Everyone’s favorite British Daliy Show correspondent John Oliver is getting his own show, though tragically it’s not as good as it sounds: He’s hosting a six-episode stand-up series that includes him but also includes a bunch of other comedians. I kind of wish Oliver had a Colbert-style spin-off, but until that day comes — I’m holding out hope — I’ll settle for regular stand-up performances. Especially because I know the first episode includes this bit in which Oliver sings:
How do I know? Um, because I was at the taping for this show a few weeks ago. (And not as press! As a fan.) Oliver was terrific — though Nick Kroll had one of the best sets I’ve ever seen from anyone, ever — but I can’t help thinking that a strict stand-up series isn’t a full use of his talents. I’d love to see him with a week-in-review series, where he can do longer-form segments with more recurring bits than he does on TDS.
What would you cast John Oliver in, PopWatchers?
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I love this guy! I think he is solid enough to carry his own show as well…but until then put him back on Community more often!
I remember when Dane Cook did a stand up series a few years back. Essentially it was him carrying three of his comedy friends, none of which were particularly good ( and in retrospect neither was Cook). Here’s hoping the Oliver experience is a little more.. fruitful.
i would love to see him have his own show…he’s fantastic. he’s great in community too though, so maybe acting might be a better route for him.
if he did a week-in-review show, he has to have a ‘check in’ like stewart does with colbert. they have great chemistry together and it would be a shame to lose that.
Brits love R.Kelly I guess. I was just as amused when I heard Robert Pattinson singing Bump & Grind. And yes, now that we have a Twilight reference this blog has been officially approved by EW.
I am John Oliver’s hugest fan! I will watch him in anything (want proof? I sat through The Love Guru beginning to finish for him). I do want him to get his own show but at the same time I adore him on TDS. I can’t wait to see what happens w/ his project w/ Rory Albanese.
I’ve seen John’’s stand up act – it’s tremendous, and there’s always The Bugle podcast. yeah, I’d LOVE to see him do more
The Bugle is fantastic. The semi current events format allows him and Andy Zaltzman to put their impressive educational backgrounds to work by insulting the entire world. I hold out hope for The Bugle: The Movie but would settle for The Bugle: The Television Show.
Apparently I am Pop Culture Dyslexic (or something worse, perhaps), because when I first saw this post’s headline, I swear I saw “Olivia Newton John’s stand-up series.” And I got REALLY confused.