The HBO program, hosted by John Oliver, has been removed from talk show consideration following a recent change in the Critics Choice Association's (CCA) rules.
- Dec 5, 2024
AceShowbiz - "Last Week Tonight with John Oliver" has been withdrawn from Critics Choice Awards consideration after the organization's TV nominating committee decided that only shows "involving conversation" will be eligible for the best talk show honor.
The move came after the Television Academy split its best variety talk series category into two in 2023: best talk series and best scripted variety series. Best talk series included shows like "The Daily Show" and "Jimmy Kimmel Live!", while best scripted variety series included shows like "Last Week Tonight" and "Saturday Night Live".
However, the CCA only implemented half of the TV Academy's changes, narrowing the eligibility for best talk show but not creating a new category for ineligible shows. This left "Last Week Tonight" in a no man's land.
Sources close to the situation were reportedly frustrated that the eligibility change was not communicated in writing before the submission deadline. The only solution offered was to submit the show for best comedy series, which includes scripted programs like "The Bear" and "Abbott Elementary".
Instead, the producers of "Last Week Tonight" opted to withdraw the show from Critics Choice consideration altogether. Both HBO and the CCA declined to comment, but sources indicate that the CCA leadership is aware of the situation and will re-evaluate its categories before the next awards cycle.
