John Oliver Returns to ‘Last Week Tonight’ with Olympics Drama and ICE Criticism

John Oliver marked his return to Last Week Tonight on February 9, 2026, after a three-month hiatus, tackling a range of topics from the 2026 Winter Olympics to the ongoing issues surrounding U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE). The episode also touched on the evolving media landscape and Oliver’s own uncertain future with Warner Bros. Discovery and potential streaming platforms.

Olympics Controversy and the Riyadh Comedy Festival

Oliver began the episode by addressing drama unfolding at the 2026 Winter Olympics, specifically concerning biathletes. He then transitioned to a critique of the Riyadh Comedy Festival in Saudi Arabia, highlighting concerns about “sportswashing” – the practice of using entertainment events to deflect from human rights abuses. Several prominent comedians, including Aziz Ansari, Whitney Cummings, Pete Davidson and Dave Chappelle, faced criticism for participating in the festival.

ICE Crackdowns and Post-9/11 Policies

A significant portion of the episode focused on the impact of ICE crackdowns and killings, tracing their roots back to the creation of the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) following the September 11th attacks. Oliver drew parallels between the agency’s rapid growth and frequent leadership changes with his own experience navigating the shifting ownership landscape at Warner Bros. Discovery.

Media Landscape and Streaming Wars

Oliver humorously addressed the ongoing consolidation in the media industry, referencing potential acquisitions of Warner Bros. Discovery by Paramount or Netflix. He joked about the uncertainty, comparing the situation to the movie Mamma Mia!, but “less fun and way less sexy.” He also playfully criticized Netflix’s content catalog and the color grading in the final season of Stranger Things.

Awful Bunny and Language Accessibility at ICE

The host also commented on Bad Bunny’s halftime show performance, using it as a springboard to discuss the impact of ICE’s expansion on worker standards. He pointed out that the agency had made Spanish-language lessons optional for agents, which he lamented would prevent them from fully appreciating Bad Bunny’s music, noting its “rich text” filled with political commentary and cultural references.

Calls for ICE Abolition

Oliver concluded with a strong call for the abolition of ICE, stating that public trust in the agency was at a low point. He suggested that immigration law enforcement could be handled by agencies that existed prior to the creation of DHS in 2003.