Explained (2018)
A sharp, fast-paced Netflix documentary series from Vox that unpacks the world's most compelling topics in 20 minutes or less.
Explained - Series Information
- Original Title: Explained
- First Air Year: 2018
- Last Air Year: 2021
- Created by: Ezra Klein
- Type: TV Series
- Content Rating (US): TV-MA
- Episode Runtime: Average runtime per episode (20 minutes)
- Number of Seasons: 3
- Number of Episodes: 44
- Status: Ended
- Original Language: English
- Spoken Languages: English
- First Air Date: May 23, 2018 (United States - TV-MA), May 23, 2018 (Canada - 18+), May 23, 2018 (Germany - 12), May 23, 2018 (Australia - MA15+), May 23, 2018 (Brazil - 14), May 23, 2018 (Spain - 16), May 23, 2018 (South Korea - 19)
- Networks: Netflix
- Alternative Titles: 익스플레인 세계를 해설하다 (KR), Explicando (BR), En pocas palabras (MX), 流行新鲜事 (CN)
- Production Companies: Vox Entertainment, Vox Media Studios
- Production Countries: United States of America
Explained - Plot
This documentary series, made in partnership with Vox, explain some of the world's current trends, from politics, to science to pop culture.
Explained - Trailer
See the series in action with the official trailer below:
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Explained - Cast & Crew
Creator(s)
- Ezra Klein
Main Cast
- Barack Obama
- Estelle Caswell
- Joe Biden
- Maria Bello
- Jay-Z
- Samira Wiley
- George H. W. Bush
- Donald Trump
- Richard Nixon
- Lyndon B. Johnson
Executive Producers
- Joe Posner
- Claire Gordon
- Ezra Klein
Explained - FAQs
Where can you stream Explained online?
Explained is available to stream on Netflix, including Netflix Standard with Ads. It is also available for free with ads on Tubi TV. Netflix remains the primary home of the series, where all three seasons and 44 episodes can be accessed.
What topics does Explained cover?
Explained tackles a wide range of subjects, including politics, science, economics, health, and pop culture. Each short episode dives into a single topic — from the racial wealth gap to cryptocurrency to the history of music — making complex ideas accessible to a broad audience.
Is Explained worth watching for general audiences?
Yes. Explained is widely praised for its concise, visually engaging format. Each episode runs roughly 20 minutes, making it easy to watch casually. Critics have highlighted its ability to break down complex topics clearly without oversimplifying, earning it strong reviews on Rotten Tomatoes and IMDb.
How many seasons and episodes does Explained have?
Explained ran for 3 seasons and a total of 44 episodes. Season 1 contains 20 episodes, Season 2 has 10 episodes, and Season 3 includes 14 episodes. The series concluded in 2021 after its final season aired on Netflix.
Who created the documentary series Explained?
Explained was created by Ezra Klein, the journalist and co-founder of Vox Media. The series was produced in partnership with Vox Entertainment and Vox Media Studios, with executive producers Joe Posner, Claire Gordon, and Ezra Klein overseeing the production.
Did Explained win any awards or notable recognition?
Explained received positive critical recognition for its innovative short-form documentary format. The series was praised by media critics and earned attention for making information journalism visually compelling. Its success on Netflix also helped inspire the spin-off series The Mind, Explained, released in 2019.
What is the content rating for Explained?
Explained is rated TV-MA in the United States, indicating it is intended for mature audiences. International ratings vary: it is rated 18+ in Canada, 12 in Germany, MA15+ in Australia, 14 in Brazil, 16 in Spain, and 19 in South Korea.
What shows are similar to Explained on Netflix?
Viewers who enjoy Explained often appreciate The Mind, Explained (2019), One Strange Rock (2018), and Dark Net (2016) for their similarly engaging documentary style. Queer Eye (2018) and How to Fix a Drug Scandal (2020) are also frequently recommended alongside the series.
More About Explained
Explore further details about Explained through these authoritative external resources.