Ep 1. February 16, 2020

Last Week Tonight with John Oliver is a weekly late-night satirical news program on HBO's comedy television channel. The show provides a comedic take on current events and politics, often highlighting controversial issues and putting a spotlight on government failures and corporate greed.

In this first episode of season 7, which aired on February 16, 2020, John Oliver tackles a variety of topics, including the coronavirus outbreak, the Democratic primary race, and the state of India's Supreme Court.

Oliver begins the episode by discussing the coronavirus outbreak, which has become a global health crisis with over 73,000 confirmed cases and over 1,800 deaths as of February 16th. He provides a brief history of the virus, tracing it back to a live animal market in Wuhan, China, and explains how it has since spread to numerous countries around the world. Oliver also examines the various ways in which governments and media outlets have responded to the outbreak, including the Chinese government's attempts to control the narrative and the Trump administration's lack of preparedness.

Next, Oliver turns his attention to the Democratic primary race, which was heating up at the time of the episode's airing. He provides an overview of the remaining candidates, highlighting their strengths and weaknesses and assessing their chances of winning the nomination. From Bernie Sanders' progressive policies to Joe Biden's moderate approach, Oliver gives viewers a rundown of the race and encourages them to get engaged in the political process.

In the latter half of the episode, Oliver takes a closer look at India's Supreme Court, which has been garnering international attention for all the wrong reasons. He discusses the Court's handling of several high-profile cases, including the Ayodhya temple dispute and the detention of Kashmiri politicians and activists, and exposes the corrupt practices of many of its judges. Oliver also examines the broader implications of the Court's behavior, arguing that it threatens India's democratic institutions and the rule of law.

Throughout the episode, Oliver employs his signature brand of humor, using witty quips and tongue-in-cheek commentary to unpack complicated issues and highlight the absurdities of the world we live in. He also shines a light on the important work of journalists and activists, recognizing their tireless efforts to hold powerful individuals and institutions accountable.

Overall, the first episode of Last Week Tonight with John Oliver season 7 provides a sharp and insightful commentary on some of the most pressing issues of our time, from public health crises to political upheaval to judicial corruption. With his razor-sharp wit and incisive analysis, Oliver proves once again that he is one of the most important and entertaining voices in late-night television.