The season addressed urgent social debates, such as Critical Race Theory (Episode 1), Sex Work (Episode 2), and Transgender Rights II (Episode 26), which revisited the topic six years after its first major segment.
HBO's 'Last Week Tonight with John Oliver': A Season 9 Retrospective
The ninth season was characterized by its deep dives into topics often overlooked by standard news cycles, grouped into several major themes:
Season 9 maintained the show’s high critical standard, with reviewers praising its ability to "bet on the audience's intelligence". While some critiques noted a predictable format, the show's research-heavy approach remained a hallmark of the season.
International coverage included segments on the Philippines Election (Episode 10), the withdrawal from Afghanistan (Episode 20), and a critical look at the Qatar World Cup (Episode 30) regarding human rights violations. Critical Reception and Awards
Oliver investigated the hidden costs of everyday life, highlighting the business models of Electric Utilities (Episode 11), the rise of Data Brokers (Episode 7), and the affordability crisis in Rent (Episode 15).