Explained

Season 3

14 episodes 3 seasons

Release Date

Premiered

Explained Season 3 released on July 16, 2021.

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Episodes

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S03E01 Aired July 16, 2021

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?

S03E02 Aired July 23, 2021

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.

S03E03 Aired July 30, 2021

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.

S03E04 Aired August 06, 2021

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.

S03E05 Aired August 13, 2021

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?

S03E06 Aired August 20, 2021

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?

S03E07 Aired August 27, 2021

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.

S03E08 Aired September 03, 2021

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?

S03E09 Aired September 10, 2021

Hurricanes

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

S03E10 Aired September 17, 2021

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.

S03E11 Aired September 24, 2021

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?

S03E12 Aired October 01, 2021

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?

S03E13 Aired October 08, 2021

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?

S03E14 Aired October 15, 2021

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.