Ep 16. Episode 75

In Episode 75 of Last Week Tonight with John Oliver season 3, John turns his attention to the notorious prison system in the United States. He begins by describing the drastic increase in incarceration rates over the past few decades, and how the prison system has become a giant industry in itself.

He then delves into the issue of private prisons. John explains how these prisons operate, and points out that they have a financial incentive to keep people incarcerated for as long as possible. He shows clips of politicians and corporate executives making arguments for the benefits of private prisons, but ultimately he concludes that the system is rife with problems.

Next, John moves on to the issue of prison conditions. He shows clips of news reports and documentaries with footage of conditions in overcrowded and understaffed prisons. He emphasizes the need for reform and the importance of rehabilitation programs, but notes that these efforts are often underfunded and underutilized.

John also devotes a significant portion of the episode to the issue of prison sentences for non-violent drug offenses. He points out that these sentences are disproportionately harsh, and often fall on racial minorities. He highlights the case of a woman who received a life sentence for a non-violent drug offense, and underscores the absurdity of such punishments.

As always, John manages to infuse humor into an otherwise heavy topic. He introduces a mascot for the prison industry, "Scampy the Incarceration Ape," and cracks jokes about the dubious practices of private prison companies. However, he never loses sight of the serious and pressing nature of the issues at hand.

John ends the episode by calling for a more humane and sensible approach to the prison system in America. He encourages viewers to get involved and support organizations working towards these goals. Despite the difficult subject matter, the episode is ultimately a powerful reminder of the importance of social justice and reform.