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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!

Binge this in 5h 21m•Peaking at 7.8/10

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

    #1 - 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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  2. Explained Season 3 Episode 2 - Royalty
    6.8/10(289 votes)

    #2 - Royalty

    S3:E2

    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:Unknown
    Writer:Unknown

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  3. Explained Season 3 Episode 3 - Flags
    6.8/10(239 votes)

    #3 - Flags

    S3:E3

    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:Unknown
    Writer:Unknown

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

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

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

    #7 - 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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  8. Explained Season 3 Episode 8 - Apologies
    6.7/10(196 votes)

    #8 - Apologies

    S3:E8

    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:Unknown
    Writer:Unknown

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  9. Explained Season 3 Episode 9 - Hurricanes
    6.9/10(182 votes)

    #9 - Hurricanes

    S3:E9

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

    Director:Unknown
    Writer:Unknown

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  10. Explained Season 3 Episode 10 - Plastic Surgery
    6.3/10(214 votes)

    #10 - Plastic Surgery

    S3:E10

    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:Unknown
    Writer:Unknown

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  11. Explained Season 3 Episode 11 - Dance Crazes
    6.2/10(202 votes)

    #11 - Dance Crazes

    S3:E11

    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:Unknown
    Writer:Unknown

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

    #12 - 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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  13. Explained Season 3 Episode 13 - Country Music
    6.6/10(199 votes)

    #13 - Country Music

    S3:E13

    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:Unknown
    Writer:Unknown

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  14. Explained Season 3 Episode 14 - Fairy Tales
    7.2/10(219 votes)

    #14 - Fairy Tales

    S3:E14

    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:Unknown
    Writer:Unknown

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Season 3 Ratings Summary

"Sugar" is the best rated episode of "Explained" season 3. It scored 7.4/10 based on 270 votes. Directed by Unknown and written by Unknown, it aired on 7/16/2021. This episode is rated 0.6 points higher than the second-best, "Royalty".