Seasons & episodes
S2 · E8Government Surveillance 2015-04-05 · 30 min
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.
S2 · E9The IRS 2015-04-12 · 30 min
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.
S2 · E10Patents 2015-04-19 · 30 min
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!
S2 · E11Fashion 2015-04-26 · 30 min
John explores the concept of changing and cheap fashion and some of the ugliest truths of the manufacturing process.
S2 · E12Standardized Testing 2015-05-03 · 30 min
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.
S2 · E13Paid Family Leave 2015-05-10 · 30 min
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.
S2 · E14Chickens 2015-05-17 · 30 min
John Oliver explains how chicken farming can be unfair, punishing, and inhumane. And not just for the chickens!
S2 · E15FIFA II 2015-05-31 · 30 min
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.
S2 · E16Bail 2015-06-07 · 30 min
John Oliver explains why America’s bail system is better for the reality TV industry than it is for the justice system.
S2 · E17Torture 2015-06-14 · 30 min
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.
S2 · E18The Internet 2015-06-21 · 30 min
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.
S2 · E19Transgender Rights 2015-06-28 · 30 min
This week’s gay rights victory was historic, but the transgender community still faces staggering challenges. John Oliver focuses on the “T” in “LGBT."
S2 · E20Stadiums 2015-07-12 · 30 min
Cities spend massive amounts of public money on privately-owned stadiums. Cities issue tax-exempt municipal bonds that — wait, don’t fall asleep!
S2 · E21Food Waste 2015-07-19 · 30 min
Producers, sellers, and consumers waste tons of food. John Oliver discusses the shocking amount of food we don’t eat.
S2 · E22Mandatory Minimum Sentencing Laws 2015-07-26 · 30 min
Mandatory minimums require fixed prison sentences for certain crimes. John Oliver explains why we treat some turkeys better than most low-level offenders.
S2 · E23District of Columbia 2015-08-02 · 30 min
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.
S2 · E24Sex Education 2015-08-09 · 30 min
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.
S2 · E25Church 2015-08-16 · 30 min
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.
S2 · E26LGBT Discrimination 2015-08-23 · 29 min
This year’s gay marriage ruling was a milestone, but LGBT discrimination is still surprisingly legal. John Oliver explains why we need a federal anti-discrimination law. Plus, the rising tensions on the border between North and South Korea, and why Vladimir Putin has started a war on food.
S2 · E27Public Defenders 2015-09-13 · 30 min
The Miranda warning includes the right to a public defender. It doesn’t include the fact that public defenders are highly overworked and grossly underpaid. Plus, a Michigan state legislature scandal, Guatemala's unusual election, and the longevity of Queen Elizabeth II.
S2 · E28Migrants and Refugees 2015-09-27 · 30 min
Millions of migrants seeking asylum in Europe face hostility, racism, and red tape. John Oliver does one admittedly tiny thing for one of them. Plus Pope's visit to the U.S., the unsavory practices of Volkswagen car manufacturer, and some shocking allegations about the activities of former British PM David Cameron.
S2 · E29Mental Health 2015-10-04 · 30 min
John discusses Russia's involvement in Syria, the U.N. General Assembly, and the problems with the national system for treating mental illness. Plus, why creating a Yelp-like app for rating other people seems like a bad idea.
S2 · E30North Dakota 2015-10-11 · 30 min
North Dakota is known for being polite, but perhaps they’ve been a little too hospitable to oil companies. Plus, the mess atop of FIFA's leadership and the connection between Toyota and ISIS.
S2 · E31Canada 2015-10-18 · 30 min
Canada is about to have a major election. John Oliver enlists Mike Myers, a beaver, and a moose to give voters some advice. Plus, the unpopularity of the Mexican president Enrique Peña Nieto and the habit of American politicians to misquote historical figures.