'The Interview': John Oliver Is Still Working Through the Rage
12Digest
This podcast features an in-depth interview with John Oliver, the host of the Emmy-winning late-night comedy show "Last Week Tonight." The conversation covers the show's evolution over its 10-year run, highlighting the shift from weekly main stories to a six-week writing process for multiple stories. Oliver emphasizes the importance of rigorous fact-checking and the collaborative nature of the show's production. He explains the detailed process of developing a story, from initial pitches to extensive research, footage production, and multiple drafts. Oliver also discusses how the research process can sometimes challenge his initial perspective on a topic, leading to a deeper understanding of the complexities involved. He emphasizes the importance of expertise and the show's access to experts in various fields, describing the show's research process as a "machine for curiosity" that delivers reliable results. The conversation explores the relationship between "Last Week Tonight" and journalism, with Oliver clarifying that he is not a journalist but acknowledging the show's reliance on journalistic work and its commitment to rigorous fact-checking. He discusses the driving force behind the show, emphasizing the importance of writing funny and interesting jokes, even if it doesn't directly make the world a better place. Oliver also reflects on his use of comedy as a coping mechanism, particularly in dealing with difficult or tragic situations, drawing parallels to Jimmy Kimmel's emotional honesty in discussing his son's heart surgery. The interview concludes with a final thank you and a reminder to follow or subscribe to the interview podcast.
Outlines
John Oliver: Late Night Comedy and Beyond
This chapter introduces John Oliver, a late-night comedian known for his in-depth, often nerdy, explorations of current events. The show's impact on real-world change and its Emmy-winning success are discussed.
John Oliver's First Time at the New York Times
John Oliver shares his first experience at the New York Times building, describing it as less bustling than a cartoon newsroom. The conversation transitions to the current political climate and Oliver's decision to avoid covering debates.
Evolution of Last Week Tonight
The conversation delves into the evolution of Last Week Tonight over its 10-year run, particularly the shift from weekly main stories to a six-week writing process for multiple stories. Oliver emphasizes the importance of rigorous fact-checking and the collaborative nature of the show's production.
The Process Behind Last Week Tonight
John Oliver explains the detailed process of developing a story for Last Week Tonight, from initial pitches to extensive research, footage production, and multiple drafts. He highlights the collaborative nature of the process and the importance of finding humor in challenging topics.
The Importance of Expertise and Curiosity
Oliver emphasizes the importance of expertise and the show's access to experts in various fields. He describes the show's research process as a "machine for curiosity" that delivers reliable results.
Wordal Archive Feature
Robert Vinloin from New York Times Games introduces the Wordal Archive, a new feature that allows users to play every Wordal puzzle ever created.
Keywords
Late Night Comedy
A genre of television programming that features comedic sketches, monologues, and interviews, typically aired in the late evening. It often satirizes current events and political figures.
John Oliver Effect
The phenomenon where John Oliver's Last Week Tonight segments have led to real-world change, often by highlighting issues and prompting public pressure for reform.
Fact-Checking
The process of verifying the accuracy of information, especially in journalism and media, to ensure the reliability and credibility of sources.
Slow Cooking
A metaphor used by John Oliver to describe the show's approach to covering complex topics, emphasizing the need for in-depth research and analysis before presenting a clear argument.
Systemic Problems
Issues that are deeply embedded within a system or structure, often involving multiple interconnected factors and requiring systemic solutions.
Expertise
Specialized knowledge or skill in a particular field or area, often acquired through training, experience, or education.
West Bank
A territory in the Middle East that is the subject of ongoing conflict between Israel and Palestine.
Jimmy Kimmel
A late-night talk show host known for his comedic monologues and interviews, as well as his emotional honesty in discussing personal experiences.
Q&A
How has Last Week Tonight evolved over its 10-year run?
The show has shifted from producing weekly main stories to a six-week writing process for multiple stories, allowing for more in-depth research and analysis.
What is the driving force behind Last Week Tonight?
John Oliver emphasizes the importance of writing funny and interesting jokes, even if it doesn't directly make the world a better place. He believes the show provides the best ingredients for comedy.
How does John Oliver view the relationship between Last Week Tonight and journalism?
While he acknowledges the show's reliance on journalistic work and its commitment to fact-checking, he clarifies that he is not a journalist and doesn't seek to take on the responsibilities of that label.
How does John Oliver use comedy to cope with difficult or tragic situations?
He sees comedy as a way of handling the world, particularly in the face of difficult emotions. He draws inspiration from Jimmy Kimmel's emotional honesty in discussing his son's heart surgery, highlighting the power of humor in communicating difficult emotions.
How has becoming a parent impacted John Oliver's perspective on the world?
While he acknowledges the sadness of a potentially smaller world for his son due to Brexit, he maintains his overall disgust with the political process and hope for a better future.
Show Notes
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