Series synopsis
Explained is an American documentary television series that premiered on Netflix on May 23, 2018. It ended on October 15, 2021. It was created by Ezra Klein.
This documentary series, made in partnership with Vox, explain some of the world's current trends, from politics, to science to pop culture.
Premise
This documentary series, made in partnership with Vox, explain some of the world's current trends, from politics, to science to pop culture.
Cast and characters
Guest cast
- Joss Fong as Narrator (voice)
- Maria Bello as Narrator (voice)
- Christian Slater as Narrator (voice)
- Estelle Caswell as Narrator (voice)
- LeVar Burton as Narrator (voice)
- Nick Kroll as Narrator (voice)
- Aasif Mandvi as Narrator (voice)
- Kevin Smith as Narrator (voice)
- Coleman Lowndes as Narrator (voice)
- Yara Shahidi as Narrator (voice)
- Kristen Bell as Narrator (voice)
- Rachel Bloom as Narrator (voice)
Episodes
This series spans 3 seasons with 44 episodes.
| Season | Episodes | First aired | Last aired |
|---|---|---|---|
| Season 1 | 20 | May 23, 2018 | September 19, 2018 |
| Season 2 | 10 | September 26, 2019 | November 28, 2019 |
| Season 3 | 14 | July 16, 2021 | October 15, 2021 |
| Episode | Title | Air date |
|---|---|---|
| 1 |
The Racial Wealth Gap Cory Booker and others discuss how slavery, housing discrimination and centuries of inequality have compounded to create a racial wealth gap. |
May 23, 2018 |
| 2 |
Designer DNA Scientific feat or terrifying social experiment? Specialists in the field discuss the high stakes and ethical controversies of gene editing. |
May 23, 2018 |
| 3 |
Monogamy What do biology, human history and the promiscuity of bonobos reveal about monogamy? Experts and everyday couples weigh in on shifting cultural norms. |
May 23, 2018 |
| Episode | Title | Air date |
|---|---|---|
| 1 |
Cults 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. |
September 26, 2019 |
| 2 |
Billionaires There are more billionaires than ever. But how does this vast accumulation of wealth affect the world? Mark Cuban and Bernie Sanders offer insights. |
October 3, 2019 |
| 3 |
Animal Intelligence 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. |
October 10, 2019 |
| Episode | Title | Air date |
|---|---|---|
| 1 |
Sugar 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? |
July 16, 2021 |
| 2 |
Royalty 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. |
July 23, 2021 |
| 3 |
Flags 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. |
July 30, 2021 |
Production
Release
| Original network/platform | Netflix |
|---|---|
| First aired | May 23, 2018 |
| Last aired | October 15, 2021 |
| Status | ended |
| Schedule | Friday |