America is perhaps taking its "pumpkin spice" fixation a little far — though don't fall for that "pumpkin spice condom" hoax. But John Oliver thinks even a little bit is too much. His HBO show is taking the week off, but on Sunday night, Last Week Tonight released this web-only takedown of all things pumpkin spice, especially the thing we all think of first. Pumpkin spice lattes are "the coffee that tastes like a candle," Oliver says — and not like a candle smells, but "like a candle tastes."
Oliver then gets philosophical about the appeal of the pumpkin-related flavor: "We tolerate pumpkin spice because we like the fall." But, he adds, "just about anything that reminds us of autumn is a better flavor than pumpkin spice." I can get behind his comparison of pumpkin spice lattes to "eggnog for morning people," and even his admonition to drink regular coffee instead. But he goes too far when he casts aspersions on pumpkin pie. Sorry, Oliver: No comedian from the land of a thousand "puddings" has the right to criticize America's Thanksgiving lily-gilder. --Peter Weber
The Week
Escape your echo chamber. Get the facts behind the news, plus analysis from multiple perspectives.
Sign up for The Week's Free Newsletters
From our morning news briefing to a weekly Good News Newsletter, get the best of The Week delivered directly to your inbox.
From our morning news briefing to a weekly Good News Newsletter, get the best of The Week delivered directly to your inbox.
-
Why Britain is struggling to stop the ransomware cyberattacksThe Explainer New business models have greatly lowered barriers to entry for criminal hackers
-
Greene’s rebellion: a Maga hardliner turns against TrumpIn the Spotlight The Georgia congresswoman’s independent streak has ‘not gone unnoticed’ by the president
-
Crossword: October 26, 2025The Week's daily crossword puzzle
-
Nobody seems surprised Wagner's Prigozhin died under suspicious circumstancesSpeed Read
-
Western mountain climbers allegedly left Pakistani porter to die on K2Speed Read
-
'Circular saw blades' divide controversial Rio Grande buoys installed by Texas governorSpeed Read
-
Los Angeles city workers stage 1-day walkout over labor conditionsSpeed Read
-
Mega Millions jackpot climbs to an estimated $1.55 billionSpeed Read
-
Bangladesh dealing with worst dengue fever outbreak on recordSpeed Read
-
Glacial outburst flooding in Juneau destroys homesSpeed Read
-
Scotland seeking 'monster hunters' to search for fabled Loch Ness creatureSpeed Read
