John Oliver is set to grace the small screen in a unique role on the iconic daytime television series Days of Our Lives. The presenter of Last Week Tonight will portray Devlin St. John, a chief water inspector in the fictional town of Salem, beginning from August 11 and continuing across three consecutive episodes.
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Oliver’s involvement has generated significant excitement, particularly as the Emmy-winning comedian has taken a distinctive approach to his character. He is donning a shaggy, dark wig, which he brought from his own wardrobe. This unique choice was further refined by the show’s hair and make-up team to ensure it was fit for television viewing. Oliver jokingly remarked about the wig, saying it was “writing checks that my regular hair can’t cash,” and humourously implied that it would help him embody the flamboyant spirit of daytime soap operas.
The process of integrating Oliver into Days of Our Lives was not without its challenges. Given that most of the episodes were already written and filmed in advance, the show’s executive producer, Ken Corday, explained that adjustments were necessary. The production team managed to “lift” scenes from pre-recorded episodes and “shoehorn” Oliver into the storyline, illustrating their commitment to making this guest appearance viable. Corday expressed that the decision to include Oliver was unmissable, stating, “He was too good to pass up.”
The guest appearance stems from Oliver’s earlier on-air plea during an episode of Last Week Tonight, where he expressed a desire to join a daytime television show. He laid out a few conditions for his participation, including a stipulation that he would not portray himself and that his character should bear a “ridiculous” name. With Devlin St. John, it seems the show’s executives have embraced this challenge wholeheartedly.
In addition to his anticipated role on Days of Our Lives, Oliver recently made a brief appearance on General Hospital, where he took on the role of a high-ranking official from the World Security Bureau named “Z.” Sporting jet-black hair and a sleek dark suit for that character, he even had the opportunity to fire a gun, further demonstrating his willingness to embrace the dramatic flair of daytime television.
Oliver’s excitement about these guest appearances is palpable. He described his involvement in the genre as a “dream come true,” highlighting the appeal and allure of daytime dramas that have captivated audiences for generations. His foray into this type of programming has generated considerable buzz, marking a blending of late-night satire with traditional soap opera theatrics.
Fans can catch Oliver in the episodes airing on August 11, 12, and 14, as they stream weekdays on Peacock. His presence in Days of Our Lives has certainly added an amusing twist to the long-standing series, appealing to both fans of the show and new viewers attracted by Oliver’s unique edge. The crossover into daytime television represents a remarkable chapter in Oliver’s career, reflecting his diverse talents beyond political commentary and satire.
John Oliver’s foray into daytime television is an intriguing blend of humour and theatricality, underscoring the adaptability of modern entertainment. As he prepares to captivate audiences once more, all eyes will be on Salem to see how this new character unfolds within the fabric of a beloved soap opera.