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The Best Episodes of Explained

Every episode of Explained ranked from best to worst. Let's dive into the Best Episodes of Explained!

Binge this in 14h 40m•Peaking at 8.5/10

This enlightening series from Vox digs into a wide range of topics such as the rise of cryptocurrency, why diets fail, and the wild world of K-pop.

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Episode Rankings

  1. #1 Fan Favorite
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    Explained Season 2 Episode 7 - The Next Pandemic
    8.5/10(576 votes)

    S2:E7

    If you're not worried about a looming global pandemic, you probably should be. Are we prepared for an outbreak? Bill Gates and other experts weigh in.

    Director:Unknown
    Writer:Unknown

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  2. Explained Season 1 Episode 19 - The World's Water Crisis
    8.2/10(525 votes)

    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

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  3. Explained Season 2 Episode 2 - Billionaires
    8.0/10(428 votes)

    S2:E2

    There are more billionaires than ever. But how does this vast accumulation of wealth affect the world? Mark Cuban and Bernie Sanders offer insights.

    Director:Unknown
    Writer:Unknown

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  4. Explained Season 2 Episode 3 - Animal Intelligence
    8.0/10(393 votes)

    S2:E3

    What goes on inside an animal's mind? Figuring out how they think and feel might just be the key to understanding our own place in the world.

    Director:Unknown
    Writer:Unknown

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  5. Explained Season 2 Episode 8 - The Future of Meat
    8.0/10(384 votes)

    S2:E8

    The planet's current rate of meat consumption is unprecedented -- and becoming unsustainable. In the future, will meat alternatives be the answer?

    Director:Unknown
    Writer:Unknown

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  6. Explained Season 3 Episode 6 - Chess
    7.8/10(242 votes)

    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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    The 20 WORST Episodes of Explained

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

    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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  8. Explained Season 1 Episode 2 - Designer DNA
    7.7/10(529 votes)

    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

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

    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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  10. Explained Season 1 Episode 15 - Can We Live Forever ?
    7.6/10(434 votes)

    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

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  11. Explained Season 2 Episode 1 - Cults
    7.6/10(420 votes)

    S2:E1

    How do cults lure people in and exert control? Learn a cult’s telltale signs, and how loneliness and life online makes indoctrination easier than ever.

    Director:Unknown
    Writer:Unknown

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  12. Explained Season 1 Episode 12 - Weed
    7.5/10(435 votes)

    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

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  13. Explained Season 1 Episode 16 - The Female Orgasm
    7.5/10(532 votes)

    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

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  14. Explained Season 2 Episode 5 - Coding
    7.5/10(375 votes)

    S2:E5

    Computer code now controls how we live. But how did these programming languages evolve? And how can they be used to build a new and better world?

    Director:Unknown
    Writer:Unknown

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  15. Explained Season 1 Episode 1 - The Racial Wealth Gap
    7.4/10(629 votes)

    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

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  16. Explained Season 1 Episode 9 - Extraterrestrial Life
    7.4/10(432 votes)

    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

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  17. Explained Season 1 Episode 20 - Music
    7.4/10(532 votes)

    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

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  18. Explained Season 2 Episode 10 - Diamonds
    7.4/10(357 votes)

    S2:E10

    A diamond is forever. But why is that? Dig into how these mined pieces of carbon became both a status symbol and a sparkly sign of everlasting love.

    Director:Unknown
    Writer:Unknown

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  19. Explained Season 3 Episode 1 - Sugar
    7.4/10(273 votes)

    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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  20. Explained Season 3 Episode 5 - The End of Oil
    7.4/10(214 votes)

    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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  21. Explained Season 1 Episode 18 - Why Women Are Paid Less
    7.3/10(505 votes)

    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

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  22. Explained Season 1 Episode 3 - Monogamy
    7.2/10(590 votes)

    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

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  23. Explained Season 1 Episode 6 - Why Diets Fail
    7.2/10(468 votes)

    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

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  24. Explained Season 1 Episode 7 - The Stock Market
    7.2/10(464 votes)

    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

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  25. Explained Season 3 Episode 7 - Your Skin
    7.2/10(206 votes)

    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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Best Episodes Summary

"The Next Pandemic" is the best rated episode of "Explained". It scored 8.5/10 based on 576 votes. Directed by Unknown and written by Unknown, it aired on 11/7/2019. This episode scored 0.3 points higher than the second highest rated, "The World's Water Crisis".