The 5 Biggest Bombshells From John Oliver's Last Week Tonight Season 12 (And What's Next In 2026)

John Oliver's *Last Week Tonight* has cemented its status as one of the most vital, meticulously researched, and hilarious voices in American news satire, and the recently concluded twelfth season proved no exception. The show, which wrapped its 2025 run in November, continued to use its unique blend of comedy and investigative journalism to expose critical, often overlooked, issues in the U.S. and globally, delivering complex topics with trademark British wit and a powerful call to action.

The 2025 season, which premiered on Sunday, February 16, delivered a fresh and timely perspective on a world grappling with major political shifts, technological disruption, and pressing social dilemmas. With the show now on hiatus until its highly anticipated return for Season 13 in February 2026, it is the perfect time to look back at the most impactful segments that defined the Emmy-winning HBO series’ latest run.

John Oliver: A Biography of the Late-Night Icon

John Oliver, born in Birmingham, England, has built a career that bridges stand-up comedy and incisive political commentary, culminating in his current role as the host of the critically acclaimed *Last Week Tonight*. His journey to becoming a late-night fixture began in the UK, where he pursued comedy immediately after college.

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His breakthrough to American audiences came in 2006 when he joined *The Daily Show with Jon Stewart* as its "Senior British Correspondent." Oliver’s time on the show was pivotal, especially in 2013 when he filled in as the host for eight weeks while Jon Stewart was directing a film, a period that showcased his ability to anchor a news-satire program.

In 2014, Oliver launched *Last Week Tonight* on HBO, a show that quickly distinguished itself from other late-night programs by focusing on a single, deep-dive topic each week. The show is produced by HBO Entertainment, Avalon Television, Partially Important Productions, Sixteen String Jack Productions, and Bochard Entertainment.

Oliver's work has earned him immense critical recognition. He has won a staggering number of awards, including over 21 Primetime Emmy Awards for his work on both *The Daily Show* and *Last Week Tonight*. For *Last Week Tonight* alone, the series has secured over 32 Emmy victories and three Peabody Awards, with Oliver himself being named one of TIME magazine's 100 most influential people in 2015.

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The Biggest Deep Dives: Last Week Tonight Season 12 (2025)

The twelfth season of *Last Week Tonight* with John Oliver, which ran from February to November 2025, tackled a wide array of complex and sensitive subjects. The show’s commitment to thorough research and its ability to mobilize public attention, often referred to as the "Oliver Effect," was on full display throughout the year. Here are five of the most impactful segments from the 2025 season:

1. The Ominous Return of "Trump 2.0"

The season kicked off on February 16, 2025, with a major segment dedicated to "Trump 2.0," analyzing the potential policies and implications of a new administration. Oliver dissected the plans for a second term, arguing why the next four years could be substantially different—and potentially more extreme—than the first. The segment highlighted the detailed, often obscure, policy documents that outline a systematic approach to governance, drawing a parallel between the former president and a certain type of small, furry rodent.

2. Exposing the Flaws in ICE Detention Facilities and Deportations

Several episodes in the spring and fall of 2025 focused on immigration and detention. Segments on "ICE Detention Facilities" (March 9) and "Deportations" (May 4) provided a meticulous examination of the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement system. Oliver and his team brought to light the massive problems caused by the databases used to track individuals, often leading to unjust detentions and raids. This coverage was a key focus for viewers, with many on social media urging the show to maintain a consistent spotlight on the human rights issues within the facilities.

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3. The Corporate Loophole: Deferred Prosecution Agreements

In a classic *Last Week Tonight* move, Oliver dedicated a segment to the arcane legal mechanism of "Deferred Prosecution Agreements" (DPAs). He explained how these agreements allow large corporations to sweep serious crimes under the rug, avoiding full prosecution by agreeing to pay fines and meet certain conditions. The segment argued that this system creates a two-tiered justice system, where corporate entities face little real accountability for widespread misconduct, a theme that resonates with the show's continuous critique of systemic injustice.

4. The Tipping Wars and the 'Facebook' Deep Dive

The show tackled common, yet complex, economic and social issues, including a March 2 segment on "Tipping" and a February 23 segment on "Facebook." The Tipping episode explored the history and modern complexities of gratuities, from the financial strain on workers to the often-confusing expectations placed on consumers. The deep dive into Facebook, meanwhile, examined the platform's role in global politics, misinformation, and its ongoing struggle with internal content moderation and data privacy.

5. Critiquing the Alliance Defending and Global Events

The May 11 episode focused on the "Alliance Defending," a segment that drew attention to the organization's legal and political activities and their impact on civil rights. Furthermore, Oliver consistently covered international news, including a brief segment in the season on the 2024 Bolivian coup attempt and the 2025 World Games. These segments demonstrate the show’s commitment to covering underreported international affairs, ensuring viewers receive a comprehensive, global perspective on current events.

Looking Ahead: What to Expect from Last Week Tonight Season 13 in 2026

As the twelfth season concluded on November 16, 2025, fans are already looking forward to the next installment. *Last Week Tonight* has been officially renewed for a thirteenth season, which is scheduled to air starting in February 2026.

The show is expected to continue its tradition of tackling major U.S. and global issues with an unflinching eye. Given the political landscape, it is highly likely that the 2026 season will focus heavily on the outcomes of the policy shifts discussed in the "Trump 2.0" segment, as well as the ongoing developments in areas like social media regulation, global conflicts, and domestic legal battles.

The show's enduring success lies in its ability to blend entertainment with serious journalism, offering a weekly, half-hour reprieve from traditional news formats. By choosing to focus on topics that other media outlets often ignore—from municipal violations to the complexities of public media—John Oliver and his team continue to drive real-world change and maintain their status as a powerhouse in late-night television.

The meticulous research and satirical delivery ensure that even the most complex subjects, like deferred prosecution agreements or the intricacies of gang databases, are accessible and engaging for a mass audience. As the team prepares for Season 13, viewers can anticipate more of the same award-winning, impactful, and hilarious coverage that has defined the *Last Week Tonight* brand for over a decade.