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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!

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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 1 - Marketing to Doctors
    7.4/10(428 votes)

    #1 - Marketing to Doctors

    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, Jeff Maurer, Dan Gurewitch, Juli Weiner, Kevin Avery, Will Tracy, John Oliver, Geoff Haggerty, Scott Sherman, Josh Gondelman, Tim Carvell

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  2. Last Week Tonight with John Oliver Season 2 Episode 2 - Tobacco
    7.8/10(457 votes)

    #2 - Tobacco

    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, Jeff Maurer, Dan Gurewitch, Juli Weiner, Kevin Avery, Will Tracy, John Oliver, Geoff Haggerty, Scott Sherman, Josh Gondelman, Tim Carvell

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  3. Last Week Tonight with John Oliver Season 2 Episode 3 - Elected Judges
    8.1/10(371 votes)

    #3 - Elected Judges

    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, Jeff Maurer, Dan Gurewitch, Juli Weiner, Kevin Avery, Will Tracy, John Oliver, Geoff Haggerty, Scott Sherman, Josh Gondelman, Tim Carvell

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  4. Last Week Tonight with John Oliver Season 2 Episode 4 - Infrastructure
    7.4/10(413 votes)

    #4 - Infrastructure

    S2:E4

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

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

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  5. Last Week Tonight with John Oliver Season 2 Episode 5 - U.S. Territories
    8.5/10(388 votes)

    #5 - U.S. Territories

    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, Jeff Maurer, Dan Gurewitch, Juli Weiner, Kevin Avery, Will Tracy, John Oliver, Geoff Haggerty, Scott Sherman, Josh Gondelman, Tim Carvell

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  6. Last Week Tonight with John Oliver Season 2 Episode 6 - The NCAA
    7.4/10(383 votes)

    #6 - The NCAA

    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, Jeff Maurer, Dan Gurewitch, Juli Weiner, Kevin Avery, Will Tracy, John Oliver, Geoff Haggerty, Scott Sherman, 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 7 - Municipal Violations
    8.1/10(372 votes)

    #7 - Municipal Violations

    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, Jeff Maurer, Dan Gurewitch, Juli Weiner, Kevin Avery, Will Tracy, John Oliver, Geoff Haggerty, Scott Sherman, Josh Gondelman, Tim Carvell

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  8. Last Week Tonight with John Oliver Season 2 Episode 8 - Government Surveillance
    9.3/10(782 votes)

    #8 - Government Surveillance

    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, Jeff Maurer, Dan Gurewitch, Juli Weiner, Kevin Avery, Will Tracy, John Oliver, Geoff Haggerty, Scott Sherman, Josh Gondelman, Tim Carvell

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  9. Last Week Tonight with John Oliver Season 2 Episode 9 - The IRS
    7.5/10(399 votes)

    #9 - The IRS

    S2:E9

    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.

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

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  10. Last Week Tonight with John Oliver Season 2 Episode 10 - Patents
    8.5/10(371 votes)

    #10 - Patents

    S2:E10

    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!

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

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  11. Last Week Tonight with John Oliver Season 2 Episode 11 - Fashion
    8.3/10(368 votes)

    #11 - Fashion

    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, Jeff Maurer, Dan Gurewitch, Juli Weiner, Kevin Avery, Will Tracy, John Oliver, Geoff Haggerty, Scott Sherman, Josh Gondelman, Tim Carvell

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  12. Last Week Tonight with John Oliver Season 2 Episode 12 - Standardized Testing
    8.3/10(380 votes)

    #12 - Standardized Testing

    S2:E12

    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.

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

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  13. Last Week Tonight with John Oliver Season 2 Episode 13 - Paid Family Leave
    8.5/10(368 votes)

    #13 - Paid Family Leave

    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, Jeff Maurer, Dan Gurewitch, Juli Weiner, Kevin Avery, Will Tracy, John Oliver, Geoff Haggerty, Scott Sherman, Josh Gondelman, Tim Carvell

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  14. Last Week Tonight with John Oliver Season 2 Episode 14 - Chickens
    8.0/10(358 votes)

    #14 - Chickens

    S2:E14

    John Oliver explains how chicken farming can be unfair, punishing, and inhumane. And not just for the chickens!

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

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  15. Last Week Tonight with John Oliver Season 2 Episode 15 - FIFA II
    8.9/10(471 votes)

    #15 - FIFA II

    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, Jeff Maurer, Dan Gurewitch, Juli Weiner, Kevin Avery, Will Tracy, John Oliver, Geoff Haggerty, Scott Sherman, Josh Gondelman, Tim Carvell

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  16. Last Week Tonight with John Oliver Season 2 Episode 16 - Bail
    8.5/10(380 votes)

    #16 - Bail

    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, Jeff Maurer, Dan Gurewitch, Juli Weiner, Kevin Avery, Will Tracy, John Oliver, Geoff Haggerty, Scott Sherman, Josh Gondelman, Tim Carvell

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  17. Last Week Tonight with John Oliver Season 2 Episode 17 - Torture
    8.8/10(372 votes)

    #17 - Torture

    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, Jeff Maurer, Dan Gurewitch, Juli Weiner, Kevin Avery, Will Tracy, John Oliver, Geoff Haggerty, Scott Sherman, Josh Gondelman, Tim Carvell

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  18. Last Week Tonight with John Oliver Season 2 Episode 18 - The Internet
    8.7/10(372 votes)

    #18 - The Internet

    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, Jeff Maurer, Dan Gurewitch, Juli Weiner, Kevin Avery, Will Tracy, John Oliver, Geoff Haggerty, Scott Sherman, Josh Gondelman, Tim Carvell

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  19. Last Week Tonight with John Oliver Season 2 Episode 19 - Transgender Rights
    8.7/10(374 votes)

    #19 - Transgender Rights

    S2:E19

    This week’s gay rights victory was historic, but the transgender community still faces staggering challenges. John Oliver focuses on the “T” in “LGBT."

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

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  20. Last Week Tonight with John Oliver Season 2 Episode 20 - Stadiums
    8.3/10(378 votes)

    #20 - Stadiums

    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, Jeff Maurer, Dan Gurewitch, Juli Weiner, Kevin Avery, Will Tracy, John Oliver, Geoff Haggerty, Scott Sherman, Josh Gondelman, Tim Carvell

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  21. Last Week Tonight with John Oliver Season 2 Episode 21 - Food Waste
    8.4/10(390 votes)

    #21 - Food Waste

    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, Jeff Maurer, Dan Gurewitch, Juli Weiner, Kevin Avery, Will Tracy, John Oliver, Geoff Haggerty, Scott Sherman, Josh Gondelman, Tim Carvell

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  22. Last Week Tonight with John Oliver Season 2 Episode 22 - Mandatory Minimum Sentencing Laws
    8.1/10(383 votes)

    #22 - Mandatory Minimum Sentencing Laws

    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, Jeff Maurer, Dan Gurewitch, Juli Weiner, Kevin Avery, Will Tracy, John Oliver, Geoff Haggerty, Scott Sherman, Josh Gondelman, Tim Carvell

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  23. Last Week Tonight with John Oliver Season 2 Episode 23 - District of Columbia
    8.6/10(363 votes)

    #23 - District of Columbia

    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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  24. Last Week Tonight with John Oliver Season 2 Episode 24 - Sex Education
    8.4/10(466 votes)

    #24 - Sex Education

    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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  25. Last Week Tonight with John Oliver Season 2 Episode 25 - Church
    9.0/10(655 votes)

    #25 - Church

    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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Season 2 Ratings Summary

"Marketing to Doctors" is the best rated episode of "Last Week Tonight with John Oliver" season 2. It scored 7.4/10 based on 428 votes. Directed by Jim Hoskinson and written by Jill Twiss, Jeff Maurer, Dan Gurewitch, Juli Weiner, Kevin Avery, Will Tracy, John Oliver, Geoff Haggerty, Scott Sherman, Josh Gondelman, Tim Carvell, it aired on 2/8/2015. This episode is rated 0.4 points higher than the second-best, "Tobacco".