Explained backdrop
Documentary

The Best Episodes of Explained Season 1

Every episode of Explained Season 1 ranked from best to worst. Discover the Best Episodes of Explained Season 1!

Binge this in 5h 47m•Peaking at 8.2/10

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

Airs on
Netflix
BestEpisodes
WorstEpisodes
BestSeasons
AllEpisodes

Seasons3

All123

Episode Rankings

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

    #1 - 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

    Be the first to start the conversation for this episode

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

    #2 - 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

    Be the first to start the conversation for this episode

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

    #3 - 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

    Be the first to start the conversation for this episode

  4. Explained Season 1 Episode 4 - K-Pop
    6.6/10(454 votes)

    #4 - K-Pop

    S1:E4

    Elaborate music videos, adoring fans, killer choreography. Learn about the global music phenomenon from South Korea that goes beyond "Gangnam Style."

    Director:Unknown
    Writer:Unknown

    Be the first to start the conversation for this episode

  5. Explained Season 1 Episode 5 - Cryptocurrency
    7.0/10(485 votes)

    #5 - Cryptocurrency

    S1:E5

    Cryptocurrency has made people billionaires, but is digital cash the next revolution? Learn about this anonymous currency and how it's coveted.

    Director:Unknown
    Writer:Unknown

    Be the first to start the conversation for this episode

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

    #6 - 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

    Be the first to start the conversation for this episode

    7. Trending NowTRENDING NOW

    The 20 BEST Episodes of Explained

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

    #7 - 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

    Be the first to start the conversation for this episode

  8. Explained Season 1 Episode 8 - eSports
    7.0/10(404 votes)

    #8 - eSports

    S1:E8

    Is fake violence a sport? Fans, shoutcasters, and eSports icons break down today's video games and the explosive popularity of competitive gaming.

    Director:Unknown
    Writer:Unknown

    Be the first to start the conversation for this episode

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

    #9 - 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

    Be the first to start the conversation for this episode

  10. Explained Season 1 Episode 10 - !
    7.1/10(392 votes)

    #10 - !

    S1:E10

    Do we overuse exclamation points!? Linguists and copy editors look at how the punctuation has adapted across history, literature and internet-speak.

    Director:Unknown
    Writer:Unknown

    Be the first to start the conversation for this episode

  11. Explained Season 1 Episode 11 - Cricket
    7.0/10(377 votes)

    #11 - Cricket

    S1:E11

    Cricket experts look at how the confusing sport became so popular and discuss its evolution in becoming more accessible entertaining and profitable.

    Director:Unknown
    Writer:Unknown

    Be the first to start the conversation for this episode

  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

    Be the first to start the conversation for this episode

  13. Explained Season 1 Episode 13 - Tattoo
    6.9/10(392 votes)

    #13 - Tattoo

    S1:E13

    They've been used to command respect, punish criminals and mark achievements. Tattooists speak about the origins of tattoo traditions and rituals.

    Director:Unknown
    Writer:Unknown

    Be the first to start the conversation for this episode

  14. Explained Season 1 Episode 14 - Astrology
    6.6/10(435 votes)

    #14 - Astrology

    S1:E14

    Do zodiac signs prescribe your fate? Or do horoscopes' accuracy lie in the placebo effect? Take a look at the science, history and lure of astrology.

    Director:Unknown
    Writer:Unknown

    Be the first to start the conversation for this episode

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

    #15 - 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

    Be the first to start the conversation for this episode

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

    #16 - 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

    Be the first to start the conversation for this episode

  17. Explained Season 1 Episode 17 - Political Correctness
    7.0/10(439 votes)

    #17 - Political Correctness

    S1:E17

    Political correctness can sometimes feel like a tug-of-war between inclusivity and free speech. Experts discuss the concepts behind the fraught term.

    Director:Unknown
    Writer:Unknown

    Be the first to start the conversation for this episode

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

    #18 - 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

    Be the first to start the conversation for this episode

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

    #19 - 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

    Be the first to start the conversation for this episode

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

    #20 - 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

    Be the first to start the conversation for this episode

Season 1 Ratings Summary

"The Racial Wealth Gap" is the best rated episode of "Explained" season 1. It scored 7.4/10 based on 617 votes. Directed by Unknown and written by Unknown, it aired on 5/23/2018. This episode is rated 0.3 points higher than the second-best, "Designer DNA".