Explained is an American documentary television series on the streaming service Netflix. The show is produced by Vox Media[2] and is based on Vox's previous YouTube video series which followed a similar format.[3] The show's episodes averaged between 16 and 24 minutes, with each focusing on a different topic.[4] Each episode is voiced by a different guest narrator.[5] The series premiered on Netflix on May 23, 2018 with episodes released on a weekly basis. The second season premiered on September 26, 2019 and the third season on July 16, 2021.
The show has also spawned five spin-off series. On September 12, 2019, Netflix released the first season of The Mind, Explained, a series focused specifically on topics related to the human brain. On January 4, 2020, a follow-up titled Sex, Explained was released, with episodes centered around the theme of sex.[6] On April 26, 2020, the 3-episode miniseries Coronavirus, Explained was released, which focuses on the COVID-19 pandemic.[7] On September 28, 2020, the 3-episode miniseries, Whose Vote Counts, Explained was released, which details this history and current context of voting in the United States.[8]Money, Explained, a 5-episode miniseries released on May 11, 2021, focused on financial scams, credit cards, student loans, retirement and gambling.[9] On November 9, 2021, a second season of The Mind, Explained was released.
An exploration of the history of tattoos, including tribal rituals and traditions in various cultures around the world, and their use as status symbols. Featuring Lars Krutak and Horiyoshi III.
An examination of the water crisis around the world, including ideas on how to protect clean water and ensuring third-world countries continue to have access. Featuring Amina Mohamed.
A wide-ranging look at beauty, including how humans define it and why art and nature can be aesthetically pleasing. Featuring Anjan Chatterjee and Richard Prum.
Shows the history of sugar and others synthetic sweeteners like saccharin, aspartame and sucralose. Debates the health question around sugar, showing myths and facts about its consumption.
As our world becomes increasingly centred around renewable energy, this episode observes the end of an era for what has been our primary source of fuel for over a century.
Discusses the original intentions of plastic surgery, how it is now used in the cosmetics industry and the differing views surrounding this controversial subject matter.
Dives into the most popular dance trends, how a dance becomes popular and the legal matters in question concerning copyright with TikTok as an example.
Shows that the most well-known fairytales have had a global presence and numerous variations, while putting into question whether the Walt Disney Company has assisted in or disparaged this cultural diversity.
Reception
The first season of Explained received generally positive reviews from critics.[12] Kahron Spearman of The Daily Dot praised the show's use of "experts, easy-to-understand charting, and linear storytelling".[13] In his review for IndieWire, Steve Greene wrote that the show "manages to avoid patronizing that unpredictable audience, presenting historical timelines and abstract concepts in a way that viewers can choose to digest however they wish".[14]
