I'm not aware of any other show that so seamlessly combines rip-roaringly funny comedy with essential insight into the way our society and system of government is deeply flawed. And on top of that, he even manages to direct action to fix the issues he draws attention to -- taking down the FCC website being one example[1]. [1] https://www.theguardian.com/technology/2014/jun/03/john-oliv...
It's a good show (he's funny and you learn stuff) but it's way too preachy. He gets just a little too excited about things that are basically impossible for anyone to get excited about. Clearly pandering to the young, left crowd. I'm sure it makes some people feel very warm at night but it gives me a bad taste in my mouth after binge watching.
That's his point. He does this deliberately so as to bring important subject to the front that would otherwise be ignored by his audience. Case in point, look what he did with net neutrality. The government got the message on that one ("I am not a dingo").
Honestly, his rant about Harper brought out enough apathetic voters that I think he may have swayed the last Canadian election. No Canadian outlet had put together the clips to show exactly how nuts harper had become in recent years. Those who otherwise didn't care about the parties were rallied to at least send him packing. That sort of realworld impact is something over and above what Stewart ever accomplished with his more populous approach.