John Oliver, the renowned host of HBO’s ‘Last Week Tonight,’ is known for his deep dives into news and cultural phenomena. From exploring the size of Donald Trump’s hands to revealing Chuck E. Cheese’s pandemic side hustle, and even setting up a fake church for tax benefits, Oliver has been unveiling unconventional topics for nearly a decade. Now, he’s bringing his unique perspective to live audiences.
Starting July 23 and running through August 28, the 17-time Emmy winner is embarking on his ‘John Oliver Live Tour’ across the U.S. This includes three consecutive performances with fellow talk show host Seth Meyers at New York City’s Beacon Theatre on August 17, 18, and 19.
As of now, tickets for all 11 upcoming shows are available. For those planning to attend in NYC, ticket prices begin at $99 before fees on Vivid Seats. For fans outside of The Big Apple, tickets can be found for as low as $32 before fees.
John Oliver 2023 Stand Up Comedy Tour
For those interested in learning more about the tour, we’ve compiled all the necessary details below. Please note that all prices are subject to fluctuation.
| July 23 at the Bellco Theatre in Denver, CO | $89 |
| July 24 at the Arizona Financial Theatre in Phoenix, AZ | $32 |
| Aug. 6 at the Fox Theatre in Atlanta, GA | $94 |
| Aug. 7 at the Hippodrome Performing Arts Center in Baltimore, MD | $95 |
| Aug. 17 at the Beacon Theatre in New York, NY with Seth Meyers |
$136 |
| Aug. 18 at the Beacon Theatre in New York, NY with Seth Meyers |
$134 |
| Aug. 19 at the Beacon Theatre in New York, NY with Seth Meyers |
$99 |
| Aug. 20 at the Bass Concert Hall in Austin, TX at 5 p.m. | $109 |
| Aug. 20 at the Bass Concert Hall in Austin, TX at 8 p.m. | $111 |
| Aug. 27 at the MGM Music Hall at Fenway in Boston, MA | $129 |
| Aug. 28 at the MGM Music Hall at Fenway in Boston, MA | $111 |
A Look Back at John Oliver’s Career
Before his rise to fame as a political commentator, Oliver was known for his witty and insightful stand-up specials that left audiences in stitches.
One of Oliver’s most notable stand-up specials is “John Oliver: Terrifying Times,” which aired on Comedy Central in 2008. The special showcased Oliver’s unique brand of humor, blending political satire with personal anecdotes. He tackled topics ranging from the American political climate to his experiences as a British immigrant in the U.S. Oliver’s sharp wit and insightful commentary on the absurdities of everyday life made “Terrifying Times” a hit with audiences and critics alike.
In 2010, Oliver returned to the stand-up stage with “John Oliver’s New York Stand-Up Show.” This series, which ran for four seasons, featured Oliver as the host and included performances from a variety of up-and-coming comedians. Oliver’s segments were a highlight of the show, as he continued to explore topics like American politics, British history, and his own personal experiences with his signature blend of humor and insight.
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Oliver’s next stand-up special, “John Oliver: Stand-Up,” premiered on Comedy Central in 2013. In this special, Oliver delved into a wide range of topics, including gun control, global politics, and his experiences living in New York City. His ability to make complex issues accessible and humorous was on full display, and the special was well-received by audiences.
Despite his success in stand-up comedy, Oliver’s career took a turn towards political commentary when he joined “The Daily Show with Jon Stewart” as a correspondent in 2006. His segments on the show were marked by the same sharp wit and insightful commentary that defined his stand-up specials. In 2013, Oliver stepped in as host of “The Daily Show” while Jon Stewart was on hiatus, a stint that was so successful it led to Oliver being offered his own show on HBO.
“Last Week Tonight with John Oliver,” which premiered in 2014, has become a critical and commercial success. The show features Oliver’s in-depth analysis of current events, presented with his trademark humor. Despite the shift in format, Oliver’s stand-up roots are evident in his delivery and comedic timing.
While Oliver’s focus has shifted from stand-up to political commentary, his impact on the comedy world remains significant. His stand-up specials showcase his ability to dissect complex issues with humor and wit, making them accessible and entertaining for audiences. These performances laid the groundwork for his current success and continue to influence his work on “Last Week Tonight.”
