Key Takeaways:
- Season 12 Finale: Last Week Tonight with John Oliver has officially concluded its twelfth season.
- Year-Long Hiatus: The show will not air new episodes throughout 2025, marking a significant break for the series.
- Confirmed Return: Fans can expect John Oliver to return to their screens for Season 13 in February 2026.
- Uncertain Future: The upcoming season marks the end of the current three-year deal between Oliver and HBO, leaving the show’s long-term future in question.
Fans of HBO’s satirical news show Last Week Tonight with John Oliver will have to wait longer than usual for its return. Following a quiet season 12 finale, it has been confirmed that the acclaimed series will take a year-long hiatus and will not air any new episodes in 2025.
When Will Last Week Tonight Return to HBO?
While the news of a full-year break may be disappointing for viewers, there is a silver lining. The show’s social media channels confirmed that Last Week Tonight is set to return for its thirteenth season in February 2026.
The announcement of the season 12 finale on November 16 was notably low-key, but the confirmation of a future return date assures fans that the break is temporary. While an exact premiere date in February 2026 has not yet been announced, knowing the show will be back provides some relief.
The Future of the Show Beyond 2026
The upcoming thirteenth season holds particular significance as it marks the final year of the current deal between John Oliver and HBO. The network signed a three-year extension with the host back in 2023, covering the show through its 2026 run.
After Season 13 concludes, HBO and Oliver will need to negotiate a new agreement to continue the series. Given the show’s critical acclaim and multiple Emmy wins, a renewal seems likely, but nothing is guaranteed.
A Shifting Late-Night Landscape
The uncertainty surrounding Last Week Tonight comes at a time of significant change in the late-night television landscape. With Stephen Colbert set to depart The Late Show in 2026 and other shows facing scheduling shifts, the entire genre is in a state of flux.
For now, viewers can rest assured that they have at least one more season of John Oliver’s insightful and hilarious deep dives into global and domestic issues. However, they’ll need to be patient, as the wait will extend through all of 2025.
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