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The Worst Episodes of Explained

Every episode of Explained ranked from worst to best. Explore the Worst Episodes of Explained!

The Worst 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. 6.3/10(195 votes)

    #1 - Dance Crazes

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    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?

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    Director:N/A
    Writer:N/A
  2. 6.4/10(208 votes)

    #2 - Plastic Surgery

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    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.

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    Director:N/A
    Writer:N/A
  3. 6.6/10(448 votes)

    #3 - K-Pop

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    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. 6.6/10(191 votes)

    #4 - Country Music

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    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?

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    Director:N/A
    Writer:N/A
  5. 6.7/10(430 votes)

    #5 - Astrology

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    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
  6. 6.7/10(186 votes)

    #6 - Apologies

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    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?

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    Director:N/A
    Writer:N/A
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  8. 6.8/10(283 votes)

    #7 - Royalty

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    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.

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    Director:N/A
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  9. 6.9/10(231 votes)

    #8 - Flags

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    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.

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    Director:N/A
    Writer:N/A
  10. 6.9/10(175 votes)

    #9 - Hurricanes

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    S3:E9

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

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    Director:N/A
    Writer:N/A
  11. 7.0/10(480 votes)

    #10 - Cryptocurrency

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    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
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  12. 7.0/10(372 votes)

    #11 - Cricket

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    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
  13. 7.0/10(387 votes)

    #12 - Tattoo

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    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
  14. 7.0/10(434 votes)

    #13 - Political Correctness

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    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
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  15. 7.0/10(326 votes)

    #14 - 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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  16. 7.1/10(398 votes)

    #15 - eSports

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    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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  17. 7.1/10(386 votes)

    #16 - !

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    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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  18. 7.1/10(329 votes)

    #17 - Pirates

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    S2:E6

    In pop culture, pirates are often depicted as booty-looting rogues, but their history is far more complicated. See how they became enemies of humanity.

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    Director:N/A
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  19. 7.1/10(327 votes)

    #18 - Beauty

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    S2:E9

    Beauty may be in the eye of the beholder, but what exactly makes things such as art and architecture aesthetically pleasing, and why do we like looking?

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    Director:N/A
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  20. 7.2/10(577 votes)

    #19 - 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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  21. 7.2/10(458 votes)

    #20 - 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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  22. 7.2/10(453 votes)

    #21 - 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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  23. 7.2/10(196 votes)

    #22 - Your Skin

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    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.

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    Director:N/A
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  24. 7.2/10(209 votes)

    #23 - Fairy Tales

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    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.

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    Director:N/A
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  25. 7.3/10(494 votes)

    #24 - 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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  26. 7.4/10(610 votes)

    #25 - 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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Worst Episodes Summary

"Dance Crazes" is the worst rated episode of "Explained". It scored 6.3/10 based on 195 votes. Directed by N/A and written by N/A, it aired on 9/24/2021. This episode scored 0.1 points lower than the second lowest rated, "Plastic Surgery".