John Oliver, the British comedian, former writer and correspondent of “The Daily Show,” and current host of HBO’s “Last Week Tonight,” has been paving a new path for fake news programs. He has incorporated pop culture references, ongoing jokes, and investigative journalism to create a unique news program. Every college student should be watching this show to enhance their knowledge of current events.
1. Even if You Don’t Have HBO, You Can Watch “Last Week Tonight”
Most of the thirty-minute program publishes a majority of their segments on YouTube, allowing people to access the content for free. People can also follow their social media accounts for super brief (and comedic) updates.
2. Original Stories
“Last Week Tonight” does not simply comment on stories other outlets have already covered, but finds them. For instance, Oliver interviewed Edward Snowden and made it informative and relatable.
3. Unique Format
John Oliver talks nearly the entire episode, but his fun tone and comedic lines make the news fun to watch. Unlike previous satires, “Last Week Tonight” is on HBO, which does not have commercial breaks or censors. There are really short “And Now” segments that break up the episode, but they tend to be hysterical.
4. International Stories
If you want to impress your professor with international news, this show will help you not only hear international stories, but remember them. Oliver will discuss Putin, North and South Korea, and more, depending on that week’s headline stories.
5. You Are Guaranteed a Laugh
Oliver’s punch lines are hysterical. Just watch a few minutes, you will see.
6. You Can Feel Involved
Oliver’s FCC involvement is now famous. He asked viewers to sign petitions to ensure net neutrality and email the FCC their thoughts. Rather than just passively watch news stories, if you feel passionate, you can act.
7. It’s Easy to Become Involved (And Stay Involved)
Simply visit the “Last Week Tonight” account and follow some of their numerous hashtags: #GoGetThoseGeckos, #noprankpledge, #jeffwecan, #jeffwestillcan, #jeffwheezecan, #notmychristian, #rejectedsharkmovietitles, #showusyourpeanuts, #lastweektofright, #realanimalsfakepaws, #mutallyassuredhumiliation, #rejectedscottishballots, #WeUnderstandThatAsCorporateEntitiesOurPresenceInCertainDiscussionsIsNotAlwaysRequiredSoWeWillStriveToLimitOurActivitiesToJustSellingYouShit, #goodbyegeckos, #gogetthosegeckos, #gecku, and #chickentinders.
A Fun Bonus! Their Twitter account is informative and hilarious.
8. It’s Only 30 Minutes Once a Week
Unlike the satirical, “The Daily Show,” which is on four times a week, “Last Week Tonight” is on Sunday nights. So, if you have a dreaded early morning class, you won’t be up too late on weeknights.
9. Your Political Party Doesn’t Matter
There are some stories that are liberal in nature, but the program itself is not openly supporting Republicans or Democrats. In this way, you are avoiding those dreaded “echo chambers” that reinforce one viewpoint over and over again.
10. An Innovative Host and Show
John Oliver is always introducing new ideas that are original and creative. His latest episode mocked the new Peeple app, the so-called “Yelp-for-people” where people can go onto an app and rate other human beings by giving them a numbered star-rating and an opinionated blurb. Oliver’s instant distaste for this app prompted him to research the background of the two co-creators and found that they are extremely sensitive to criticism! Hence, Oliver reacted by saying, “WTF? How can someone who personally takes offense to criticism be promoting a device that encourages people to criticize?”
In response, “Oliver welcomes viewers to visit his new website and operate his alternative called, “Scream Into the Void” for anyone who needs to express their mean, judgy, hate-filled comments they were bound to use on Peeple. Instead, just, “Type them in, hit the button at the bottom of the page, and the message will be deleted forever,” Oliver explained. “It’s brilliant! It feels good to get it out, and no one has to hear it.”
Personally, I think “Last Week Tonight” is a great show that offers a lot of really interesting content in fun new ways. Enjoy watching!