‘Last Week Tonight’: John Oliver Reveals Fate of Show Amid Paramount Merger Plans
What To Know
- John Oliver extended his HBO contract by one year, ensuring Last Week Tonight will air through at least the end of 2027.
- The shorter contract extension is seen as a response to uncertainty surrounding Paramount Skydance’s proposed acquisition of Warner Bros. Discovery.
- Oliver expressed skepticism about merger predictions, stating he and his team will continue the show as usual.
It’s far from the last stand for Last Week Tonight. Host John Oliver has extended his HBO contract by one year, meaning his current-affairs show will run at least until the end of 2027.
Oliver revealed the contract renewal in a new interview with The Hollywood Reporter. Deadline, however, noted that the comedian often signs three-year deals with HBO, adding that this one-year extension seems to be a response to the uncertainty about Paramount Skydance’s proposed acquisition of Warner Bros. Discovery, HBO’s parent company.
“We have various prospective business daddies circling, no one fully willing to commit just yet,” Oliver told The Hollywood Reporter.
A week ago, Paramount Skydance paused its Warner Bros. Discovery merger after a coalition of 12 states alleged the $111 billion deal would reduce competition in the cable and theatrical markets, according to Variety. Paramount agreed not to close the transaction until five days after an antitrust trial is held, or until June 1, 2027, whichever comes first.
Amy Sussman/Getty Images
“Who knows?” Oliver said when asked for comment on the delay in his THR interview. “I have absolutely no idea, which is almost helpful to the fact that I do not have any ability to control anything that happens with this merger. Therefore, we’ll just do what we’ve done — which is continue like it isn’t happening. Nothing’s happening, and everything has stayed the same. That’s the only way that we can really move forward. Total denial.”
The 23-time Emmy winner — who has mocked Paramount on his show amid the merger news — also says he’s not relying on guidance on the merger from business-minded people in his orbit.
“Business grownups, however well-intentioned they are, don’t know what it’s actually going to mean,” he said. “In general, business grownups will say one thing before a merger happens and their behavior can be very different afterwards. Again, I only know this so deeply because we’ve seen it happen a few times with this company. The rhetoric before a merger and the behavior after, that doesn’t always match up.”
He added, “But there’s nothing you can do, other than to make it clear that you’re not going to be amenable to changes. I think we’ve made that pretty clear over the year. It’s just not worth it.”
Last Week Tonight With John Oliver, Sundays, 11/10c, HBO
Conversation1 Comment
Please read the TV Insider Community Guidelines.
Register or sign in to join the conversation.
-
G
From the article-"A week ago, Paramount Skydance paused its Warner Bros. Discovery merger after a coalition of 12 states alleged the $111 billion deal would reduce competition in the cable and theatrical markets, according to Variety." Well IT will and those anti-American ingrates responsible, the Ellisons, for example, would DO well to get that.
Watchlist Easy access to only the shows you care about — all in one simple place
Alerts Only important notifications — when a show is returning, when it becomes available to stream, and more.
Special Offers Exclusive products we release related to your favorite shows and streaming services