The BEST Episodes of Last Week Tonight with John Oliver
Every episode ever - ranked by fan votes!
Last Updated: Dec 5, 2019
Network: HBO
Last Week Tonight with John Oliver is an American late-night talk and news satire television program. L.W.T draws its comedy and satire from recent news stories, political figures, media organizations, pop culture and often aspects of the show itself.
#1 - Episode 32
Season 2 - Episode 8
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.
8.69 
#2 - Episode 90
Season 4 - Episode 1
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.
8.45 
#3 - Episode 178
Season 6 - Episode 29
Main story: How SLAPP suits are designed to stifle public dissent (including an update on Bob Murray’s lawsuit); plus, Trump “caught” the swamp; Lindsey Graham’s desperate defense of Trump; Roger Stone’s trial begins.
8.45 
#4 - Episode 20
Season 1 - Episode 20
Did you know police can just take your stuff if they suspect it's involved in a crime? They can! It’s a shady process called “civil asset forfeiture,” and it would make for a weird episode of Law and Order.
8.42 
#5 - Episode 62
Season 3 - Episode 3
Our main story was about Donald Trump. We can't believe we're saying that either.
8.33 
#6 - Episode 6
Season 1 - Episode 6
John talks about California Chrome and the Belmont Stakes, FIFA and the 2014 World Cup, and Syrian President Bashar al-Assad.
8.33 
#7 - Episode 21
Season 1 - Episode 21
Translators who have aided the U.S. Military in Afghanistan and Iraq are in great danger in their home countries, but red tape is making it impossible for many of them to leave. John Oliver interviews Mohammad, one translator who made it out. Cameras aren’t allowed in the Supreme Court, so most coverage of our most important cases looks like garbage. We fixed that problem with real animals and fake paws.
8.31 
#8 - Episode 8
Season 1 - Episode 8
John talks about Iraq, Antarctica tourism and Dr. Oz's "Miracle Drug".
8.31 
#9 - Episode 100
Season 4 - Episode 11
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 and clicking “express” to file your comment.
8.24 
#10 - Episode 73
Season 3 - Episode 14
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.
8.23 
#11 - Episode 89
Season 3 - Episode 30
Donald Trump will be the next president of the United States. How did we get to this point? And what do we do now?
8.23 
#12 - Episode 26
Season 2 - Episode 2
Thanks to tobacco industry regulations and marketing restrictions in the US, smoking rates have dropped dramatically. John Oliver explains how tobacco companies are keeping their business strong overseas. We've noticed that the Sports Illustrated Swimsuit Issue still exists but can’t quite figure out why.
8.23 
#13 - Episode 49
Season 2 - Episode 25
U.S. tax law allows television preachers to get away with almost anything. We know this from personal experience.
8.22 
#14 - Episode 41
Season 2 - Episode 17
The US Senate Torture Report revealed horrifying details of America's interrogation program. Helen Mirren will fill you in.
8.20 
#15 - Episode 149
Season 5 - Episode 30
Main story: A look at the growing number of authoritarian leaders around the world, including our president. Plus, the fate of Russell Crowe’s jockstrap; a Brexit update; Trump’s reaction to California’s wildfires.
8.20 
#16 - Episode 39
Season 2 - Episode 15
After the arrests of numerous top officials, John Oliver decided to give an update on the state of FIFA.
8.19 
#17 - Episode 108
Season 4 - Episode 19
Main story: Alex Jones; plus, Trump Transgender military ban; Sen. McCain’s dramatic Obamacare repeal vote; amusing press coverage of Anthony Scaramucci’s expletive-filled interview.
8.19 
#18 - Episode 119
Season 4 - Episode 30
Main story: The Trump Presidency; plus, a look back on the year’s segments.
8.19 
#19 - Episode 45
Season 2 - Episode 21
Producers, sellers, and consumers waste tons of food. John Oliver discusses the shocking amount of food we don’t eat.
8.18 
#20 - Episode 3
Season 1 - Episode 3
John talks about Eurovision, Ukraine and Russia's relations and interviews Bill Nye about Climate Change.
8.18 
#21 - Episode 12
Season 1 - Episode 12
John talks about human rights violations in the Middle East, nuclear disarmament and Russia's science satellite that lost communication.
8.15 
#22 - Episode 91
Season 4 - Episode 2
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.
8.15 
#23 - Episode 104
Season 4 - Episode 15
Main story: U.K. elections and Brexit with special appearance by Lord Buckethead; plus, “Stupid Watergate” update: James Comey edition; And Now: There Is No Group More Easily Amazed Than the Audience of ’America’s Got Talent.’
8.15 
#24 - Episode 93
Season 4 - Episode 4
John Oliver sits down with the Dalai Lama to discuss China, the conditions in Tibet, and horse milk.
8.15 
#25 - Episode 115
Season 4 - Episode 26
Main story: Confederate symbols are still celebrated despite the ugly history they symbolize; plus, Rex Tillerson reportedly calls Trump a ’moron’; Theresa May and Harvey Weinstein’s bad week.
8.14