10 Shows and Movies Similar to Last Week Tonight with John Oliver

Description: 'The Graham Norton Show' and 'Last Week Tonight' both excel in creating an engaging, humorous atmosphere, though Norton's show is more celebrity-focused. However, both hosts have a knack for making complex or dry topics entertaining and accessible. Norton's relaxed, conversational style allows for spontaneous humor, much like Oliver's more scripted but equally witty delivery.

Fact: Graham Norton's show is known for its famous red chair segment, where audience members tell stories that might get them 'spun' out of the chair. The show has featured some of the biggest names in entertainment, from Hollywood stars to British royalty. Norton's interviewing style is often praised for making guests feel at ease, leading to candid and funny moments.

Description: While 'Would I Lie to You?' is more of a panel game show, it shares with 'Last Week Tonight' a clever use of humor and storytelling. Both shows rely on the charisma and quick wit of their hosts and participants to engage the audience. The playful deception in 'Would I Lie to You?' mirrors the way John Oliver often presents absurd yet true facts to highlight larger issues.

Fact: The show is a British production and has been hosted by Rob Brydon since its inception. It features team captains David Mitchell and Lee Mack, who are known for their comedic chemistry. The format involves contestants telling outrageous stories, some of which are true, and the opposing team must guess if they're lying.

Description: Stephen Colbert's 'The Late Show' shares with 'Last Week Tonight' a blend of comedy and political satire. Both hosts have backgrounds in satire (Colbert from 'The Colbert Report') and use their platforms to critique current events and political figures. The shows also feature in-depth interviews with a mix of celebrities and experts, adding depth to their comedic commentary.

Fact: Colbert took over 'The Late Show' from David Letterman in

Description: Similar to 'Last Week Tonight with John Oliver', 'Full Frontal with Samantha Bee' is a satirical news show that blends humor with investigative journalism. Both shows tackle current political and social issues with a sharp, comedic edge, often delving deep into topics that mainstream media might overlook. The hosts, both former correspondents on 'The Daily Show', bring a similar style of incisive commentary and witty delivery.

Fact: Samantha Bee was the first female late-night talk show host in the U.S. when 'Full Frontal' premiered. The show won a Peabody Award in 2017 for its coverage of the 2016 U.S. presidential election. Bee's show is known for its bold, unapologetic take on controversial topics, much like John Oliver's.

Description: Like 'Last Week Tonight', 'The Jim Jefferies Show' combines comedy with serious political and social commentary. Jefferies, much like Oliver, uses his stand-up background to deliver biting humor while addressing complex issues. Both shows employ a mix of monologues, field pieces, and interviews to explore their subjects, often with a global perspective.

Fact: Jim Jefferies is an Australian comedian known for his no-holds-barred style. The show was canceled after three seasons but gained a cult following for its fearless approach to controversial topics. Jefferies' segment on gun control in the U.S. went viral and is one of the show's most memorable moments.

Description: 'Real Time with Bill Maher' shares similarities with 'Last Week Tonight' in its focus on political and social commentary, delivered with a comedic twist. Both shows feature a host who isn't afraid to challenge the status quo and engage in in-depth discussions about pressing issues. The panel format of 'Real Time' also allows for diverse viewpoints, similar to how John Oliver often brings in experts or uses segments to explore different angles of a topic.

Fact: Bill Maher's show is one of the longest-running political talk shows on HBO. 'Real Time' often features high-profile guests from politics, entertainment, and journalism. Maher is known for his libertarian views, which often spark lively debates on the show.

Description: 'The Colbert Report' is a direct predecessor to 'Last Week Tonight' in many ways, as both shows use satire to dissect news and politics. Stephen Colbert's character as a faux-conservative pundit allowed for sharp, ironic commentary on media and politics, similar to how John Oliver uses humor to critique societal issues. Both shows also feature segments that delve deeply into specific topics, often with a mix of comedy and serious analysis.

Fact: 'The Colbert Report' spun off from 'The Daily Show with Jon Stewart'. Colbert's character was so convincing that he was invited to testify before Congress in character. The show won multiple Emmy and Peabody Awards during its run.

Description: Jon Stewart's return to television with 'The Problem' mirrors many aspects of 'Last Week Tonight'. Both shows feature a former 'Daily Show' host using humor to tackle serious issues, often with a focus on holding power to account. Stewart, like Oliver, blends comedy with investigative journalism, and both shows are known for their thorough research and passionate advocacy on certain topics.

Fact: Jon Stewart returned to TV after a hiatus following his departure from 'The Daily Show'. The show has tackled issues like climate change, corporate greed, and political corruption. Stewart's advocacy work, particularly for 9/11 first responders, has been a significant part of his career and influences the show's content.

Description: Seth Meyers' 'Late Night' shares with 'Last Week Tonight' a focus on political satire and current events, delivered with a comedic twist. Meyers, like Oliver, has a background in sketch comedy (from 'Saturday Night Live') and uses his writing skills to craft sharp, funny commentary on the news. Both shows also feature recurring segments that allow for deeper dives into specific issues.

Fact: Meyers took over 'Late Night' from Jimmy Fallon in 201The show's 'A Closer Look' segment is particularly popular for its detailed takedowns of political figures. Meyers often incorporates his 'Weekend Update' experience from 'SNL' into his monologues.

Description: 'Patriot Act with Hasan Minhaj' is very similar to 'Last Week Tonight' in its format and approach. Both shows combine stand-up comedy with in-depth reporting on political and social issues. Minhaj, like Oliver, uses a mix of personal anecdotes, data, and humor to explore complex topics, often focusing on underreported stories. The visual style of both shows also includes graphics and charts to enhance the storytelling.

Fact: Hasan Minhaj was a correspondent on 'The Daily Show' before hosting his own show. 'Patriot Act' was the first Netflix show to win a Peabody Award. The show was canceled after six seasons but remains popular for its insightful and humorous take on current events.