If you work on a comedy show, your basic form of communication is

Yes — that quote is correctly attributed to John Oliver, the British comedian, writer, and host of Last Week Tonight with John Oliver.

“If you work on a comedy show, your basic form of communication is teasing. That's generally how we speak to each other: you communicate the information between the lines of insulting sentences.”
— John Oliver

Context and Background

John Oliver made this statement in interviews discussing his work in comedy, particularly in the context of writing for a satirical news program. Known for his sharp wit and irreverent humor, Oliver reflects on how comedy writers and performers often communicate through teasing or insults. While these might sound harsh, the underlying message is often full of insight, critique, or information—something that viewers of shows like Last Week Tonight recognize as a trademark style.

Oliver’s quote emphasizes that humor often involves indirect communication, where the insults and teasing serve as vehicles for truth-telling and commentary on societal issues, rather than being purely about offending.

Interpretation

• “Your basic form of communication is teasing” — in a comedy environment, especially one built on satire, the way people interact often involves mocking or teasing as a form of humor.

• “You communicate the information between the lines of insulting sentences” — this suggests that while the language might seem insulting or harsh, it often carries a deeper meaning or valuable critique. The humor lies in the subtlety of the message conveyed beneath the surface.

Summary

John Oliver’s quote highlights how comedy and satire use teasing and insults as tools for indirect communication. In the world of comedy writing, particularly in a show like Last Week Tonight, humor doesn’t always have to be direct; it often involves subtlety and layers, where the true message is embedded in the mockery or sarcasm. This reflects how comedians use humor as a vehicle to convey deeper insights or critiques about society, politics, and culture.