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The Worst Episodes of Explained

Every episode of Explained ranked from worst to best. Explore the Worst 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 Worst Episode
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    Explained Season 3 Episode 10 - Plastic Surgery
    6.3/10(214 votes)

    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.

    Director:Unknown
    Writer:Unknown

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  2. Explained Season 3 Episode 11 - Dance Crazes
    6.3/10(203 votes)

    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?

    Director:Unknown
    Writer:Unknown

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  3. 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

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  4. Explained Season 3 Episode 13 - Country Music
    6.6/10(199 votes)

    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?

    Director:Unknown
    Writer:Unknown

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  5. 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

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  6. Explained Season 3 Episode 8 - Apologies
    6.7/10(197 votes)

    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?

    Director:Unknown
    Writer:Unknown

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  7. Explained Season 3 Episode 2 - Royalty
    6.8/10(291 votes)

    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.

    Director:Unknown
    Writer:Unknown

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  8. Explained Season 3 Episode 3 - Flags
    6.8/10(239 votes)

    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.

    Director:Unknown
    Writer:Unknown

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  9. 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

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  10. Explained Season 3 Episode 9 - Hurricanes
    6.9/10(183 votes)

    S3:E9

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

    Director:Unknown
    Writer:Unknown

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  11. 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

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  12. 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

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  13. 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

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  14. Explained Season 2 Episode 4 - Athleisure
    7.0/10(335 votes)

    S2:E4

    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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  15. 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

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  16. 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

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  17. Explained Season 2 Episode 6 - Pirates
    7.1/10(340 votes)

    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.

    Director:Unknown
    Writer:Unknown

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  18. Explained Season 2 Episode 9 - Beauty
    7.1/10(337 votes)

    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?

    Director:Unknown
    Writer:Unknown

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  19. 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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  20. 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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  21. 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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  22. 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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  23. Explained Season 3 Episode 14 - Fairy Tales
    7.2/10(219 votes)

    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.

    Director:Unknown
    Writer:Unknown

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  24. 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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  25. 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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Worst Episodes Summary

"Plastic Surgery" is the worst rated episode of "Explained". It scored 6.3/10 based on 214 votes. Directed by Unknown and written by Unknown, it aired on 9/17/2021. This episode scored 0.0 points lower than the second lowest rated, "Dance Crazes".