{
  "id": 13978317,
  "title": "John Oliver Jokes He Uses ‘Last Week Tonight’ Studio for a Side Gig During the Week to Get ‘Ahead of Any Paramount Budget Cuts’",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/10/12/john-oliver-jokes-he-uses-last-week-tonight-studio-for-a-side-gig",
  "topic": "culture",
  "section": "Culture",
  "published": "2026-10-12T14:16:43.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "TheWrap",
    "slug": "thewrap",
    "url": "https://www.thewrap.com/creative-content/tv-shows/john-oliver-getting-ahead-paramount-budget-cuts/"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "In the latest episode of \"Last Week Tonight,\" John Oliver joked about using his show's studio as a side gig to stay ahead of potential budget cuts following the Paramount-Warner Bros. Discovery merger. During his segment on generic drugs, Oliver highlighted the issue of drugs produced overseas failing safety inspections. He pointed out that when given advance warning, these plants usually pass inspections, suggesting they clean up before an inspection. Oliver humorously stated, \"The only reason this studio is so clean is because I knew you were all coming here today. Otherwise, this place would be a complete pig sty!\" This comment was made to illustrate his point about the efficacy of surprise inspections. With the merger, Paramount Warner is expected to carry $80 billion in debt, and the company needs to figure out how to reduce this debt. John Oliver's deal with HBO was extended in July, and he is set to continue with the show until at least the end of 2027.",
  "summary": "Unfortunately, it's a pretty gross side hustle The post John Oliver Jokes He Uses ‘Last Week Tonight’ Studio for a Side Gig During the Week to Get ‘Ahead of Any Paramount Budget Cuts’ appeared first on TheWrap .",
  "key_points": [],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 1,
    "also_reported_by": []
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}