John Oliver Honors Dog, Swears at ABC at Emmys
John Oliver, the sharp-tongued host of HBO's "Last Week Tonight with John Oliver," delivered a memorable acceptance speech at the 75th Primetime Emmy Awards on September 18, 2023, after winning Outstanding Writing for a Variety Series. In his speech, Oliver paid tribute to his dog, "a little guy called Biscuit," who recently passed away, and also took a subtle dig at ABC, the network that airs the Emmys.
Honoring Biscuit, the "Good Boy"
Oliver began his speech by acknowledging the award and thanking his team. However, he quickly shifted focus, expressing his sadness over the recent loss of Biscuit, who he described as "a little guy with big dreams and a bigger heart."
"I miss him very much," Oliver shared with the audience. "He was a good boy, even when he wasn't a boy anymore. He was a good boy."
Oliver's heartfelt tribute to his dog resonated with viewers and showcased his vulnerability and personal side. It provided a poignant moment of levity amid the usually formal award ceremony.
A Subtle Dig at ABC
Oliver then transitioned into a playful jab at ABC. He expressed his gratitude for the Emmys and his love for the show "Abbott Elementary," which had won several awards earlier in the night. However, he also acknowledged that he found the network's recent decision to cancel "The Wonder Years" "quite baffling."
"I just think it's strange," Oliver said, "because it's a show that's funny, it's smart, it's got a lot of heart... it's the opposite of everything I do."
This remark, delivered with Oliver's signature dry wit, was a clear commentary on ABC's programming choices and a subtle way of highlighting the strength of "The Wonder Years" while subtly contrasting it with his own work.
The Power of a Speech
Oliver's Emmy speech was a powerful reminder of the impact a few words can have. His genuine emotion in honoring Biscuit and his playful criticism of ABC resonated with viewers, showcasing his ability to balance humor and thoughtfulness.
This speech became a viral moment, sparking discussions on social media and reinforcing Oliver's reputation as a comedian who uses his platform to address important issues. It was a reminder of the power of speech to entertain, connect, and even subtly critique.
