John Oliver Returns to ‘The Daily Show’ as Monarchy Looms

NEW YORK, N.Y. — John Oliver made a surprise appearance on ‘The Daily Show‘ Monday night, reuniting with former host Jon Stewart to comment on America’s perceived drift toward monarchy.

His comeback marked a decade since he last appeared as a correspondent on the show, during a tumultuous political climate sparked by recent actions from former President Donald Trump. “I am here to gloat,” Oliver stated. “America had its little fun, experimenting with democracy. You fought so hard to get away from us, acting up, throwing all that tea into the harbor, you still owe us for that.”

Stewart, highlighting the political reality, said, “It looks like we’re becoming less like the constitutional republic it’s been for 250 years and more like the monarchy that we all fought to escape from.” Oliver responded with sarcasm, “Let me be the first to welcome America to its monarchy era. Congratulations everyone, you can take your place in the pantheon of great empires alongside the British, the Roman, the Klingon, Wakanda.”

The pair’s banter reflected on America’s historical ties with Britain and questioned the direction of U.S. governance. Stewart urged caution against fully embracing monarchical power, suggesting, “Don’t fight being a monarchy, embrace it. Kings get things done.”

Oliver countered by noting historical consequences of British imperialism, asserting that despite America’s denials, it has been acting like an empire through various actions including military interventions and economic policies.

“For a country that doesn’t want to be an empire, you’re doing a pretty good impression right now,” he quipped, referencing proposals to turn Gaza into a beachfront casino. “Even King George would have been like, ‘I don’t know, feels like the situation is a bit more complicated than that.’”

Recognizing the irony, Stewart eventually conceded, “We really have become our father.”

Oliver’s past as senior British correspondent for ‘The Daily Show’ from 2006 to 2013 adds context to his remarks. After leaving, he launched ‘Last Week Tonight with John Oliver’ on HBO, which is now in its 12th season. He previously returned to ‘The Daily Show’ for a segment with Ronny Chieng in November 2023, discussing satire and social issues.

This latest reunion prompted laughter and contemplation among viewers about the state of American democracy and governance amidst a landscape of populist leadership.