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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!

The Best Episodes of Explained Season 1

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

Seasons3

  1. Background image for The World's Water Crisis
    8.7/10(3 votes)

    #1 - 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?

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    Director:N/A
    Writer:N/A
  2. Background image for Designer DNA
    8.0/10(4 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.

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    Director:N/A
    Writer:N/A
  3. Background image for K-Pop
    8.0/10(3 votes)

    #3 - 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."

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    Director:N/A
    Writer:N/A
  4. Background image for Cryptocurrency
    7.7/10(3 votes)

    #4 - 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.

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    Director:N/A
    Writer:N/A
  5. Background image for Weed
    7.7/10(3 votes)

    #5 - 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.

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    Director:N/A
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  6. Background image for Can We Live Forever ?
    7.7/10(3 votes)

    #6 - 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.

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    Director:N/A
    Writer:N/A
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  8. Background image for Political Correctness
    7.7/10(3 votes)

    #7 - 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.

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    Director:N/A
    Writer:N/A
  9. Background image for Monogamy
    7.5/10(2 votes)

    #8 - 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.

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    Director:N/A
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  10. Background image for Why Diets Fail
    7.5/10(4 votes)

    #9 - 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.

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    Director:N/A
    Writer:N/A
  11. Background image for The Racial Wealth Gap
    7.4/10(5 votes)

    #10 - 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.

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    Director:N/A
    Writer:N/A
  12. Background image for Tattoo
    7.3/10(3 votes)

    #11 - 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.

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    Director:N/A
    Writer:N/A
  13. Background image for Extraterrestrial Life
    7.0/10(3 votes)

    #12 - 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?

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    Director:N/A
    Writer:N/A
  14. Background image for Cricket
    7.0/10(3 votes)

    #13 - 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.

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    Director:N/A
    Writer:N/A
  15. Background image for Astrology
    7.0/10(3 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.

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    Director:N/A
    Writer:N/A
  16. Background image for The Female Orgasm
    7.0/10(3 votes)

    #15 - 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.

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    Director:N/A
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  17. Background image for Why Women Are Paid Less
    7.0/10(2 votes)

    #16 - 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."

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    Director:N/A
    Writer:N/A
  18. Background image for Music
    7.0/10(3 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.

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    Director:N/A
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  19. Background image for The Stock Market
    6.7/10(3 votes)

    #18 - 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.

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    Director:N/A
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  20. Background image for eSports
    6.7/10(3 votes)

    #19 - 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.

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    Director:N/A
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  21. Background image for !
    6.3/10(3 votes)

    #20 - !

    S1:E10

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

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    Director:N/A
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Season 1 Ratings Summary

"The World's Water Crisis" is the best rated episode of "Explained" season 1. It scored 8.7/10 based on 3 votes. Directed by N/A and written by N/A, it aired on 9/12/2018. This episode is rated 0.7 points higher than the second-best, "Designer DNA".