Seasons & episodes
S7 · E21Juries 2020-08-16 · 30 min
John Oliver takes a look at why people of color are routinely excluded from becoming jurors, who their absence impacts, and what we can do to create a fairer system.
S7 · E22Border Wall 2020-08-23 · 30 min
Nearing the 2020 election, John Oliver checks in on one of the key promises of President Trump’s 2016 campaign: the border wall. Plus, The “Unconventional Convention”; the return of Pumpkin Spice.
S7 · E23RNC 2020 & Kenosha 2020-08-30 · 30 min
John Oliver discusses a week that saw the Republican National Convention, a horrific series of shootings in Kenosha, Wisconsin, and a strike in professional sports -- three stories that are really one story, about race in America.
S7 · E24Supreme Court 2020-09-27 · 30 min
In the wake of Ruth Bader Ginsburg’s death, John Oliver discusses the future of the Supreme Court, why the government doesn’t always represent the political leanings of the electorate, and how those issues will impact the next generation of Americans.
S7 · E25Election 2020 2020-10-04 · 30 min
Weeks out from the 2020 presidential election, John Oliver takes a look at various efforts to destabilize the vote, how to ensure your ballot is properly counted, and why we may need to prepare not just for an election night, but for an election month.
S7 · E26The World Health Organization 2020-10-18 · 30 min
John Oliver talks about the functions of World Health Organization and why it is a vital part of the upcoming US election. John points out the contribution WHO made over the years, explains the reason why USA pays more than other countries and describes the mistakes of this highly impactful organization.
S7 · E27Asylum 2020-10-25 · 30 min
John Oliver talks about the situation of asylum seekers in USA under Trump administration. He points out the three major changes in policy (migrant protection protocols, safe third country agreements and Title 42) which are deciding the future of asylum seekers.
S7 · E28Trump & the Coronavirus and William Barr 2020-11-01 · 30 min
John Oliver takes a look at how the Trump administration has handled the coronavirus outbreak in the US, from lack of preparation, to mangled coordination, to harmful communication. John also discusses William Barr’s attitude toward authority and executive power, how that attitude has influenced Donald Trump’s presidency, and what it could mean if Trump wins a second term.
S7 · E29Election Results 2020 2020-11-08 · 30 min
John Oliver discusses the long week of US presidential election results, including Donald Trump’s various attempts to make the election appear illegitimate, and a historic win for Joe Biden and Kamala Harris.
S7 · E30Trump & Election Results 2020-11-15 · 30 min
A week after Joe Biden’s win in the US presidential election, John Oliver discusses Donald Trump’s various attempts to overturn the results, why his claims don’t hold water, and the consequences of indulging him.
S8 · E1Episode 210: The Next Pandemic 2021-02-14 · 30 min
Main story: What could cause the next pandemic, what we can do to avoid it, and why you shouldn’t kiss pigs; plus, Impeachment Part 2.
S8 · E2Episode 211: Meatpacking 2021-02-21 · 30 min
Main story: Working conditions in the meatpacking industry; plus, the Texas power crisis in the wake of severe winter weather.
S8 · E3Episode 212: Raids 2021-02-28 · 30 min
Main story: How few guardrails there are on the use of police raids; plus, New York governor Andrew Cuomo faces multiple scandals.
S8 · E4Episode 213: Unemployment 2021-03-07 · 30 min
Main story: The many obstacles that impede access to unemployment benefits; plus, Fox News freaks out over Dr. Seuss.
S8 · E5Episode 214: Tucker Carlson 2021-03-14 · 30 min
Main story: Where Tucker Carlson came from and why he's admired by white nationalists; plus, reaction to the Biden COVID-19 relief bill.
S8 · E6Episode 215: Plastics 2021-03-21 · 30 min
Main story: How plastics are harming the planet, and why recycling isn’t the solution you think it is; plus, the Atlanta mass shootings and hate crimes against Asian-Americans.
S8 · E7Episode 216: The National Debt 2021-04-04 · 30 min
Main story: How national debt works and why it might be more helpful than you'd think; plus, Giuliani freaks over Lil Nas X; Amazon's anti-union tactics; Peeps and Pepsi form an unholy alliance.
S8 · E8Episode 217: Long-Term Care 2021-04-11 · 32 min
Main story: Why nursing homes and assisted living facilities need fixing; plus, the U.S. Refugee Admissions Program; Matt Gaetz and Venmo; R.I.P. Yahoo! Answers.
S8 · E9Episode 218: Bankruptcy 2021-04-18 · 30 min
John Oliver details why people file for bankruptcy, how needlessly difficult the process can be, and the ways we can better serve people struggling with debt.
S8 · E10Episode 219: Vaccine 2021-05-02 · 30 min
John Oliver explains why some people don't want to get the Covid-19 vaccine and how they might be reassured.
S8 · E11Episode 220: Hair 2021-05-09 · 30 min
John Oliver discusses the importance of black hair, the ways it can be a target of discrimination, and some ideas to address that.
S8 · E12Episode 221: Stand Your Ground 2021-05-16 · 30 min
Main Story: John Oliver takes a look at why “stand your ground” laws were created, who they protect, and, crucially, who they don’t. Plus, a look at the past week’s events in Israel.
S8 · E13Episode 222: Sponcon 2021-05-23 · 30 min
John Oliver explains why the integrity of local news is so important, how sponsored content could damage that integrity, and why the Venus Veil is so much more than a blanket. (It's not.)
S8 · E14Episode 223: Asian Americans 2021-06-06 · 30 min
John Oliver discusses the large and diverse group of people who fall under the term "Asian American", the history of the model minority stereotype, and why our conversations on the subject need to be better-informed.