Why John Oliver Thinks 'RHOSLC' Is '1 of the Best TV Programs of Any Genre'

Television host John Oliver is an unapologetic The Real Housewives of Salt Lake City fan — and he’s not above emphatically telling you why.

“I think it’s one of the best TV programs in any genre on television, and it’s certainly one of the funniest,” Oliver, 48, exclusively told Us Weekly before hosting the Only Make Believe Gala on Monday, October 13. “Because they’re very funny. They are absolute monsters. They know exactly what they’re doing. They do it incredibly well.”

The comedian continued, “What they’re doing is not necessarily a net positive for humanity, but no one does it like them. They’ve advanced the form of the Housewives formula, and they will burn out like a comet. You can’t do it this well for this long and survive. One of them has already ended up in prison.”

Oliver was referring to RHOSLC star Jen Shah, who was sentenced to 78 months in prison for her role in running a nationwide telemarketing fraud scheme following her 2021 arrest and indictment.

“I’m not sure she’ll be the last,” Oliver continued of Shah and her fellow cast members. “And that’s why they’re so good at whatever it is they do.”

Of course, the Salt Lake City ladies are far from the only group of Housewives to experience very public legal problems. Most recently, The Real Housewives of Potomac star Wendy Osefo and her husband Eddie Osefo were indicted on insurance fraud, conspiracy insurance fraud and making a false statement to a police officer.

“Dr. Wendy Osefo and her husband, Edward Osefo, are back home safely with their family and in good spirits,” a rep for the couple told Us in a statement on October 9. “They are grateful for the outpouring of concern and support from friends, fans, and colleagues. The Osefos, alongside their legal team, look forward to their day in court. At this time, they respectfully ask for privacy as they focus on their family and the legal process ahead.”

Still, Oliver argued to Us that the series based out of Utah is by far the standout of the entire reality franchise.

“I mean, they’re committing crimes on camera,” Oliver explained to Us. “What more do you want them to do than what they’re doing? And their commitment to tearing each other apart is absolute. They’re very funny in ways that are sometimes deliberate and sometimes [in ways] they can’t control.”

He added, “Laugh for laugh, I don’t know if there’s a funnier show on TV, and I work for a comedy show.”

The Last Week Tonight host, who watches the show with his wife, Kate Norley, told US that his favorite “plot line” of the series isn’t really a plot line at all, but rather an undeniable ability of one particular cast member.

“It’s not so much a plot line, but Mary Cosby can destroy someone with very few words,” he explained.

As for whether or not the comedian is judged by his friends, family or peers for his obsession with the reality TV show, Oliver told Us he’s unbothered.

“I mean, most of my writers watch it as well, to be honest,” he said. “So I don’t feel judged by it. And again, I think if you’re going to try to judge me, I think I’m going to win the argument.”