The Best Episodes of Explained Season 2

Episode Rankings

1. #1 Fan Favorite
   

   7.6/10(415 votes)

   #1 - Cults

   S2:E19/26/2019

   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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2. 

   7.9/10(425 votes)

   #2 - Billionaires

   S2:E210/3/2019

   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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3. 

   8.0/10(391 votes)

   #3 - Animal Intelligence

   S2:E310/10/2019

   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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4. 

   7.0/10(332 votes)

   #4 - Athleisure

   S2:E410/17/2019

   It began with bloomers. Then came spandex. Now we sport leggings and other activewear everywhere. How did comfy, casual clothing go mainstream?

   Director:Unknown

   Writer:Unknown

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5. 

   7.5/10(373 votes)

   #5 - Coding

   S2:E510/24/2019

   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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6. 

   7.1/10(334 votes)

   #6 - Pirates

   S2:E610/31/2019

   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.

   Director:Unknown

   Writer:Unknown

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7. 

   8.5/10(571 votes)

   #7 - The Next Pandemic

   S2:E711/7/2019

   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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8. 

   8.0/10(380 votes)

   #8 - The Future of Meat

   S2:E811/14/2019

   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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9. 

   7.1/10(333 votes)

   #9 - Beauty

   S2:E911/21/2019

   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?

   Director:Unknown

   Writer:Unknown

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10. 

    7.4/10(351 votes)

    #10 - Diamonds

    S2:E1011/28/2019

    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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