johnoliversjunk.com

What it is

JohnOliversJunk.com is an online auction platform set up by John Oliver and his show’s team. Their goal: to auction off a range of unusual, quirky items that have appeared on Last Week Tonight, and to direct all proceeds to support public media / public broadcasting efforts in the U.S. (Fast Company)
It’s not a standard “merch store” or celebrity‐auction; the items are odd props, studio leftovers, even a painting donated by Bob Ross’s estate. (Fast Company)

Why it’s happening

There are two intertwined motives:

  • Public media in America is facing serious financial pressure. According to the website’s messaging and news coverage, many local TV/radio stations rely on funding from the Corporation for Public Broadcasting (CPB) and other sources — and cuts threaten those stations. (Ark Valley Voice)

  • Instead of a traditional fundraiser, Oliver’s team decided to “use our own junk” — i.e., items from their show’s past — to raise money. That aligns with their brand: humorous, self-aware, slightly off‐kilter. For example: physical props, wax statues of presidents, oddities. (AS USA)

What is being auctioned

Here are some standout items (to illustrate the range):

  • A Bob Ross original painting titled “Cabin at Sunset”. This one reportedly has bids over $1 million in the early stages. (Ark Valley Voice)

  • “LBJ’s Balls” — a sculpture referencing a part of President Lyndon B. Johnson’s anatomy (yes, really) – odd, but aligned with the show’s humor. (indystar.com)

  • Wax replicas of U.S. presidents purchased by the show from an old museum. (Fast Company)

  • A trip to New York City to meet John Oliver (another “experience” item). (indystar.com)

How it works & timing

  • The auction is live through November 24, according to several sources. (AS USA)

  • Bidding happens via the website (JohnOliversJunk.com) — you browse lots, place bids. All items are “up for bid”.

  • Proceeds go to the Public Media Bridge Fund (which supports local public‐media outlets) and likely other beneficiaries of public broadcasting. (Fast Company)

Why it matters

  • It’s a novel fundraising model: rather than ask for donations, this flips things into “bid on weird celebrity props” and raise funds that way.

  • It draws attention to the fragility of public media funding in the U.S., using a high-profile media figure (John Oliver) and his show’s fan base.

  • Because the items are bizarre / memorable, they generate media coverage beyond typical fundraisers (which helps awareness). For example, media articles focus on the Bob Ross piece and the ludicrous “LBJ’s Balls” listing. (indystar.com)

Things to watch / take into account

  • Authenticity and provenance: When bidding high amounts (e.g., >$1 M for the Bob Ross painting), verifying provenance, condition, shipping, tax implications is key.

  • Bidding and end time: Since the auction runs to a specific date (Nov 24 in current reports), timing matters for participation.

  • Charitable tax deduction: Because proceeds go to public media, there may be tax benefits or records required. Buyers should check how that works.

  • Shipping / logistics for odd items: Some items (sculptures, large props) may have unique shipping/handling costs.

  • Expect weirdness: This isn’t a typical fine‐art auction (though that Bob Ross piece is close). Many items are intentionally offbeat. So if you bid, do so aware that value is speculative and “fun” plays a large role.

Key takeaways

  • JohnOliversJunk.com is the auction platform created by John Oliver / Last Week Tonight to sell props and memorabilia for charity (public media).

  • The auction includes highly unusual items — from a Bob Ross painting to wax presidents to experience items.

  • All proceeds go toward supporting public media organizations under strain.

  • It runs for a limited time (ends Nov 24) and works like a standard online auction.

  • It’s fun, a little weird, but also serious about raising money for a cause.

FAQ

Q: Who benefits from the auction?
A: Proceeds go to the Public Media Bridge Fund and will support local public broadcasting stations that rely on under-threat funding streams. (Fast Company)

Q: Can anyone bid?
A: Yes — it appears open to the public via the website, though depending on location, shipping, and regulatory issues bidders may want to check details.

Q: Are all items props from the show?
A: Many are props and memorable artifacts from the show’s history, but some are special donations (e.g., the Bob Ross painting) that elevate the auction beyond just “TV memorabilia.” (indystar.com)

Q: What’s the timeframe?
A: The auction is live now and runs until Nov 24 (per current coverage). After that, bidding closes and winners are notified. (AS USA)

Q: Why did John Oliver do this instead of direct donations?
A: The show had considered bidding themselves on a Bob Ross painting to flip for charity, but found the price outside budget. So they pivoted to using their own archive of odd items to raise money. (Fast Company)

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