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Parents' Guide to

Last Week Tonight with John Oliver

By Melissa Camacho, Common Sense Media Reviewer

age 15+

Funny, smart news-driven talk show with strong language.

TV HBO Reality TV 2014
Last Week Tonight with John Oliver Poster Image

A Lot or a Little?

What you will—and won't—find in this TV show.

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age 16+

Based on 5 parent reviews

GroovyMovie
GroovyMovie Adult
July 21, 2018
age 16+

Serious topics delivered in a unique format

John Oliver delivers information on the worlds most pressing issues (some of which you will have never heard of). He uses comedy to emphasize his points and deliver serious news in an approachable way. This often includes mentions of sex, which can become pretty graphic, and cussing (the versions on YouTube do not have these words bleeped usually). This show is definitely not appropriate for a mixed audience, or anyone under 16. That all said, this is a FANTASTIC show.
nuenjins
nuenjins Parent
July 21, 2018
age 18+

Yet another foreign, hyper left opinion happily funded by the higher ups.

As an independant, I am abhored by the amount of money literally POURING into these types of hyper left shows flooding the media while touting "comedy news" while being NEITHER comedy NOR news, but complete biased propaganda. Nothing is EVER challenged and guests are 99% liberals already in the camp. These shows all seem to do little than insult other points of view and pat themselves on the back while doing it. This show does nothing but regurgitate preordained "facts" and ignore everything to the contrary. Those mindlessly watching and chuckling are already sold on it's single faceted ideas which leaves this show to do nothing more than reinforce the thoughts of the already indoctrinated. These self ordained "news" shows are all safe and unchallenged spaces for the modern facist to feast on for the sole purpose of feeding the egos of the lemming leftist crowd who constantly need reaffirmation and mockery of other opinions to survive any future drought of their fragile mindsets. Respectful debates all be damned..because, what fun would that be?
See all 5 parent reviews

What's the Story?

LAST WEEK TONIGHT WITH JOHN OLIVER is weekly talk show that highlights the major themes appearing in American news over the past week. Hosted by British political satirist and actor John Oliver, known best in the United States for his work on The Daily Show with Jon Stewart, the show explores issues ranging from American current events to international events that the United States media is all but ignoring. Accompanying his unique brand of commentaries is footage from various news outlets, interviews, musical interludes, and other humorous sketches.

Is It Any Good?

Our review:
Parents say (5 ):
Kids say (13 ):

From discussing the top stories being highlighted in U.S. mainstream media, to talking about the problems with things like food labeling, intelligence gathering, and professional cheerleading, John Oliver offers a comic but smart perspective on North American political, economic, and social issues. He also highlights issues abroad that he believes the United States should be paying attention to, many of which he argues will have an impact on the country.

The show is funny, but what makes it interesting is Oliver's unique ability to use humor and parody to offer intelligent explanations, commentaries, and of course, criticisms of the way the United States articulates what is important and relevant in today's society. The variety of quick sketches, including quick musical interludes by singers like Lisa Loeb, and interviews with folks like former NSA director General Keith Alexander, also underscore important points while making you chuckle. If you like this kind political satire and social commentary, watching this won't leave you disappointed.

Talk to Your Kids About ...

  • Families can talk about satire. Why do people use humor or exaggerations to discuss important issues, like politics? Is it just to be funny, or is it something more?

  • Why do talk show hosts, comedians, and others TV personalities curse during their conversations and routines to be humorous? What is the purpose of it? Can people be funny without using strong language?

TV Details

  • Premiere date: April 27, 2014
  • Cast: John Oliver
  • Network: HBO
  • Genre: Reality TV
  • TV rating: TV-MA
  • Award: Emmy
  • Last updated: December 21, 2022

Did we miss something on diversity?

Research shows a connection between kids' healthy self-esteem and positive portrayals in media. That's why we've added a new "Diverse Representations" section to our reviews that will be rolling out on an ongoing basis. You can help us help kids by suggesting a diversity update.

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