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The Best Episodes of Explained Season 3

Every episode of Explained Season 3 ranked from best to worst. Discover the Best Episodes of Explained Season 3!

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

Season 3 Ratings Summary

"Sugar" is the best rated episode of "Explained" season 3. It scored 7.4/10 based on 259 votes. Directed by N/A and written by N/A, it aired on 7/16/2021. This episode is rated 0.6 points higher than the second-best, "Royalty".

  • Sugar
    7.4/10259 votes

    #1 - Sugar

    Season 3 Episode 1 - Aired 7/16/2021

    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: N/A

    Writer: N/A

  • Royalty
    6.8/10279 votes

    #2 - Royalty

    Season 3 Episode 2 - Aired 7/23/2021

    How do monarchies survive when they no longer wield power? By presenting a royal fairy tale that may not reflect the reality of the past — or present.

    Director: N/A

    Writer: N/A

  • Flags
    6.9/10227 votes

    #3 - Flags

    Season 3 Episode 3 - Aired 7/30/2021

    A flag can unite, divide and terrorize. Explore how a piece of cloth transformed into a powerful symbol of both love and hate, freedom and oppression.

    Director: N/A

    Writer: N/A

  • Dogs
    7.7/10222 votes

    #4 - Dogs

    Season 3 Episode 4 - Aired 8/6/2021

    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: N/A

    Writer: N/A

  • The End of Oil
    7.4/10199 votes

    #5 - The End of Oil

    Season 3 Episode 5 - Aired 8/13/2021

    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: N/A

  • Chess
    7.8/10229 votes

    #6 - Chess

    Season 3 Episode 6 - Aired 8/20/2021

    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: N/A

    Writer: N/A

  • Your Skin
    7.2/10192 votes

    #7 - Your Skin

    Season 3 Episode 7 - Aired 8/27/2021

    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: N/A

    Writer: N/A

  • Apologies
    6.7/10181 votes

    #8 - Apologies

    Season 3 Episode 8 - Aired 9/3/2021

    Apologizing is tough, and in this era of public mea culpas, forgiveness isn't guaranteed. What makes for a good apology, and why does it hold such power?

    Director: N/A

    Writer: N/A

  • Hurricanes
    6.9/10171 votes

    #9 - Hurricanes

    Season 3 Episode 9 - Aired 9/10/2021

    As the planet warms, hurricanes could become even more dangerous and destructive.

    Director: N/A

    Writer: N/A

  • Plastic Surgery
    6.4/10202 votes

    #10 - Plastic Surgery

    Season 3 Episode 10 - Aired 9/17/2021

    The Instagram face. A shapely posterior. Cosmetic surgery can make the latest beauty trends a reality. Explore its origins and effects, inside and out.

    Director: N/A

    Writer: N/A

  • Dance Crazes
    6.3/10192 votes

    #11 - Dance Crazes

    Season 3 Episode 11 - Aired 9/24/2021

    From the waltz to voguing, dance crazes have connected people throughout history. But when a dance catches on, who gets the credit — and compensation?

    Director: N/A

    Writer: N/A

  • Time
    7.8/10206 votes

    #12 - Time

    Season 3 Episode 12 - Aired 10/1/2021

    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: N/A

    Writer: N/A

  • Country Music
    6.6/10185 votes

    #13 - Country Music

    Season 3 Episode 13 - Aired 10/8/2021

    Dirt roads. Pickup trucks. Hip-hop? As the borders around country music shift, who decides what defines the popular genre, and who gets to be a star?

    Director: N/A

    Writer: N/A

  • Fairy Tales
    7.2/10203 votes

    #14 - Fairy Tales

    Season 3 Episode 14 - Aired 10/15/2021

    Fairy tales have survived thousands of years for a reason. Explore their far-flung history and how the stories speak to fundamental human concerns.

    Director: N/A

    Writer: N/A