HBO is making a strategic move by withholding next-day clips of “Last Week Tonight With John Oliver” from its YouTube channel in an effort to drive more subscribers to its streaming platform, HBO Max.
With the Season 11 premiere of “Last Week Tonight” on Feb. 18, HBO opted to halt the practice of sharing main segments and other content from the show on YouTube the day after airing. This decision aims to encourage viewers to subscribe to HBO Max, which offers a range of exclusive content and benefits starting at $9.99 per month for the ad-supported plan.
John Oliver himself shared the news with fans via Twitter on Feb. 19, expressing disappointment over the change. “I know I usually share a link to our main story here on Mondays, but HBO has decided they’re going to wait until Thursday to post them to YouTube from now on,” Oliver explained. He urged fans to catch the show on HBO Max until the clips are eventually released on YouTube four days after the premiere.
An HBO representative confirmed the shift in strategy, emphasizing the network’s desire to drive viewership to HBO Max. Clips from “Last Week Tonight With John Oliver” will now be withheld from YouTube until four days after the initial airing on HBO and Max.
The decision comes as HBO continues to bolster its streaming platform, with “Last Week Tonight” serving as a key asset in attracting subscribers. Last December, HBO announced the renewal of the Emmy-winning show for three additional seasons, ensuring its presence on the network through 2026. John Oliver expressed his enthusiasm for the continued partnership, highlighting the show’s commitment to pushing the boundaries of entertainment.
“Last Week Tonight With John Oliver” airs Sunday nights on HBO at 11 p.m., offering viewers insightful commentary on current events and social issues. As HBO focuses on maximizing the value of its content through HBO Max, fans can expect to see more exclusive offerings and incentives to subscribe to the streaming service.
