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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!

The Best Episodes of Explained

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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  1. 8.5/10(4 votes)

    #1 - The Next Pandemic

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    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.

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    Director:N/A
    Writer:N/A
  2. 8.5/10(4 votes)

    #2 - The Future of Meat

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    S2:E8

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

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    Director:N/A
    Writer:N/A
  3. 8.2/10(511 votes)

    #3 - The World's Water Crisis

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    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?

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    Director:N/A
    Writer:N/A
  4. 8.0/10(3 votes)

    #4 - Billionaires

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    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.

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    Director:N/A
    Writer:N/A
  5. 7.8/10(4 votes)

    #5 - Animal Intelligence

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    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.

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    Director:N/A
    Writer:N/A
  6. 7.8/10(234 votes)

    #6 - Chess

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    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?

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    Director:N/A
    Writer:N/A
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    The 20 WORST Episodes of Explained

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  8. 7.8/10(210 votes)

    #7 - Time

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    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?

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    Director:N/A
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  9. 7.7/10(518 votes)

    #8 - Designer DNA

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    S1:E2

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

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    Director:N/A
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  10. 7.7/10(227 votes)

    #9 - Dogs

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    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.

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    Director:N/A
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  11. 7.6/10(423 votes)

    #10 - Can We Live Forever ?

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    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.

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    Director:N/A
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  12. 7.5/10(423 votes)

    #11 - Weed

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    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.

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    Director:N/A
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  13. 7.5/10(521 votes)

    #12 - The Female Orgasm

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    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.

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    Director:N/A
    Writer:N/A
  14. 7.5/10(2 votes)

    #13 - Cults

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    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.

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    Director:N/A
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  15. 7.4/10(610 votes)

    #14 - The Racial Wealth Gap

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    S1:E1

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

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    Director:N/A
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  16. 7.4/10(422 votes)

    #15 - Extraterrestrial Life

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    S1:E9

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

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    Director:N/A
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  17. 7.4/10(521 votes)

    #16 - Music

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    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.

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    Director:N/A
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  18. 7.4/10(264 votes)

    #17 - Sugar

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    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?

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    Director:N/A
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  19. 7.4/10(205 votes)

    #18 - The End of Oil

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    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?

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    Director:Emily Kassie
    Writer:N/A
  20. 7.3/10(494 votes)

    #19 - Why Women Are Paid Less

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    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."

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    Director:N/A
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  21. 7.3/10(3 votes)

    #20 - Athleisure

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    S2:E4

    It began with bloomers. Then came spandex. Now we sport leggings and other activewear everywhere. How did comfy, casual clothing go mainstream?

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    Director:N/A
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  22. 7.3/10(3 votes)

    #21 - Coding

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    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?

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    Director:N/A
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  23. 7.3/10(3 votes)

    #22 - Diamonds

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    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.

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    Director:N/A
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  24. 7.2/10(577 votes)

    #23 - Monogamy

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    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.

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    Director:N/A
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  25. 7.2/10(458 votes)

    #24 - Why Diets Fail

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    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.

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    Director:N/A
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  26. 7.2/10(453 votes)

    #25 - The Stock Market

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    S1:E7

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

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    Director:N/A
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Best Episodes Summary

"The Next Pandemic" is the best rated episode of "Explained". It scored 8.5/10 based on 4 votes. Directed by N/A and written by N/A, it aired on 11/7/2019. This episode scored 0.0 points higher than the second highest rated, "The Future of Meat".