johnoliverjunk.com
Here’s a breakdown of what we know so far about John Oliver’s Junk (via the website johnoliverjunk.com) — what it is, how it works, what to watch out for.
What is John Oliver’s Junk
This is an auction platform launched by comedian/host John Oliver (of the show Last Week Tonight) to sell a collection of items — props, oddities, memorabilia — tied to his show. The proceeds are earmarked for public-media causes. (AS USA)
Some specifics:
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The auction includes about 65 items. (CBS 8)
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Items range from very out-there (e.g., a cabbage “wife” sculpture, weird show props) to very high-end (an original painting by Bob Ross). (mint)
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The website is live and partially visible via the domain. Visiting the homepage currently prompts a message about disabling ad blockers. (johnoliverjunk.com)
Why it’s special / the purpose
The purpose is charitable and somewhat satirical/business-as-unusual at once. Key points:
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John Oliver used this to raise funds for public media — specifically the Public Media Bridge Fund, which supports local radio/TV stations that face cuts. (Variety)
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The timing is also politically framed: Part of the commentary is about federal funding cuts for public broadcasting (for example, mention of ~$1.1 billion being taken away from the Corporation for Public Broadcasting) and the effect on smaller stations. (mint)
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The concept leverages the built-up library of “weird props” and fan-interest around his show. It’s not a traditional charity sale. It has novelty and pop-culture elements. (AS USA)
What’s for sale
Here are some interesting items mentioned:
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A Bob Ross original painting titled “The Cabin at Sunset”. (AS USA)
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A jockstrap worn by actor Russell Crowe in the film Cinderella Man. (AS USA)
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The “cabbage ‘wife’” figure from an AI segment in the show — for example of how off-beat the inventory is. (AS USA)
So there’s a wide spectrum: some items will appeal to serious collectors, others might attract fans who just love the quirky angle.
Timeline & logistics
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The auction was announced on the show during an episode and is said to conclude on November 24, 2025. (Variety)
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Since the domain is live but showing some blocking messages (for ad-blockers or verification) there may be some limitations depending on region or browser settings.
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All proceeds going to the charity cause — though details of shipping, bids, who can participate (international, etc.) might require checking the fine print on the site.
Things to watch & questions to ask
Since this is a somewhat non-traditional auction, here are practical matters:
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Authenticity: For high-value items (e.g., original Bob Ross painting) ensure provenance is clearly documented.
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Shipping / location: If you’re outside U.S., check whether you can bid, whether shipping is available, and what costs or import duties might apply.
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Payment/bid rules: Are there minimum bids, reserve prices, payment terms?
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Charity transparency: How is the money routed to the Public Media Bridge Fund? Are there tax-deduction elements?
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Access for smaller bidders: Many items will likely go to high-end bidders; if you’re a casual fan maybe there are lower-value lots. One Reddit commenter noted:
“I wish they had some cheaper items for regular people to buy …” (Reddit)
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Website accessibility / region blocks: Some users reported “Human Verification Error” when accessing. (Reddit)
Pros / Cons summary
Pros
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Unique opportunity to own a piece of pop-culture memorabilia tied to a major show.
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It’s for a good cause: supporting public-media outlets that might otherwise struggle.
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The novelty means it may attract bidding and thus raise more funds.
Cons
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Many items may be high-priced or out of reach for average bidder.
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The quirky nature means the item’s value is speculative or driven by fandom rather than traditional art/collectible market.
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If you’re outside the main region (US) you may face shipping or participation hurdles.
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The website’s functionality (ad-block issues/verification) might make access tricky.
Key Takeaways
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John Oliver’s Junk is a charity auction launched by John Oliver to sell show memorabilia and quirks, with proceeds going to public-media support.
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The auction includes 65 assorted items, from serious to absurd, and runs through November 24, 2025.
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Important to check access (bidding rules, shipping, authenticity) especially if you’re a non-US bidder.
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While the cause is solid, bidding might be competitive and some items priced far above casual affordability.
FAQ
Q: Who’s organizing this auction?
A: It’s linked to John Oliver and his show. The auction is hosted via the domain johnoliverjunk.com.
Q: What is the cause for the auction’s proceeds?
A: The funds go to the Public Media Bridge Fund which supports local public‐media stations.
Q: Can anyone bid or only people in the U.S.?
A: The sources don’t clearly state international bid terms. If you’re outside U.S., you’ll want to check the fine print (shipping, duties, eligibility).
Q: What kinds of items are available?
A: A mix — e.g., original art (Bob Ross), props from the show (cabbage sculpture, jockstrap), oddities.
Q: Is the website working properly?
A: Some users report access issues, such as needing to disable ad-blockers or encountering verification messages.
Q: How long does the auction last?
A: Runs through November 24, 2025.
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