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The Best Episodes of Last Week Tonight with John Oliver Season 2

Every episode of Last Week Tonight with John Oliver Season 2 ranked from best to worst. Discover the Best Episodes of Last Week Tonight with John Oliver Season 2!

Binge this in 12h 29m•Peaking at 9.4/10

A half-hour satirical look at the week in news, politics and current events.

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Episode Rankings

  1. #1 Fan Favorite
    Last Week Tonight with John Oliver Season 2 Episode 8 - Government Surveillance
    9.4/10(784 votes)

    S2:E8

    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.

    Director:Jim Hoskinson
    Writers:Jill Twiss, Dan Gurewitch, Jeff Maurer, Juli Weiner, Kevin Avery, John Oliver, Scott Sherman, Will Tracy, Geoff Haggerty, Josh Gondelman, Tim Carvell

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  2. Last Week Tonight with John Oliver Season 2 Episode 25 - Church
    9.2/10(659 votes)

    S2:E25

    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.

    Director:Unknown
    Writer:Unknown

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  3. Last Week Tonight with John Oliver Season 2 Episode 2 - Tobacco
    8.8/10(458 votes)

    S2:E2

    Thanks to tobacco industry regulations and marketing restrictions in the U.S., smoking rates have dropped dramatically. John Oliver explains how tobacco companies are keeping their business strong overseas and how Phillip Morris International in particular is employing some unethical legal practices while suing some of the world's poorest countries. Plus, we've noticed that the Sports Illustrated Swimsuit Issue still exists but can’t quite figure out why.

    Director:Jim Hoskinson
    Writers:Jill Twiss, Dan Gurewitch, Jeff Maurer, Juli Weiner, Kevin Avery, John Oliver, Scott Sherman, Will Tracy, Geoff Haggerty, Josh Gondelman, Tim Carvell

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  4. Last Week Tonight with John Oliver Season 2 Episode 15 - FIFA II
    8.8/10(474 votes)

    S2:E15

    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.

    Director:Jim Hoskinson
    Writers:Jill Twiss, Dan Gurewitch, Jeff Maurer, Juli Weiner, Kevin Avery, John Oliver, Scott Sherman, Will Tracy, Geoff Haggerty, Josh Gondelman, Tim Carvell

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  5. Last Week Tonight with John Oliver Season 2 Episode 24 - Sex Education
    8.8/10(469 votes)

    S2:E24

    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.

    Director:Unknown
    Writer:Unknown

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  6. Last Week Tonight with John Oliver Season 2 Episode 21 - Food Waste
    8.5/10(393 votes)

    S2:E21

    Producers, sellers, and consumers waste tons of food. John Oliver discusses the shocking amount of food we don’t eat.

    Director:Jim Hoskinson
    Writers:Jill Twiss, Dan Gurewitch, Jeff Maurer, Juli Weiner, Kevin Avery, John Oliver, Scott Sherman, Will Tracy, Geoff Haggerty, Josh Gondelman, Tim Carvell

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    The 20 BEST Episodes of Last Week Tonight with John Oliver

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  7. Last Week Tonight with John Oliver Season 2 Episode 1 - Marketing to Doctors
    8.4/10(430 votes)

    S2:E1

    John Oliver discusses the growing issues of pharmaceutical companies marketing directly to and through doctors. Also, since RadioShack has filed for bankruptcy, John has created a farewell message for them. Plus, the online sessions by Ecuadorian President Rafael Correa to address the public aren't going too well.

    Director:Jim Hoskinson
    Writers:Jill Twiss, Dan Gurewitch, Jeff Maurer, Juli Weiner, Kevin Avery, John Oliver, Scott Sherman, Will Tracy, Geoff Haggerty, Josh Gondelman, Tim Carvell

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  8. Last Week Tonight with John Oliver Season 2 Episode 4 - Infrastructure
    8.4/10(415 votes)

    S2:E4

    America's crumbling infrastructure: It's not a sexy problem, but it is a scary one.

    Director:Jim Hoskinson
    Writers:Jill Twiss, Dan Gurewitch, Jeff Maurer, Juli Weiner, Kevin Avery, John Oliver, Scott Sherman, Will Tracy, Geoff Haggerty, Josh Gondelman, Tim Carvell

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  9. Last Week Tonight with John Oliver Season 2 Episode 5 - U.S. Territories
    8.4/10(389 votes)

    S2:E5

    A set of Supreme Court decisions made over 100 years ago has left U.S. territories without meaningful representation. That’s weird, right? Plus, daylight saving time doesn’t actually benefit anyone. Strangely, it’s still a thing!

    Director:Jim Hoskinson
    Writers:Jill Twiss, Dan Gurewitch, Jeff Maurer, Juli Weiner, Kevin Avery, John Oliver, Scott Sherman, Will Tracy, Geoff Haggerty, Josh Gondelman, Tim Carvell

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  10. Last Week Tonight with John Oliver Season 2 Episode 16 - Bail
    8.4/10(383 votes)

    S2:E16

    John Oliver explains why America’s bail system is better for the reality TV industry than it is for the justice system.

    Director:Jim Hoskinson
    Writers:Jill Twiss, Dan Gurewitch, Jeff Maurer, Juli Weiner, Kevin Avery, John Oliver, Scott Sherman, Will Tracy, Geoff Haggerty, Josh Gondelman, Tim Carvell

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  11. Last Week Tonight with John Oliver Season 2 Episode 17 - Torture
    8.4/10(375 votes)

    S2:E17

    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.

    Director:Jim Hoskinson
    Writers:Jill Twiss, Dan Gurewitch, Jeff Maurer, Juli Weiner, Kevin Avery, John Oliver, Scott Sherman, Will Tracy, Geoff Haggerty, Josh Gondelman, Tim Carvell

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  12. Last Week Tonight with John Oliver Season 2 Episode 22 - Mandatory Minimum Sentencing Laws
    8.4/10(387 votes)

    S2:E22

    Mandatory minimums require fixed prison sentences for certain crimes. John Oliver explains why we treat some turkeys better than most low-level offenders.

    Director:Jim Hoskinson
    Writers:Jill Twiss, Dan Gurewitch, Jeff Maurer, Juli Weiner, Kevin Avery, John Oliver, Scott Sherman, Will Tracy, Geoff Haggerty, Josh Gondelman, Tim Carvell

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  13. Last Week Tonight with John Oliver Season 2 Episode 35 - Refugees & Pennies
    8.4/10(352 votes)

    S2:E35

    John reflects on the aftermath of Paris attacks and how it affects refugees worldwide. Plus, he questions the usefulness of the U.S. penny, since minting the coins costs more than they're actually worth.

    Director:Jim Hoskinson
    Writers:Jill Twiss, Dan Gurewitch, Jeff Maurer, Juli Weiner, Kevin Avery, John Oliver, Scott Sherman, Will Tracy, Geoff Haggerty, Josh Gondelman, Tim Carvell

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  14. Last Week Tonight with John Oliver Season 2 Episode 6 - The NCAA
    8.3/10(385 votes)

    S2:E6

    The NCAA doesn’t pay athletes because they consider them amateurs. The NCAA considers them amateurs because they don’t get paid.

    Director:Jim Hoskinson
    Writers:Jill Twiss, Dan Gurewitch, Jeff Maurer, Juli Weiner, Kevin Avery, John Oliver, Scott Sherman, Will Tracy, Geoff Haggerty, Josh Gondelman, Tim Carvell

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  15. Last Week Tonight with John Oliver Season 2 Episode 20 - Stadiums
    8.3/10(380 votes)

    S2:E20

    Cities spend massive amounts of public money on privately-owned stadiums. Cities issue tax-exempt municipal bonds that — wait, don’t fall asleep!

    Director:Jim Hoskinson
    Writers:Jill Twiss, Dan Gurewitch, Jeff Maurer, Juli Weiner, Kevin Avery, John Oliver, Scott Sherman, Will Tracy, Geoff Haggerty, Josh Gondelman, Tim Carvell

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  16. Last Week Tonight with John Oliver Season 2 Episode 27 - Public Defenders
    8.3/10(376 votes)

    S2:E27

    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.

    Director:Unknown
    Writer:Unknown

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  17. Last Week Tonight with John Oliver Season 2 Episode 7 - Municipal Violations
    8.2/10(375 votes)

    S2:E7

    If you have money, committing a municipal violation may pose you a minor inconvenience. If you don’t, it can ruin your life. Also, the New Hampshire legislature refused to make the red-tailed hawk the official raptor of their state... so Last Week Tonight made it the official raptor of the show.

    Director:Jim Hoskinson
    Writers:Jill Twiss, Dan Gurewitch, Jeff Maurer, Juli Weiner, Kevin Avery, John Oliver, Scott Sherman, Will Tracy, Geoff Haggerty, Josh Gondelman, Tim Carvell

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  18. Last Week Tonight with John Oliver Season 2 Episode 11 - Fashion
    8.2/10(372 votes)

    S2:E11

    John explores the concept of changing and cheap fashion and some of the ugliest truths of the manufacturing process.

    Director:Jim Hoskinson
    Writers:Jill Twiss, Dan Gurewitch, Jeff Maurer, Juli Weiner, Kevin Avery, John Oliver, Scott Sherman, Will Tracy, Geoff Haggerty, Josh Gondelman, Tim Carvell

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  19. Last Week Tonight with John Oliver Season 2 Episode 13 - Paid Family Leave
    8.2/10(373 votes)

    S2:E13

    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.

    Director:Jim Hoskinson
    Writers:Jill Twiss, Dan Gurewitch, Jeff Maurer, Juli Weiner, Kevin Avery, John Oliver, Scott Sherman, Will Tracy, Geoff Haggerty, Josh Gondelman, Tim Carvell

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  20. Last Week Tonight with John Oliver Season 2 Episode 18 - The Internet
    8.2/10(375 votes)

    S2:E18

    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.

    Director:Jim Hoskinson
    Writers:Jill Twiss, Dan Gurewitch, Jeff Maurer, Juli Weiner, Kevin Avery, John Oliver, Scott Sherman, Will Tracy, Geoff Haggerty, Josh Gondelman, Tim Carvell

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  21. Last Week Tonight with John Oliver Season 2 Episode 23 - District of Columbia
    8.2/10(367 votes)

    S2:E23

    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.

    Director:Unknown
    Writer:Unknown

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  22. Last Week Tonight with John Oliver Season 2 Episode 26 - LGBT Discrimination
    8.2/10(369 votes)

    S2:E26

    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.

    Director:Unknown
    Writer:Unknown

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  23. Last Week Tonight with John Oliver Season 2 Episode 28 - Migrants and Refugees
    8.2/10(372 votes)

    S2:E28

    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.

    Director:Unknown
    Writer:Unknown

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  24. Last Week Tonight with John Oliver Season 2 Episode 34 - Daily Fantasy Sports
    8.2/10(363 votes)

    S2:E34

    John talks about the recent Paris attacks, China's Singles Day, the Koh-i-Noor diamond and Daily Fantasy Sports.

    Director:Jim Hoskinson
    Writers:Jill Twiss, Dan Gurewitch, Jeff Maurer, Juli Weiner, Kevin Avery, John Oliver, Scott Sherman, Will Tracy, Geoff Haggerty, Josh Gondelman, Tim Carvell

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  25. Last Week Tonight with John Oliver Season 2 Episode 3 - Elected Judges
    8.1/10(372 votes)

    S2:E3

    The vast majority of US judges are elected, forcing many judges to pander to the electorate and accept campaign money in order to keep their jobs. This seems slightly troubling... The UK's Labour Party has painted a campaign van pink in an attempt to attract women voters. We are glad they didn't keep going with that strategy.

    Director:Jim Hoskinson
    Writers:Jill Twiss, Dan Gurewitch, Jeff Maurer, Juli Weiner, Kevin Avery, John Oliver, Scott Sherman, Will Tracy, Geoff Haggerty, Josh Gondelman, Tim Carvell

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Season 2 Ratings Summary

"Government Surveillance" is the best rated episode of "Last Week Tonight with John Oliver" season 2. It scored 9.4/10 based on 784 votes. Directed by Jim Hoskinson and written by Jill Twiss, Dan Gurewitch, Jeff Maurer, Juli Weiner, Kevin Avery, John Oliver, Scott Sherman, Will Tracy, Geoff Haggerty, Josh Gondelman, Tim Carvell, it aired on 4/5/2015. This episode is rated 0.2 points higher than the second-best, "Church".