCAA

S2:E6

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

8.4/10 (413 votes)
#15

Marketing to Doctors

S2:E1

John Oliver discusses the growing issues of pharmaceutical companies marketing directly to and through doctors. Also, since RadioShack has filed for bankruptcy, John has created a farewell message for them. Plus, the online sessions by Ecuadorian President Rafael Correa to address the public aren't going too well.

8.4/10 (365 votes)
#16

Bail

S2:E16

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

8.4/10 (358 votes)
#17

Torture

S2:E17

The US Senate Torture Report revealed horrifying details of America's interrogation program. Helen Mirren will fill you in. Plus, information about the 2015 European Games and the Canadian Senate expenses scandal.

Esseth Jun 17, 2015

Jut remember, you too can be epic ;) https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BeEDQMLtyGY

8.4/10 (368 votes)
#18

Mandatory Minimum Sentencing Laws

S2:E22

Mandatory minimums require fixed prison sentences for certain crimes. John Oliver explains why we treat some turkeys better than most low-level offenders.

AndrewBloom Jul 28, 2015

A very interesting discussion of the topic, if a bit treacly in the human interest story part, but t...

8.5/10 (374 votes)
#19

Food Waste

S2:E21

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

AndrewBloom Jul 21, 2015

One of the things I like about LWT is that it's always informative, but it never skimps on the comed...

8.8/10 (439 votes)
#20

Tobacco

S2:E2

Thanks to tobacco industry regulations and marketing restrictions in the U.S., smoking rates have dropped dramatically. John Oliver explains how tobacco companies are keeping their business strong overseas and how Phillip Morris International in particular is employing some unethical legal practices while suing some of the world's poorest countries. Plus, we've noticed that the Sports Illustrated Swimsuit Issue still exists but can’t quite figure out why.

8.8/10 (457 votes)
#21

FIFA II

S2:E15

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.

8.8/10 (446 votes)
#22

Sex Education

S2:E24

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.

AndrewBloom Aug 12, 2015

One of the simultaneously funniest and most eye-opening episodes of the show in recent memory. The c...

9.3/10 (621 votes)
#23

Church

S2:E25

John discusses predatory churches and televangelism, and how the U.S. tax law allows them to get away with almost anything. Plus, the raising of the American flag in Cuba, the redesign of New Zealand's flag, and President Harding's illegitimate child.

AndrewBloom Aug 18, 2015

Not my favorite episode of the show. Televangelists are pretty clearly evil, taking advantage of peo...

9.5/10 (750 votes)
#24

Government Surveillance

S2:E8

There are very few government checks on what America’s sweeping surveillance programs are capable of doing. John Oliver sits down with Edward Snowden to discuss the NSA, the balance between privacy and security, and dick-pics.

tehmarvelman Apr 6, 2015

This show is always funny, but getting the interview they got today was a whole other level of educa...

8.4/10 (413 votes)

Marketing to Doctors

S2:E1

John Oliver discusses the growing issues of pharmaceutical companies marketing directly to and through doctors. Also, since RadioShack has filed for bankruptcy, John has created a farewell message for them. Plus, the online sessions by Ecuadorian President Rafael Correa to address the public aren't going too well.

8.8/10 (439 votes)

Tobacco

S2:E2

Thanks to tobacco industry regulations and marketing restrictions in the U.S., smoking rates have dropped dramatically. John Oliver explains how tobacco companies are keeping their business strong overseas and how Phillip Morris International in particular is employing some unethical legal practices while suing some of the world's poorest countries. Plus, we've noticed that the Sports Illustrated Swimsuit Issue still exists but can’t quite figure out why.

8.1/10 (358 votes)

Elected Judges

S2:E3

The vast majority of US judges are elected, forcing many judges to pander to the electorate and accept campaign money in order to keep their jobs. This seems slightly troubling... The UK's Labour Party has painted a campaign van pink in an attempt to attract women voters. We are glad they didn't keep going with that strategy.

davidebeaman Feb 24, 2015

Actual name of the episode is "Elected Judges"

8.3/10 (399 votes)

Infrastructure

S2:E4

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

0.0/10

U.S. Territories

S2:E5

A set of Supreme Court decisions made over 100 years ago has left U.S. territories without meaningful representation. That’s weird, right? Plus, daylight saving time doesn’t actually benefit anyone. Strangely, it’s still a thing!

8.3/10 (368 votes)

The NCAA

S2:E6

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

8.2/10 (358 votes)

Municipal Violations

S2:E7

If you have money, committing a municipal violation may pose you a minor inconvenience. If you don’t, it can ruin your life. Also, the New Hampshire legislature refused to make the red-tailed hawk the official raptor of their state... so Last Week Tonight made it the official raptor of the show.

9.5/10 (750 votes)

Government Surveillance

S2:E8

There are very few government checks on what America’s sweeping surveillance programs are capable of doing. John Oliver sits down with Edward Snowden to discuss the NSA, the balance between privacy and security, and dick-pics.

tehmarvelman Apr 6, 2015

This show is always funny, but getting the interview they got today was a whole other level of educa...

7.7/10 (384 votes)

The IRS

S2:E9

Nobody likes the IRS. But recent budget and staff cuts have made it increasingly difficult for the department to do its very important job. Don’t take our word for it. Ask Michael Bolton.

dgw Oct 3, 2016

Good points as usual. But I'm struck by just how much the script harped on the "anus" comparison. It...

8.0/10 (358 votes)

Patents

S2:E10

For inventors, patents are an essential protection against theft. But when patent trolls abuse the system by stockpiling patents and threatening lawsuits, businesses are forced to shell out tons of money. Also, CNN produced an actual doomsday video to broadcast when the world is ending and it’s incredibly dull. We've enlisted Martin Sheen to help make humanity’s final moments happier!

dgw Oct 5, 2016

This one was pretty good, but dragged down by over-investing in the polar bear dick jokes.

8.1/10 (354 votes)

Fashion

S2:E11

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

8.0/10 (366 votes)

Standardized Testing

S2:E12

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.

zandman May 5, 2015

Brilliant as always. Bring out the monkey!

8.2/10 (354 votes)

Paid Family Leave

S2:E13

Many American companies do not offer paid leave after the birth of a child, which means they probably shouldn’t run sappy Mother’s Day ads. Also, the Japanese have some unhealthy obsession with mascots and John proposes to adopt some of that culture in the U.S. government agencies as well.

rakachinotohi May 11, 2015

finally someone talking about the Japanese mascot problem !

8.1/10 (345 votes)

Chickens

S2:E14

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

dgw Jan 3, 2017

"…the NSA: the most obnoxious record collectors outside of [spoiler]hipsters who insist that vinyl s...

8.8/10 (457 votes)

FIFA II

S2:E15

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.

8.4/10 (365 votes)

Bail

S2:E16

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

8.4/10 (358 votes)

Torture

S2:E17

The US Senate Torture Report revealed horrifying details of America's interrogation program. Helen Mirren will fill you in. Plus, information about the 2015 European Games and the Canadian Senate expenses scandal.

Esseth Jun 17, 2015

Jut remember, you too can be epic ;) https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BeEDQMLtyGY

8.2/10 (358 votes)

The Internet

S2:E18

Online harassment is a major problem, but it’s rarely prosecuted. If only we’d been warned about this in the early days of the internet.

acidfreecookies Jul 3, 2015

Sad to see him fall for professional victims like Anita Sarkeesian and Brianna Wu and make fun of so...

8.1/10 (359 votes)

Transgender Rights

S2:E19

This week’s gay rights victory was historic, but the transgender community still faces staggering challenges. John Oliver focuses on the “T” in “LGBT."

bielcarvalho Jul 3, 2015

I laughed a lot at the CNN's video, the ostrich shootage and the jokes about it. Great episode!

8.2/10 (364 votes)

Stadiums

S2:E20

Cities spend massive amounts of public money on privately-owned stadiums. Cities issue tax-exempt municipal bonds that — wait, don’t fall asleep!

Redouaaane Jul 20, 2015

♫ ♪ ♫ I got the second-hottest car 'cuz I'm the second-most paid When I go to the club I get the...

8.5/10 (374 votes)

Food Waste

S2:E21

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

AndrewBloom Jul 21, 2015

One of the things I like about LWT is that it's always informative, but it never skimps on the comed...

8.4/10 (368 votes)

Mandatory Minimum Sentencing Laws

S2:E22

Mandatory minimums require fixed prison sentences for certain crimes. John Oliver explains why we treat some turkeys better than most low-level offenders.

AndrewBloom Jul 28, 2015

A very interesting discussion of the topic, if a bit treacly in the human interest story part, but t...

8.2/10 (351 votes)

District of Columbia

S2:E23

Washington DC experiences taxation without representation. It's also missing from rhyming state songs. John Oliver and a group of singing children fix one of these problems. Plus, a sex scandal involving the Chairman of the British House of Lords.

AndrewBloom Aug 4, 2015

Enjoyable episode. I don't have strong feelings about D.C. statehood, but it certainly exposed some ...

8.8/10 (446 votes)

Sex Education

S2:E24

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.

AndrewBloom Aug 12, 2015

One of the simultaneously funniest and most eye-opening episodes of the show in recent memory. The c...

9.3/10 (621 votes)

Church

S2:E25

John discusses predatory churches and televangelism, and how the U.S. tax law allows them to get away with almost anything. Plus, the raising of the American flag in Cuba, the redesign of New Zealand's flag, and President Harding's illegitimate child.

AndrewBloom Aug 18, 2015

Not my favorite episode of the show. Televangelists are pretty clearly evil, taking advantage of peo...

Season Average Rating Episodes Best Episode Worst Episode
2 ★ 8.4 24
★ 9.5 Government Surveillance
★ 7.7 The IRS
4 ★ 8.3 25
★ 9.0 Trump vs. Truth
★ 7.9 Nuclear Waste
1 ★ 8.2 24
★ 8.8 Net Neutrality
★ 7.9 Burwell v. Hobby Lobby
3 ★ 8.2 25
★ 9.3 Donald Trump
★ 7.8 Special Districts
12 ★ 8.1 1
★ 8.1 February 16, 2025: Trump 2.0
★ 8.1 February 16, 2025: Trump 2.0
6 ★ 8.1 25
★ 8.5 Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov
★ 7.7 Mueller Report
7 ★ 8.0 25
★ 8.8 Police
★ 7.4 Prisons & Jails
5 ★ 8.0 25
★ 8.7 Rudy Giuliani
★ 7.6 Venezuela
11 ★ 7.9 25
★ 8.9 February 18, 2024: Supreme Court
★ 7.4 April 21, 2024: UFOs
9 ★ 7.8 25
★ 8.5 April 10, 2022: Data Brokers
★ 7.5 August 7, 2022: Monkeypox
10 ★ 7.7 21
★ 8.4 November 12, 2023: Israel-Hamas War
★ 7.5 March 12, 2023: TANF
8 ★ 7.7 25
★ 8.3 Episode 212: Raids
★ 6.6 Episode 220: Hair