Last Week Tonight with John Oliver Season 6 Episode 5 March 17, 2019

In the fifth episode of the sixth season of Last Week Tonight with John Oliver, which aired on March 17, 2019, John Oliver tackled a range of topics, as is his style. The episode kicked off with a segment on the ongoing issue of Brexit. Oliver examined the various possible outcomes, including a hard Brexit and a soft Brexit, and stressed the importance of understanding the complexities of the issue.

Oliver then turned his attention to the growing issue of gene editing, which has the potential to be both a boon and a menace to humanity. He examined the current state of gene editing research, including the CRISPR-Cas9 technique, and looked at how it could be used to cure diseases and even prevent some birth defects. However, he also explored the ethical concerns surrounding the use of gene editing and the potential for its misuse for eugenics.

The next segment saw Oliver focus on the state of the U.S. housing market, which he argued is in a state of crisis. He examined the factors contributing to the problem, including a shortage of affordable housing and the predatory practices of the real estate industry.

The final segment of the episode touched on the issue of censorship in China, particularly as it relates to the entertainment industry. Oliver examined the constraints faced by filmmakers and performers in China, including the censorship of American movies and the banning of certain music genres. He also looked at the controversy surrounding the NBA's relationship with China and the league's response to the issue of free speech.

Throughout the episode, Oliver brought his signature wit and irreverence to each of the topics he covered, providing a mix of informative analysis and entertaining commentary. As always, he ended on a high note, with a humorous and unexpected musical performance that perfectly encapsulated the spirit of the show.