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Sugar E1 24 min

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?

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Royalty E2 24 min

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.

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Flags E3 22 min

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.

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Dogs E4 23 min

4. Dogs

Who's a good dog? They all are! From puppy-dog eyes to feats of heroism, see how canines evolved into humankind's best friends and sources of pure love.

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The End of Oil E5 21 min

5. The End of Oil

Oil led to huge advancements - and vast inequities. As the planet warms, why is it so hard to turn away from fossil fuels, and can it be done in time?

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Chess E6 23 min

6. Chess

For centuries, chess has captured hearts and minds — and pawns — and it's more popular than ever. What makes this ever-changing board game so special?

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Your Skin E7 21 min

7. Your Skin

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.

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Apologies E8 22 min

8. Apologies

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?

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Hurricanes E9 23 min

9. Hurricanes

As the planet warms, hurricanes could become even more dangerous and destructive.

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Plastic Surgery E10 24 min

10. Plastic Surgery

The Instagram face. A shapely posterior. Cosmetic surgery can make the latest beauty trends a reality. Explore its origins and effects, inside and out.

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Dance Crazes E11 20 min

11. Dance Crazes

From the waltz to voguing, dance crazes have connected people throughout history. But when a dance catches on, who gets the credit — and compensation?

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Time E12 25 min

12. Time

Time flies… sometimes. Its passage can seem to speed up and slow down. Why do we experience time the way we do, and how do we take back some control?

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Country Music E13 25 min

13. Country Music

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?

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Fairy Tales E14 24 min

14. Fairy Tales

Fairy tales have survived thousands of years for a reason. Explore their far-flung history and how the stories speak to fundamental human concerns.

Explained poster

Explained (2018)

7.5 (129) 3 Seasons 2018-05-23 US

This documentary series, made in partnership with Vox, explain some of the world's current trends, from politics, to science to pop culture.

Genres: Documentary

Stars: N/A