HBO says 2 more seasons for John Oliver's "Last Week Tonight"

HBO says it has picked up John Oliver's "Last Week Tonight" for two more seasons, which puts to rest any thought that Oliver would return to Comedy Central to replace Jon Stewart as host of "The Daily Show."

Oliver just began the second season at HBO of his critically acclaimed comedy show. HBO said it has agreed to air 35 new episodes each in 2016 and 2017.

"We are incredibly proud to have John as part of the HBO family," Michael Lombardo, president of HBO programming, said Tuesday. "His unique ability to deliver socially significant commentary week after week, along with his innate comedic brilliance, puts John in a class by himself."

Oliver came to HBO's attention when he subbed for Stewart at "The Daily Show" during the summer of 2013. Stewart announced last week that he is leaving "The Daily Show" later this year. Comedy Central is said to be mulling a "short list" of potential replacements.