Explained backdrop
Documentary

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!

Binge this in 5h 47m•Peaking at 8.2/10

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.

Airs on
Netflix
BestEpisodes
WorstEpisodes
BestSeasons
AllEpisodes

Seasons3

All123

Episode Rankings

  1. #1 Fan Favorite
    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

    Be the first to start the conversation for this episode

  2. 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

    Be the first to start the conversation for this episode

  3. 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

    Be the first to start the conversation for this episode

  4. 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

    Be the first to start the conversation for this episode

  5. 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

    Be the first to start the conversation for this episode

  6. 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

    Be the first to start the conversation for this episode

    7. Trending NowTRENDING NOW

    The 20 BEST Episodes of Explained

    READ
  7. 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

    Be the first to start the conversation for this episode

  8. 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

    Be the first to start the conversation for this episode

  9. 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

    Be the first to start the conversation for this episode

  10. 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

    Be the first to start the conversation for this episode

  11. 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

    Be the first to start the conversation for this episode

  12. 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

    Be the first to start the conversation for this episode

  13. Explained Season 1 Episode 8 - eSports
    7.1/10(407 votes)

    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.

    Director:Unknown
    Writer:Unknown

    Be the first to start the conversation for this episode

  14. Explained Season 1 Episode 10 - !
    7.1/10(397 votes)

    S1:E10

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

    Director:Unknown
    Writer:Unknown

    Be the first to start the conversation for this episode

  15. Explained Season 1 Episode 5 - Cryptocurrency
    7.0/10(487 votes)

    S1:E5

    Cryptocurrency has made people billionaires, but is digital cash the next revolution? Learn about this anonymous currency and how it's coveted.

    Director:Unknown
    Writer:Unknown

    Be the first to start the conversation for this episode

  16. Explained Season 1 Episode 11 - Cricket
    7.0/10(380 votes)

    S1:E11

    Cricket experts look at how the confusing sport became so popular and discuss its evolution in becoming more accessible entertaining and profitable.

    Director:Unknown
    Writer:Unknown

    Be the first to start the conversation for this episode

  17. Explained Season 1 Episode 17 - Political Correctness
    7.0/10(446 votes)

    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.

    Director:Unknown
    Writer:Unknown

    Be the first to start the conversation for this episode

  18. Explained Season 1 Episode 13 - Tattoo
    6.9/10(394 votes)

    S1:E13

    They've been used to command respect, punish criminals and mark achievements. Tattooists speak about the origins of tattoo traditions and rituals.

    Director:Unknown
    Writer:Unknown

    Be the first to start the conversation for this episode

  19. Explained Season 1 Episode 14 - Astrology
    6.7/10(439 votes)

    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.

    Director:Unknown
    Writer:Unknown

    Be the first to start the conversation for this episode

  20. Explained Season 1 Episode 4 - K-Pop
    6.6/10(458 votes)

    S1:E4

    Elaborate music videos, adoring fans, killer choreography. Learn about the global music phenomenon from South Korea that goes beyond "Gangnam Style."

    Director:Unknown
    Writer:Unknown

    Be the first to start the conversation for this episode

Season 1 Ratings Summary

"The World's Water Crisis" is the best rated episode of "Explained" season 1. It scored 8.2/10 based on 525 votes. Directed by Unknown and written by Unknown, it aired on 9/12/2018. This episode is rated 0.5 points higher than the second-best, "Designer DNA".