Last Week Tonight with John Oliver Season 6 Episode 7 April 7, 2019

Last Week Tonight with John Oliver is a weekly political satire and news show that airs on HBO. In the sixth season's seventh episode, which is dated April 7, 2019, John Oliver covers a wide range of topics, including Brexit, the opioid epidemic, and the use of facial recognition technology.

In the opening segment, John discusses Brexit and its possible ramifications. He examines the various scenarios that could play out if Britain leaves the European Union without a deal, including the potential economic fallout. John uses biting humor and his typical flair for the dramatic to raise awareness about an issue that many Americans may not be following closely.

The show then shifts to the opioid epidemic, a topic that Last Week Tonight has covered in previous episodes. In this segment, John examines the role of Purdue Pharma, the company that produces OxyContin. He discusses how Purdue marketed the drug as a less addictive painkiller, leading to its widespread use and abuse. John also highlights the fact that many people who become addicted to OxyContin eventually turn to heroin, which is cheaper and easier to obtain.

The show's next segment turns to the use of facial recognition technology, which is becoming increasingly prevalent in our society. John discusses the potential benefits of this technology, such as catching criminals and finding missing persons. However, he also raises concerns about its potential misuse and the fact that it could be used to monitor people's movements without their knowledge or consent. John also discusses racial bias in facial recognition technology, pointing out that the algorithms used in these systems are often trained on predominantly white faces, leading to errors when identifying people with darker skin tones.

As usual, Last Week Tonight's final segment is devoted to a more lighthearted topic, in this case, the rise of "plant-based meat." John discusses the environmental benefits of meat alternatives, such as reducing greenhouse gas emissions and using less water. He also notes that more and more restaurants and fast-food chains are offering plant-based options, indicating a growing trend towards meat-free diets.

Throughout the episode, John combines humor, research, and commentary to give viewers an entertaining and informative look at some of today's most pressing issues. Whether he's discussing the future of the European Union or the ethics of facial recognition technology, John offers a unique perspective that engages and informs his audience.