It’s been a seriously long time since I posted a WTF Crush. I think it’s about time we break that dry spell, don’t you? After polling Facebook and finding that Chris Pratt decidedly does not belong in this category (sorry, I was thinking of chubby Andy from Parks and Rec not Guardians of the Galaxy‘s Star-Lord, OK?!), I’ve decided to go with one Mr. John Oliver.
For those of you new to this series, WTF Crush spotlights the (many) celebrity crushes I have that make my friends stop everything and look at me with scrunched up noses and furrowed brows that scream WTF?! I like to call myself out sometimes and tell you who they are… and then tell you exactly why I’m so right to crush on them.
So. Here’s why you should love John Oliver as much as I do…
photo via hitfix
He is brutally honest while being completely hilarious and endearing—not exactly an easy trifecta to pull off.
Usually when someone is brutally honest they come off as a bit of an asshole. If they don’t, there’s enough joking to make you unsure if what they’re saying is true. And if there’s undeniable brutal honesty plus humor, the person generally comes across as a passive aggressive jerk.
Somehow John Oliver manages to tell the honest truth while being funny and endearing all at once. As The New Yorker put it, he’s a “charming scold.” It’s a rare breed and it’s a highly attractive quality. Case in point:
He doesn’t take himself too seriously.
It should be no secret at this point that I’m into guys that don’t take themselves seriously. I mean, my entire list of WTF Crushes is made up of comedians who make fun of themsevles—except for a vice president thrown in there—and my husband wears Crocs with socks. Men who think they’re the shit just don’t do it for me.
Someone who launches a #mutuallysharedhumiliation campaign can’t possibly take himself very seriously.
He was on The Daily Show and Community.
Two of my favorites have one thing in common: John Oliver. I know that neither of these shows are everyone’s cup of tea—but they should be. Smart funny is the best kind of funny.
His HBO show Last Week Tonight doesn’t have to deal with advertisers so he can speak freely about anything he wants.
Unlike my beloved Daily Show, Last Week Tonight is on HBO which means Oliver can basically do whatever he wants. He can go after big companies without worrying about them pulling advertising. He can curse if he feels the need to (and he does). He more or less gets free rein—and the results are fantastic.
Lastly, I’d just like to point out that I’m not the only one who thinks he’s crush worthy.
photo via Tampa Bay Times
John Oliver has a hot wife. And she’s kind of amazing. An Army veteran who was a combat nurse and who now travels to disaster zones as a triage nurse, Kate Norley met Oliver at the 2008 Republican National Convention. He was there for The Daily Show, she was campaigning for Vets for Freedom and she helped hide him and the camera crew from security. Also, she thinks Jim Gaffigan is way funnier than he is. I think I might love her too.
Alright. Now is the time for you guys to weigh in. Are you with me? And if you’re not, I want to know who your WTF Crush is.
Hi! I'm Jen, a freelance writer and girl mom who loves reading the newest children’s books as much as I love a good psychological thriller. I believe fiercely in the power of kindness, empathy, and really good quality chocolate. When I'm not knee-deep in glittery crafts and girl talk, you can probably find me sprawled out on my couch in the middle of a Netflix marathon with dark chocolate smeared on my face. The struggle is real. 
I agree… He is soooo crush worthy. I have a crush on him too but it stems from none of the shows you mention above. Dont get me wrong he was awesome on The Daily Show and Last Week Tonight is awesome.. However, do you the his Podcast, The Bugle? Its awesome. I have been addicted for almost a year and I can only recommend taking time out to listen to the entire back catalog 🙂
I am with you! And those dimples. I also have a thing for Conan (long-running), Louis, and Seth! I actually have a thing for funny gingers – just add Nick Bakay & Bill Burr!
Yesssssss! Honestly, funny gets me every time. And these guys are good at what they do!
I thought that I was the only one! I fell in love with him on The Daily Show and I am (admittedly obsessed with him since he startedd Last Week Tonight.
He confirms that there are rational people in this country (he finally got his citizenship).
I don’t ever miss an episode and some of them are so freaking hilarious that I’ve watched them again on YouTube.
I am right there with you! I loved him on Community too. And every single episode of Last Week Tonight has me in a loud, untamable giggle fit. He is SO GOOD at breaking things down and pointing out the madness. Love, love, LOOOOOOVE him!