The Evolution of Late Night Comedy

John Oliver's journey in late night comedy began at The Daily Show in 2006, leading to his own show, Last Week Tonight, since 2014. The show begins with a brief commentary on current events, then focuses on a singular topic that is often unconventional and nerdy, such as state medical boards or universal school lunches. This format allows Oliver to explore complex issues in depth while also infusing humor, transforming serious subjects into engaging content. The success and impact of his approach have led to the phenomenon known as the 'John Oliver effect', where the show's discussions result in real-world changes.