What is John Oliver auctioning off?

John Oliver is auctioning off 65 quirky props from his show Last Week Tonight to raise funds for public broadcasting.

Why is John Oliver holding this auction?

Oliver is holding the auction to support public TV and radio stations that have been hit hard by massive federal funding cuts, with the goal of helping them stay afloat.

What kind of items can fans bid on at the "John Oliver's Junk" auction?

Fans can bid on a wide range of unusual items, including an original 1987 Bob Ross painting, Russell Crowe's jockstrap, and a gold-plated replica of President Lyndon B. Johnson's testicles.

Home / Arts and Entertainment / John Oliver's "Junk" Auction Raises Funds for Public Broadcasting

John Oliver's "Junk" Auction Raises Funds for Public Broadcasting

17 Nov

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Summary

Oliver auctioning 65 props from Last Week Tonight to support public TV and radio
Auction includes Bob Ross painting, Russell Crowe's jockstrap, and more
Funds will go to Public Media Bridge Fund to help local stations stay afloat

John Oliver's "Junk" Auction Raises Funds for Public Broadcasting

As 2025 comes to a close, John Oliver is taking a bold step to support public broadcasting. In his final episode of the year, the iconic host revealed plans for the "John Oliver's Junk" auction, where he will put up 65 of the show's wildest props for bidding.

The idea was inspired by the recent success of the Bob Ross estate, which sold three original paintings and raised $662,000 for public TV and radio. Oliver explained that this move comes after the Trump administration slashed $1.1 billion from the Corporation for Public Broadcasting, leaving smaller stations struggling to stay afloat.

Among the most eye-catching items in the auction is an original 1987 Bob Ross painting, "Cabin at Sunset," which had already reached $51,000 when the auction went live. Oliver also shared that his team has accumulated a trove of "weird artifacts" over the years, including Russell Crowe's jockstrap, a gold-plated replica of President Lyndon B. Johnson's testicles, and more.