Conversing with the Catatonic: An Analysis of Humor and Hostility, Education and Mobilization in Last Week Tonight with John Oliver

Graduate Thesis Or Dissertation

Citations

Citeable URL: https://scholar.colorado.edu/concern/graduate_thesis_or_dissertations/nc580m99d

Abstract

This thesis examines the six most popular episodes from season one and season two of the HBO program Last Week Tonight with John Oliver. Discourse analysis reveals Last Week Tonight blends different communicative forms and models, namely revolutionary journalism, public journalism and infotainment media. This results in a new form of media, which this thesis terms catalytic media. Catalytic media aim to incite public reactions and encourage citizen engagement in the public sphere. Oliver asks audiences to think about sociopolitical issues, start discussions and challenge ideological, corporate and political forces. Ultimately, he asks the millions of people watching his show to embrace their power and obligations as citizens in a democratic society. Findings reveal that millions of people respond to this challenge. Last Week Tonight sparks a variety of social, civic and political reactions from audience members. In contemporary society, young people engage less and less with traditional forms of politics and media. This study reveals an interesting trend about the ways sociopolitical knowledge is generated, dispersed and consumed. It also examines what these new habits mean for the contemporary political environment.

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