Episode 1
Sugar
24m8.0 / 10
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?
Episode credits
Guest stars Keri Russell
TV series
Explained
2018TV-MA3 seasons7.5 / 10
This documentary series, made in partnership with Vox, explain some of the world's current trends, from politics, to science to pop culture.
Streaming, rental and purchase options
Where to watch in United States
Checked Jul 22, 2026
Explained is available to stream on Netflix in United States. Use the direct links below to open the provider.
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Synopsis
This documentary series, made in partnership with Vox, explain some of the world's current trends, from politics, to science to pop culture.
Season 3 episodes
Choose an episode, then use the watch options above for the show.
Where to watch Explained
Episode 2
Royalty
24m7.3 / 10
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.
Episode credits
Guest stars Rosario Dawson
Episode 3
Flags
22m7.5 / 10
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.
Episode credits
Guest stars Samira Wiley, Fidel Castro, George H. W. Bush, George W. Bush, Adolf Hitler, Donald Trump, Ronald Reagan, Nelson Mandela
Episode 4
Dogs
23m8.0 / 10
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.
Episode credits
Guest stars Jake Gyllenhaal
Episode 5
The End of Oil
21m6.8 / 10
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?
Episode credits
Directed by Emily KassieGuest stars Ethan Hawke, Boris Johnson, Lyndon B. Johnson, Moon Jae-in, Vladimir Putin, Xi Jinping, Joe Biden
Episode 6
Chess
23m7.0 / 10
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?
Episode credits
Guest stars Rainn Wilson
Episode 7
Your Skin
21m7.0 / 10
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.
Episode credits
Guest stars Sophie Okonedo
Episode 8
Apologies
22m6.5 / 10
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?
Episode credits
Guest stars Keke Palmer, Doja Cat, Joe Biden, Justin Trudeau, Ted Cruz, Michael Bloomberg
Episode 9
Hurricanes
23m7.0 / 10
As the planet warms, hurricanes could become even more dangerous and destructive.
Episode credits
Guest stars Héctor Elizondo
Episode 10
Plastic Surgery
24m7.5 / 10
The Instagram face. A shapely posterior. Cosmetic surgery can make the latest beauty trends a reality. Explore its origins and effects, inside and out.
Episode credits
Guest stars Kim Cattrall
Episode 11
Dance Crazes
20m7.0 / 10
From the waltz to voguing, dance crazes have connected people throughout history. But when a dance catches on, who gets the credit — and compensation?
Episode credits
Guest stars Kelly Rowland
Episode 12
Time
25m7.5 / 10
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?
Episode credits
Guest stars Joseph Gordon-Levitt
Episode 13
Country Music
25m7.0 / 10
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?
Episode credits
Guest stars Connie Britton
Episode 14
Fairy Tales
24m8.0 / 10finale
Fairy tales have survived thousands of years for a reason. Explore their far-flung history and how the stories speak to fundamental human concerns.
Episode credits
Guest stars Ruth Negga
Episode information updated Jul 23, 2026
More about Explained
Cast
Joss FongNarrator (voice)
Maria BelloNarrator (voice)
Christian SlaterNarrator (voice)
Estelle CaswellNarrator (voice)
LeVar BurtonNarrator (voice)
Nick KrollNarrator (voice)
Aasif MandviNarrator (voice)
Kevin SmithNarrator (voice)Credits
- Created by
- Ezra Klein
Production details
- Status
- Ended
- Series type
- Documentary
- Episodes
- 44
- Original language
- English
Networks & production
Netflix- Vox EntertainmentUnited States
Vox Media StudiosUnited States
Themes
euaexperimentinvestigatenaturenewssciencezeitgeist
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