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The Best Episodes of Explained

Every episode of Explained ranked from best to worst. Let's dive into the Best Episodes of Explained!

Binge this in 14h 40m•Peaking at 8.5/10

This documentary series, made in partnership with Vox, explain some of the world's current trends, from politics, to science to pop culture.

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Episode Rankings

  1. #1 Fan Favorite
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    Explained Season 2 Episode 7 - The Next Pandemic
    8.5/10(571 votes)

    #1 - The Next Pandemic

    S2:E7

    If you're not worried about a looming global pandemic, you probably should be. Are we prepared for an outbreak? Bill Gates and other experts weigh in.

    Director:Unknown
    Writer:Unknown

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  2. Explained Season 1 Episode 19 - The World's Water Crisis
    8.2/10(517 votes)

    #2 - The World's Water Crisis

    S1:E19

    The global water crisis is at an inflection point. How do we price our most valuable resource, while also ensuring access to it as a human right?

    Director:Unknown
    Writer:Unknown

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  3. Explained Season 2 Episode 3 - Animal Intelligence
    8.0/10(391 votes)

    #3 - Animal Intelligence

    S2:E3

    What goes on inside an animal's mind? Figuring out how they think and feel might just be the key to understanding our own place in the world.

    Director:Unknown
    Writer:Unknown

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  4. Explained Season 2 Episode 8 - The Future of Meat
    8.0/10(380 votes)

    #4 - The Future of Meat

    S2:E8

    The planet's current rate of meat consumption is unprecedented -- and becoming unsustainable. In the future, will meat alternatives be the answer?

    Director:Unknown
    Writer:Unknown

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  5. Explained Season 2 Episode 2 - Billionaires
    7.9/10(425 votes)

    #5 - Billionaires

    S2:E2

    There are more billionaires than ever. But how does this vast accumulation of wealth affect the world? Mark Cuban and Bernie Sanders offer insights.

    Director:Unknown
    Writer:Unknown

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  6. Explained Season 3 Episode 6 - Chess
    7.8/10(241 votes)

    #6 - Chess

    S3:E6

    For centuries, chess has captured hearts and minds — and pawns — and it's more popular than ever. What makes this ever-changing board game so special?

    Director:Unknown
    Writer:Unknown

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    7. Trending NowTRENDING NOW

    The 20 WORST Episodes of Explained

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  7. Explained Season 3 Episode 12 - Time
    7.8/10(218 votes)

    #7 - Time

    S3:E12

    Time flies… sometimes. Its passage can seem to speed up and slow down. Why do we experience time the way we do, and how do we take back some control?

    Director:Unknown
    Writer:Unknown

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  8. Explained Season 1 Episode 2 - Designer DNA
    7.7/10(523 votes)

    #8 - Designer DNA

    S1:E2

    Scientific feat or terrifying social experiment? Specialists in the field discuss the high stakes and ethical controversies of gene editing.

    Director:Unknown
    Writer:Unknown

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  9. Explained Season 3 Episode 4 - Dogs
    7.7/10(236 votes)

    #9 - Dogs

    S3:E4

    Who's a good dog? They all are! From puppy-dog eyes to feats of heroism, see how canines evolved into humankind's best friends and sources of pure love.

    Director:Unknown
    Writer:Unknown

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  10. Explained Season 1 Episode 15 - Can We Live Forever ?
    7.6/10(428 votes)

    #10 - Can We Live Forever ?

    S1:E15

    Can we uncover the secrets to extending the human lifespan? Experts discuss how developments in science -- even the French lilac -- hold some clues.

    Director:Unknown
    Writer:Unknown

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  11. Explained Season 2 Episode 1 - Cults
    7.6/10(415 votes)

    #11 - Cults

    S2:E1

    How do cults lure people in and exert control? Learn a cult’s telltale signs, and how loneliness and life online makes indoctrination easier than ever.

    Director:Unknown
    Writer:Unknown

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  12. Explained Season 1 Episode 12 - Weed
    7.5/10(429 votes)

    #12 - Weed

    S1:E12

    Marijuana experts discuss the rise of potent "sexually frustrated" cannabis plants, the quests for consistency in weed strains and the history of hemp.

    Director:Unknown
    Writer:Unknown

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  13. Explained Season 1 Episode 16 - The Female Orgasm
    7.5/10(528 votes)

    #13 - The Female Orgasm

    S1:E16

    The female orgasm is more elusive when a man is involved. Discover the reasons why and how women are embracing hands on solutions.

    Director:Unknown
    Writer:Unknown

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  14. Explained Season 2 Episode 5 - Coding
    7.5/10(373 votes)

    #14 - Coding

    S2:E5

    Computer code now controls how we live. But how did these programming languages evolve? And how can they be used to build a new and better world?

    Director:Unknown
    Writer:Unknown

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  15. Explained Season 1 Episode 1 - The Racial Wealth Gap
    7.4/10(617 votes)

    #15 - The Racial Wealth Gap

    S1:E1

    Cory Booker and others discuss how slavery, housing discrimination and centuries of inequality have compounded to create a racial wealth gap.

    Director:Unknown
    Writer:Unknown

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  16. Explained Season 1 Episode 9 - Extraterrestrial Life
    7.4/10(428 votes)

    #16 - Extraterrestrial Life

    S1:E9

    Despite decades of searching, we have yet to discover extraterrestrial life. Scientists discuss the reasons, including: Are aliens just too snobby?

    Director:Unknown
    Writer:Unknown

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  17. Explained Season 1 Episode 20 - Music
    7.4/10(527 votes)

    #17 - Music

    S1:E20

    When does sound become music? Why are humans so uniquely able to master musicality? Researchers talk rhythm, octaves and the magic of song and dance.

    Director:Unknown
    Writer:Unknown

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  18. Explained Season 2 Episode 10 - Diamonds
    7.4/10(351 votes)

    #18 - Diamonds

    S2:E10

    A diamond is forever. But why is that? Dig into how these mined pieces of carbon became both a status symbol and a sparkly sign of everlasting love.

    Director:Unknown
    Writer:Unknown

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  19. Explained Season 3 Episode 1 - Sugar
    7.4/10(270 votes)

    #19 - Sugar

    S3:E1

    Once crucial for survival, sugar now poses a health risk. Is there a way to satisfy our primeval craving for sweetness in a healthy, balanced way?

    Director:Unknown
    Writer:Unknown

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  20. Explained Season 3 Episode 5 - The End of Oil
    7.4/10(212 votes)

    #20 - The End of Oil

    S3:E5

    Oil led to huge advancements - and vast inequities. As the planet warms, why is it so hard to turn away from fossil fuels, and can it be done in time?

    Director:Emily Kassie
    Writer:Unknown

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  21. Explained Season 1 Episode 18 - Why Women Are Paid Less
    7.3/10(499 votes)

    #21 - Why Women Are Paid Less

    S1:E18

    Hillary Clinton and Anne-Marie Slaughter discuss the cultural norms at the center of the worldwide gender pay gap, including the "motherhood penalty."

    Director:Unknown
    Writer:Unknown

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  22. Explained Season 1 Episode 3 - Monogamy
    7.2/10(585 votes)

    #22 - Monogamy

    S1:E3

    What do biology, human history and the promiscuity of bonobos reveal about monogamy? Experts and everyday couples weigh in on shifting cultural norms.

    Director:Unknown
    Writer:Unknown

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  23. Explained Season 1 Episode 6 - Why Diets Fail
    7.2/10(465 votes)

    #23 - Why Diets Fail

    S1:E6

    Atkins. Paleo. Keto. Do any work in the long term? Experts look at marketing, food environments and genes to explain why diets are often unsuccessful.

    Director:Unknown
    Writer:Unknown

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  24. Explained Season 1 Episode 7 - The Stock Market
    7.2/10(458 votes)

    #24 - The Stock Market

    S1:E7

    Does the stock market accurately reflect the status of the economy? Finance specialists discuss market history, valuations and CEO incentives.

    Director:Unknown
    Writer:Unknown

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  25. Explained Season 3 Episode 7 - Your Skin
    7.2/10(205 votes)

    #25 - Your Skin

    S3:E7

    Don’t panic, but our skin plays host to trillions of bacteria, fungi, mites and other microscopic guests. Go beyond skin-deep with our largest organ.

    Director:Unknown
    Writer:Unknown

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Best Episodes Summary

"The Next Pandemic" is the best rated episode of "Explained". It scored 8.5/10 based on 571 votes. Directed by Unknown and written by Unknown, it aired on 11/7/2019. This episode scored 0.3 points higher than the second highest rated, "The World's Water Crisis".