johnoliverjunk.com
What is JohnOliverJunk.com?
JohnOliverJunk.com is the official auction site tied to Last Week Tonight with John Oliver, the HBO late-night show hosted by John Oliver. The site was launched in late 2025 to house an online charity auction called John Oliver’s Junk — a direct fundraiser using items and props connected to the show.
Rather than being a commercial junk or storage site, this domain became notable because it’s where fans and collectors could bid on a curated catalog of weird, absurd, and historically-charged memorabilia from years of the show’s run. All of this is done for a specific nonprofit purpose.
If you try to visit the site directly today, you might see an ad blocker notification or landing page notice — it appears the auction pages are either behind a bidding platform or have already concluded, but there’s no strong evidence the domain hosts anything outside the event.
Why was John Oliver’s Junk created?
The auction and its corresponding site were introduced on Last Week Tonight as part of a segment about public media funding. According to news coverage, John Oliver used the show’s end-of-season finale to pivot into this fundraiser, explaining how federal cuts to public broadcasting put local stations at risk — and pitching this auction as a creative way to help.
Everything sold through JohnOliverJunk.com was intended to benefit the Public Media Bridge Fund, a nonprofit working to support local TV and radio stations that might otherwise struggle after funding cuts. Proceeds from bids went straight to that effort.
So the site wasn’t just about selling random things — it was a philanthropic initiative that tied together comedy, fandom, and charitable support.
What kinds of items were on auction?
The offerings on the site were eclectic, sometimes surreal, and often hilarious — exactly the sort of thing you’d expect from a comedy show with a decade of cultural bits behind it.
Here are some highlights:
- Original artwork like a Bob Ross painting created on-air, which became one of the highest-selling lots.
- Props or quirky artifacts featured in show segments, such as a jockstrap once associated with a stunt involving Russell Crowe.
- Absurd objects that were part of comedic bits — for example, a bidet signed by a heavy metal singer, mock sculptures, and other oddities.
- Fan experience packages, including VIP opportunities to meet John Oliver, attend a taping, or appear in a graphic in a future episode.
There were roughly 65 lots in total, ranging from genuinely collectable to gleefully bizarre.
How did the auction work?
The auction was hosted through a third-party bidding platform — in this case GiveSmart — and tied directly to the JohnOliverJunk.com domain. Bids could be placed on items, experiences, and memorabilia, and the entire process was structured as a fundraiser.
The bidding window was limited, typically running through a defined period (in 2025, it closed around Nov. 24). After that, the auction ended and winners were notified.
While the site itself may still exist as an archived or static page, the active bidding period was temporary, and the focus has since shifted back to the regular content and production cycle of Last Week Tonight.
Did it raise significant money?
Yes — by all accounts, the John Oliver’s Junk auction surpassed expectations.
According to news coverage and follow-ups, the auction raised over $1.5 million for the Public Media Bridge Fund. A large portion of that total came from bids on the most desirable lots, like the Bob Ross painting and other high-interest pieces.
Those proceeds were earmarked to help local public media stations, especially those facing budget shortfalls after federal funding reductions.
So the site wasn’t just a novelty; it was part of an effective fundraising mechanism backed by a media personality with a wide audience.
Was JohnOliverJunk.com controversial?
There’s no major controversy specifically about the domain itself. Some people online joked about the absurdity of the items up for bid or the unusual name of the site, but the broader response was positive, especially given the charitable angle.
Some commenters on social platforms noted the humor in the juxtaposition of weird memorabilia and actual funds raised for a serious cause. Others debated the effectiveness or symbolism of using comedy props in fundraising. But those were cultural reactions, not scandals tied to the website or auction operations.
Is the site still active?
At the moment, JohnOliverJunk.com doesn’t seem to be functioning as an ongoing marketplace or content hub. When accessed, most users see a placeholder page or prompts tied to the auction platform rather than a regularly updated site.
That may change if future auctions are planned, but as of early 2026, the site’s primary purpose — the 2025 charity auction — appears to have concluded.
Key Takeaways
- JohnOliverJunk.com was launched as a charity auction site connected to Last Week Tonight with John Oliver.
- The auction featured 65 items, from wacky props to fan experiences, all tied to the show’s history.
- Proceeds went to the Public Media Bridge Fund to support local public media stations.
- The event raised over $1.5 million, making it a successful blend of entertainment and fundraising.
- The site doesn’t currently host an active auction outside that event, and may serve as an archival or bid-platform landing page.
FAQ
What was John Oliver’s Junk?
It was a charity auction of props and memorabilia from Last Week Tonight, hosted on JohnOliverJunk.com.
Is the website still selling items?
No — the auction period ended, and the site now mainly shows a placeholder.
Who benefited from the auction?
Proceeds went to the Public Media Bridge Fund, aiding local public broadcasting stations.
What kinds of items were sold?
Items ranged from collectible artwork to bizarre props and fan experiences.
Can I still visit the site?
Yes, but it no longer functions as an active marketplace — it’s an archived auction page.
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