The Best Episodes of Explained Season 3

Episode Rankings

1. #1 Fan Favorite
   

   7.8/10(242 votes)

   #1 - Chess

   S3:E68/20/2021

   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

   Be the first to start the conversation for this episode

   Director:Unknown

   Writer:Unknown
2. 

   7.8/10(218 votes)

   #2 - Time

   S3:E1210/1/2021

   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

   Be the first to start the conversation for this episode

   Director:Unknown

   Writer:Unknown
3. 

   7.7/10(236 votes)

   #3 - Dogs

   S3:E48/6/2021

   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

   Be the first to start the conversation for this episode

   Director:Unknown

   Writer:Unknown
4. 

   7.4/10(273 votes)

   #4 - Sugar

   S3:E17/16/2021

   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

   Be the first to start the conversation for this episode

   Director:Unknown

   Writer:Unknown
5. 

   7.4/10(214 votes)

   #5 - The End of Oil

   S3:E58/13/2021

   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

   Be the first to start the conversation for this episode

   Director:Emily Kassie

   Writer:Unknown
6. 

   7.2/10(206 votes)

   #6 - Your Skin

   S3:E78/27/2021

   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

   Be the first to start the conversation for this episode

   Director:Unknown

   Writer:Unknown
TRENDING NOW
The 20 BEST Episodes of Explained
READ
7. 

   7.2/10(219 votes)

   #7 - Fairy Tales

   S3:E1410/15/2021

   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

   Be the first to start the conversation for this episode

   Director:Unknown

   Writer:Unknown
8. 

   6.9/10(183 votes)

   #8 - Hurricanes

   S3:E99/10/2021

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

   Director:Unknown

   Writer:Unknown

   Be the first to start the conversation for this episode

   Director:Unknown

   Writer:Unknown
9. 

   6.8/10(291 votes)

   #9 - Royalty

   S3:E27/23/2021

   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

   Be the first to start the conversation for this episode

   Director:Unknown

   Writer:Unknown
10. 

    6.8/10(239 votes)

    #10 - Flags

    S3:E37/30/2021

    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

    Be the first to start the conversation for this episode

    Director:Unknown

    Writer:Unknown
11. 

    6.7/10(197 votes)

    #11 - Apologies

    S3:E89/3/2021

    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

    Be the first to start the conversation for this episode

    Director:Unknown

    Writer:Unknown
12. 

    6.6/10(199 votes)

    #12 - Country Music

    S3:E1310/8/2021

    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

    Be the first to start the conversation for this episode

    Director:Unknown

    Writer:Unknown
13. 

    6.3/10(214 votes)

    #13 - Plastic Surgery

    S3:E109/17/2021

    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

    Be the first to start the conversation for this episode

    Director:Unknown

    Writer:Unknown
14. 

    6.3/10(203 votes)

    #14 - Dance Crazes

    S3:E119/24/2021

    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

    Be the first to start the conversation for this episode

    Director:Unknown

    Writer:Unknown