Emmy Speech: John Oliver's Dog, ABC Swear
The 75th Emmy Awards were filled with memorable moments, but one that stood out was John Oliver's acceptance speech for Outstanding Variety Talk Series. While accepting the award for his show, "Last Week Tonight with John Oliver," Oliver delivered a hilarious and unexpected anecdote about his dog.
"A Dog's Life"
During his speech, Oliver shared that his dog, a Labrador Retriever named Gus, had recently experienced a "devastating" incident. "Gus, my dog, had his favorite toy, a squeaky tennis ball, taken from him," he said. This seemingly mundane detail was delivered with such seriousness and sincerity that it had the audience in stitches.
Oliver then went on to explain that Gus's distress led to him, in a moment of desperation, resorting to a "terrible act of betrayal." Oliver revealed that Gus had gone into the backyard and "eaten my wife's shoe." The crowd erupted in laughter as Oliver, with a straight face, detailed the events leading to Gus's shoe-munching rampage.
ABC's Uncensored Approach
The comedic timing of Oliver's anecdote wasn't the only thing that made the speech memorable. The speech also highlighted a shift in broadcast television's approach to language. Notably, ABC, the network broadcasting the awards ceremony, allowed Oliver to use the word "shit" in his speech, marking a departure from previous practices.
While not a new phenomenon, the increasing acceptance of stronger language on broadcast television has led to a noticeable change in how awards ceremonies and other live events are presented. The inclusion of "shit" in Oliver's speech, which was clearly intentional, further cemented this trend.
The Impact of Oliver's Speech
Beyond the laughter, Oliver's speech served as a testament to the power of humor and self-deprecation. It demonstrated that even the most serious events can be punctuated with lightheartedness, making them more relatable and entertaining. Additionally, the speech highlighted the changing landscape of broadcast television, suggesting that a more relaxed approach to language may be the new normal.
Overall, John Oliver's Emmy speech, with its unexpected dog tale and uncensored language, was a reminder that even in the realm of awards ceremonies, humor and authenticity can be powerful tools.
