The BEST episodes of History 101

Every episode of History 101 ever, ranked from best to worst by thousands of votes from fans of the show. The best episodes of History 101!

Infographics and archival footage deliver bite-size history lessons on scientific breakthroughs, social movements and world-changing discoveries.

Last Updated: 3/8/2025Network: NetflixStatus: Ended

7.84

57 votes

#1 - GPS

Season 2 - Episode 1 - Aired 8/25/2022

Once a secret military program, GPS now guides our daily lives, from providing directions to finding friends. But what do we trade for this convenience?

Watch Now:Amazon

7.83

52 votes

#2 - Bottled Water

Season 2 - Episode 5 - Aired 8/25/2022

Bottled water is a big business, selling itself as a tastier and healthier alternative to the tap variety. Is there truth behind the claims?

Watch Now:Amazon

7.81

53 votes

#3 - MP3s

Season 2 - Episode 2 - Aired 8/25/2022

MP3s transformed how we listen to music — and spawned digital piracy. Streaming helped the industry recover, but how can artists get their fair share?

Watch Now:Amazon

7.69

55 votes

#4 - Credit Cards

Season 2 - Episode 3 - Aired 8/25/2022

Credit cards changed the global economy and attitudes about personal spending, but record levels of consumer debt beg the question: Just who's in charge?

Watch Now:Amazon

7.46

112 votes

#5 - Plastics

Season 1 - Episode 4 - Aired 5/22/2020

Plastics have transformed how we live, but progress comes at a high price: 7.8 billion tons of waste. Are plastics a miracle or a catastrophe?

Watch Now:Amazon

7.45

100 votes

#6 - Genetics

Season 1 - Episode 10 - Aired 5/22/2020

DNA analysis has given us the tools to map disease, solve crimes and more. But in our rush to decode DNA, are we leaping before we look?

Watch Now:Amazon

7.45

139 votes

#7 - The Rise of China

Season 1 - Episode 3 - Aired 5/22/2020

In the 21st century, China has become a global economic powerhouse. Why was the rest of the world so slow to notice its rise to the top?

Watch Now:Amazon

7.43

54 votes

#8 - High Fructose Corn Syrup

Season 2 - Episode 10 - Aired 8/25/2022

Sweet deal or bitter pill? High fructose corn syrup rose up to dominate supermarket shelves, but what is it doing to our health?

Watch Now:Amazon

7.39

51 votes

#9 - Lasers

Season 2 - Episode 7 - Aired 8/25/2022

They're used for everything from entertainment to medicine — and now for weapons straight out of science fiction. Have lasers become too hot to handle?

Watch Now:Amazon

7.37

100 votes

#10 - Nuclear Power

Season 1 - Episode 8 - Aired 5/22/2020

Over 10% of the world's electricity comes from nuclear power. But with radioactive waste and the threat of nuclear meltdown, are we playing with fire?

Watch Now:Amazon

7.36

59 votes

#11 - Psychedelics

Season 2 - Episode 4 - Aired 8/25/2022

Growing evidence suggests that psychedelic drugs could treat brain injuries and psychological problems. But can we get past their controversial history?

Directors: Nick Clarke Powell

Writer: Nick Clarke Powell

Watch Now:Amazon

7.34

47 votes

#12 - Home Workouts

Season 2 - Episode 8 - Aired 8/25/2022

The home fitness revolution has exploded into a multibillion-dollar industry. Are home workouts a healthy habit... or just hype?

Watch Now:Amazon

7.29

49 votes

#13 - IVF

Season 2 - Episode 9 - Aired 8/25/2022

A groundbreaking medical reproductive procedure has made parenthood possible for millions around the world... but at what cost?

Watch Now:Amazon

7.20

147 votes

#14 - The Space Race

Season 1 - Episode 2 - Aired 5/22/2020

Fifteen international agencies spend $62 billion every year on space travel. What's fueling our costly — and dangerous — drive to explore the universe?

Watch Now:Amazon