During the latest episode of his HBO show Last Week Tonight, comedian John Oliver humorously criticized Apple TV+ and its lack of popular shows. The segment focused on the operations of Dollar Tree and Dollar General stores, but Oliver took the opportunity to playfully mock Apple TV+ and its seemingly lackluster content.
Oliver shared TikTok videos featuring retail employees expressing their dissatisfaction with the work conditions at these dollar stores. One video highlighted a staffer who was asked to reopen a store soon after it had been robbed, which Oliver emphasized as a traumatic event requiring recovery time. He then cleverly delivered a punchline, comparing ignoring an armed robbery to ignoring a spam call, a broken light bulb, or any show on Apple TV+.
Expanding on his critique, Oliver questioned his viewers’ knowledge of Octavia Spencer’s role as a true crime podcaster on the Apple TV+ show called Truth Be Told. He assumed most viewers were unaware, stating, “Of course you didn’t. It’s Apple TV, where celebrities go to hide.” This comment brings attention to the perception that Apple TV+ lacks the popularity and cultural impact of other streaming services.
Although John Oliver’s comments primarily mocked Apple TV+, it is important to acknowledge that the platform does offer quality content. Take, for example, the show “Truth Be Told,” which Octavia Spencer starred in for three seasons. The legal crime drama, created by Nichelle Tramble Spellman based on the novel “Are You Sleeping” by Kathleen Barber, revolves around Spencer’s character, Poppy Parnell, a podcaster seeking the truth behind a famous case. The series boasts an impressive cast, including Aaron Paul, Lizzy Caplan, Elizabeth Perkins, Michael Beach, and many more.
Apple TV+ is Apple’s subscription streaming service that launched in 2019. Despite its star-studded lineup, including shows like “The Morning Show” with Jennifer Aniston and Reese Witherspoon, “See” with Jason Momoa, “Servant” with Lauren Ambrose, and “Defending Jacob” with Chris Evans and Michelle Dockery, Apple TV+ has not gained the same level of recognition as other streaming platforms. John Oliver’s playful criticism highlights this perception and questions the platform’s appeal to both viewers and celebrities.
While John Oliver’s critique may be lighthearted, it does raise a valid point about the importance of compelling content on streaming platforms. In an increasingly competitive market, streaming services must offer engaging shows that capture the attention of viewers. Apple TV+ has the potential to create remarkable content, as seen in “Truth Be Told” and other series. However, to truly compete with other major players in the industry, it needs to establish a more robust collection of popular, must-watch shows.
John Oliver’s jabs at Apple TV+ during his recent episode of Last Week Tonight brought attention to the perceived lack of standout shows on the streaming platform. Despite the presence of quality programs like “Truth Be Told,” Apple TV+ has not gained significant traction in the streaming market. Perhaps this humorous criticism will encourage the platform to focus on developing more compelling content to attract viewers and solidify its position in the industry.