Explained (TV series)


Explained is an American documentary television series that premiered on Netflix on May 23, 2018. The show, which is produced by Vox Media, releases episodes on a weekly basis. Explained is based on Vox's previous YouTube videos series, which followed a similar format.
The show's episodes average between 16–18 minutes, with each focusing on a different topic. Each episode is also voiced by a different guest narrator. Netflix ordered 20 episodes for the show's first season, and greenlit a second season. The second season debuted on September 26, 2019.
The show has also spawned three spin-off limited series. On September 12, 2019, Netflix released The Mind, Explained, a 5-episode miniseries 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. On April 26, 2020, the 3-episode miniseries Coronavirus, Explained was released, which focuses on the COVID-19 pandemic.

Episodes

Season 1 (2018)

Season 2 (2019)

Reception

The first season of Explained received generally positive reviews from critics. Kahron Spearman of The Daily Dot praised the show's use of "experts, easy-to-understand charting, and linear storytelling". 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".