TV series
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
Checked Jul 22, 2026
Explained is available to stream on Netflix in United States. Use the direct links below to open the provider.
This documentary series, made in partnership with Vox, explain some of the world's current trends, from politics, to science to pop culture.
Choose an episode, then use the watch options above for the show.
Episode 1
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.
Guest stars LaKeith Stanfield, Jim Jones, Catherine Oxenberg, Leo J. Ryan
Episode 2
There are more billionaires than ever. But how does this vast accumulation of wealth affect the world? Mark Cuban and Bernie Sanders offer insights.
Guest stars Maggie Siff, Abigail Disney, Michael Jordan, Mark Cuban, Bernie Sanders
Episode 3
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.
Guest stars Hilary Swank, Noam Chomsky
Episode 4
It began with bloomers. Then came spandex. Now we sport leggings and other activewear everywhere. How did comfy, casual clothing go mainstream?
Guest stars Aya Cash, Big Boi, Jane Fonda, Mark Zuckerberg, Muhammad Ali, Doug E. Fresh, JAŸ-Z, Gigi Hadid
Episode 5
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?
Guest stars Karlie Kloss
Episode 6
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.
Guest stars Natasha Lyonne, Adolf Eichmann
Episode 7
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.
Guest stars J.K. Simmons, Bill Gates
Episode 8
The planet's current rate of meat consumption is unprecedented -- and becoming unsustainable. In the future, will meat alternatives be the answer?
Guest stars Vincent Kartheiser
Episode 9
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?
Guest stars John Waters
Episode 10
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.
Guest stars Cleo Abram
Episode information updated Jul 24, 2026
Joss FongNarrator (voice)
Maria BelloNarrator (voice)
Christian SlaterNarrator (voice)
Estelle CaswellNarrator (voice)
LeVar BurtonNarrator (voice)
Nick KrollNarrator (voice)
Aasif MandviNarrator (voice)
Kevin SmithNarrator (voice)
Netflix
Vox Media StudiosUnited StatesMore shows like Explained.
