The WORST episodes of Explained
Every episode of Explained ever, ranked from worst to best by thousands of votes from fans of the show. The worst episodes of Explained!
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.
#1 - Cricket
Season 1 - Episode 11 - Aired 7/18/2018
Cricket experts look at how the confusing sport became so popular and discuss its evolution in becoming more accessible entertaining and profitable.
#2 - Plastic Surgery
Season 3 - Episode 10 - Aired 9/17/2021
The Instagram face. A shapely posterior. Cosmetic surgery can make the latest beauty trends a reality. Explore its origins and effects, inside and out.
#3 - Dance Crazes
Season 3 - Episode 11 - Aired 9/24/2021
From the waltz to voguing, dance crazes have connected people throughout history. But when a dance catches on, who gets the credit — and compensation?
#4 - Country Music
Season 3 - Episode 13 - Aired 10/8/2021
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?
#5 - Apologies
Season 3 - Episode 8 - Aired 9/3/2021
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?
#6 - Astrology
Season 1 - Episode 14 - Aired 8/8/2018
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.
#7 - Beauty
Season 2 - Episode 9 - Aired 11/21/2019
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?
#8 - Hurricanes
Season 3 - Episode 9 - Aired 9/10/2021
As the planet warms, hurricanes could become even more dangerous and destructive. What can be done to survive and minimize the threat of these storms?
#9 - Cryptocurrency
Season 1 - Episode 5 - Aired 6/6/2018
Cryptocurrency has made people billionaires, but is digital cash the next revolution? Learn about this anonymous currency and how it's coveted.
#10 - Tattoo
Season 1 - Episode 13 - Aired 8/1/2018
They've been used to command respect, punish criminals and mark achievements. Tattooists speak about the origins of tattoo traditions and rituals.
#11 - Athleisure
Season 2 - Episode 4 - Aired 10/17/2019
It began with boomers. Then came spandex. Now we sport leggings and other activewear everywhere. How did comfy, casual clothing go mainstream?
#12 - eSports
Season 1 - Episode 8 - Aired 6/27/2018
Is fake violence a sport? Fans, shoutcasters, and eSports icons break down today's video games and the explosive popularity of competitive gaming.
#13 - !
Season 1 - Episode 10 - Aired 7/11/2018
Do we overuse exclamation points!? Linguists and copy editors look at how the punctuation has adapted across history, literature and internet-speak.
#14 - Royalty
Season 3 - Episode 2 - Aired 7/23/2021
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.
#15 - Your Skin
Season 3 - Episode 7 - Aired 8/27/2021
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.
#16 - The Stock Market
Season 1 - Episode 7 - Aired 6/20/2018
Does the stock market accurately reflect the status of the economy? Finance specialists discuss market history, valuations and CEO incentives.
#17 - K-Pop
Season 1 - Episode 4 - Aired 5/30/2018
Elaborate music videos, adoring fans, killer choreography. Learn about the global music phenomenon from South Korea that goes beyond "Gangnam Style."
#18 - Political Correctness
Season 1 - Episode 17 - Aired 8/29/2018
Political correctness can sometimes feel like a tug-of-war between inclusivity and free speech. Experts discuss the concepts behind the fraught term.
#19 - Why Diets Fail
Season 1 - Episode 6 - Aired 6/13/2018
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.
