John Oliver improves history by peppering it with incredibly elaborate and totally ridiculous lies

Oliver's pants are on fire

Published August 31, 2015 1:30PM (EDT)

  (HBO)
(HBO)

John Oliver may be off until Sept. 13, but in classic "Last Week Tonight" fashion, the host -- who likely couldn't bear the thought of a "truth bomb-less" Monday -- uploaded a mini web exclusive to his show's YouTube channel. This week, his topic of choice was "History Lies."

The "Last Week Tonight" host used the segment to share a few of his favorite lies from his forthcoming book "Stranger Than Lies: John Oliver's 101 Favorite History Lies." (Jk that's a lie, too. There is no book.)

Oliver admits to drawing inspiration from Liar-in-residence Dr. Oz.

“There is absolutely nothing more fun than lying confidently about history,” Oliver said in the segment. “Lying is incredibly fun. In fact, the only thing that feels better than lying to someone is lying to someone, then regaining their trust, and then lying to them again.”

Watch the clip courtesy of HBO below:


By Colin Gorenstein

Colin Gorenstein is Salon's assistant editor of internet and viral content. Follow @colingorenstein or email cgorenstein@salon.com.

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John Oliver Last Week Tonight Video